Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle conditions across Southeast Michigan — but the most important factor in outcomes isn’t getting seen quickly. Our podiatrists explain what to do in the first 24-48 hours before your appointment that most patients skip entirely. Call (810) 206-1402 — expert podiatric care across Michigan.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Residents of Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Manchester, Milan, and the greater Washtenaw County region find excellent podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC. Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-certified podiatrist providing comprehensive foot and ankle medical and surgical care for patients from the rural and suburban western Washtenaw County communities who deserve specialist-level care without a long commute.
Dexter, Chelsea, and Saline are communities with active outdoor cultures — the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run, Chelsea’s recreational trails, and Saline’s competitive cross-country and track programs all contribute to a patient population that includes runners, cyclists, trail hikers, and youth athletes alongside the area’s agricultural workers, healthcare professionals at Chelsea Hospital, and active retirees. Dr. Biernacki’s care adapts to each patient’s lifestyle and goals.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Dexter Chelsea Saline Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot and Ankle Services for Western Washtenaw County Patients
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains, stress fractures, and running-related tendon injuries are the most common sports podiatry referrals from the Dexter, Chelsea, and Saline communities. Dr. Biernacki provides biomechanical gait analysis, custom orthotic fabrication, and evidence-based return-to-sport protocols for active patients who need to maintain fitness while healing their injuries.
Bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and forefoot deformity are treated with conservative approaches first — wider footwear, custom orthotics, padding — with surgical correction reserved for patients who have maximized non-operative options and continue to have significant functional limitations. Ingrown toenails and nail infections are managed with same-day in-office procedures. Diabetic foot monitoring is available for patients managing diabetes throughout western Washtenaw County.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Dexter, Chelsea, and Saline
The Howell clinic in Livingston County is approximately 20–30 minutes from Dexter, 25–35 minutes from Chelsea, and 35–45 minutes from Saline, all accessible via I-94 West or M-52 North depending on your starting point. Most major insurance plans are accepted including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare.
To schedule, call (517) 315-6969 or book online at MichiganFootDoctors.com. Same-week new patient appointments are routinely available, and urgent presentations are given priority scheduling. Free parking is available at the Howell clinic.
Dr. Tom’s Product Recommendations
Altra Torin Cushioned Running Shoe
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Zero-drop, wide toe box running shoe popular with Washtenaw County trail and road runners who want more natural foot biomechanics.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist suggested a zero-drop shoe to strengthen my foot. The Altra made the transition comfortable.”
Runners transitioning to a more natural gait pattern with supervision from their podiatrist
Patients with heel pain who need heel elevation — zero-drop shoes reduce heel cushioning which may worsen plantar fasciitis initially
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
PROIRON Foot Massage Roller Ball
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Spiky massage ball for plantar fascia stretching and arch mobilization — an effective self-care tool for runners managing plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Tom says: “I roll this under my foot every morning. Really helps loosen up my arch before my run.”
Runners and active patients using foot rolling as part of their daily plantar fasciitis management routine
Patients in the acute inflammatory phase of plantar fasciitis — active massage may worsen acute-phase inflammation
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Close proximity to Dexter, Chelsea, and Saline — 20–35 minutes from most western Washtenaw communities
- Sports podiatry expertise for Washtenaw County’s active running and athletic community
- Same-week appointments with board-certified podiatrist
- In-house X-ray, orthotics, and procedures for efficient single-visit care
❌ Cons / Risks
- Saline patients have a somewhat longer drive (~35–45 minutes) compared to Dexter and Chelsea
- Chelsea Hospital internal referrals may default to other podiatric practices — external referrals welcome
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
The Dexter-Chelsea-Saline corridor is a strong running community — I see a lot of patients from those communities during marathon and half-marathon training season in the spring and fall. These patients are motivated and compliant, which makes treatment outcomes excellent. The most common mistake I see is runners who push through pain too long before seeking care, converting a 4-week injury into a 4-month injury. My message: if your foot or ankle pain has been there for more than 2 weeks without improving, come in.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Chelsea Michigan?
The Howell clinic is approximately 25–35 minutes from Chelsea via I-94 West to US-23 North, or via M-52 North directly. It is a straightforward, traffic-light drive through rural Washtenaw and Livingston County.
Does Dr. Biernacki see runners from the Saline cross-country and track teams?
Yes — student athletes and adults from Saline’s competitive running programs are welcome. Sports podiatry services including stress fracture evaluation, gait analysis, and custom orthotic fabrication are available for athletes at all levels from the Saline and Manchester communities.
Can I bring my child to the Howell clinic for flat feet?
Absolutely — pediatric flat foot evaluation is a common visit for families from western Washtenaw County. Dr. Biernacki assesses whether flat feet are causing functional problems and discusses orthotic options when indicated. Not all flat feet require treatment — the evaluation determines the best course of action.
What is the easiest route from Dexter to the Howell clinic?
From Dexter, take I-94 West briefly to US-23 North, then take the Grand River Avenue exit into Howell — approximately 20–25 minutes. Alternatively, local roads through the Pinckney area provide a scenic 30-minute route.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills
📞 (810) 206-1402 Book Online →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
What does treatment cost?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Find a Board-Certified Podiatrist (American Podiatric Medical Association)
Ready to Get Relief?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.