Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI Last reviewed: May 2026
MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT
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.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what Dexter podiatry means and what actually works. Call (810) 206-1402 for a same-day appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Dr. Biernacki discusses podiatric care for patients from Dexter and Scio Township in Washtenaw County.
Expert Podiatric Care Just 20 Minutes from Dexter
Dexter, Scio Township, and the communities along Dexter-Ann Arbor Road and M-52 have convenient access to board-certified podiatric surgery at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell — just 20 minutes west via I-94 West and US-23 North. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive foot and ankle care with same-week appointments and genuine commitment to long-term patient outcomes.
Conditions Treated for Dexter Patients
Dexter residents come to Balance Foot & Ankle for all podiatric needs. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — common in Dexter’s active, outdoorsy population — is treated with custom orthotics, shockwave, and targeted injections. Bunion correction including MICA minimally invasive technique and Lapidus fusion for severe cases. Ingrown toenail surgery with same-day in-office resolution. Diabetic foot care — nail care, callus reduction, wound management — for Washtenaw County patients. Sports injuries, ankle instability, Achilles tendinopathy in the active Dexter community and Dexter High School athletes. Dr. Biernacki performs the full range of foot and ankle surgery at accredited local facilities.
Getting to Our Howell Office from Dexter
From Dexter: Take I-94 West to US-23 North, exit at Grand River Avenue in Howell (approximately 18 miles, 20 minutes). Alternatively, take Dexter-Ann Arbor Road west to M-52, then north to I-96 West, US-23 North (approximately 22 minutes). Balance Foot & Ankle is at 1590 E. Grand River Ave, Suite 100, Howell, MI 48843. Free parking. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, Medicare, and most major Michigan plans. Call (517) 545-FEET.
Serving the Dexter Running and Athletic Community
Dexter has a remarkably active outdoor community — trail runners, cyclists, and recreation enthusiasts who use the Huron River and surrounding areas year-round. Dr. Biernacki treats the full spectrum of running and outdoor sports-related foot and ankle injuries, providing evidence-based return-to-sport protocols and custom running orthotics tailored for the Dexter athlete’s specific demands and terrain preferences.
Why Dexter Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle
Dexter is a community that values quality and authenticity — and that’s exactly what Balance Foot & Ankle provides. Dr. Biernacki spends genuine time with each patient, gives honest assessments, and delivers treatment that addresses the root cause of problems rather than managing symptoms indefinitely. Ann Arbor has many podiatric options, but Dexter-area patients consistently find the combination of subspecialty surgical expertise and personal attention at Balance Foot & Ankle worth the 20-minute drive west.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Saucony Peregrine 13 Trail Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Trail running shoe with PWRTRAC outsole providing excellent grip on Dexter-area trails — cushioned midsole and rock plate protect the foot on technical terrain.
Dr. Tom says:“”The Saucony Peregrine is my top trail running recommendation for Dexter and Washtenaw County trail runners — the combination of grip, cushioning, and rock plate protection covers most Michigan trail terrain extremely well.” — Dr. Biernacki”
✅ Best for Trail running, Huron River trail system, technical terrain, rock plate protection
⚠️ Not ideal for Road runners without trail access requirements
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
20-minute drive from Dexter — one of the closest Washtenaw County communities to Balance Foot & Ankle.
Trail and running expertise serves Dexter’s active outdoor community with sport-specific treatment protocols.
Full surgical scope for complex conditions beyond typical suburban podiatry office capabilities.
❌ Cons / Risks
Ann Arbor is slightly closer for Dexter residents and has multiple podiatric options — Balance Foot & Ankle is preferred for complex surgical cases or patients wanting subspecialty expertise.
I-94 westbound traffic during Ann Arbor rush hour can add 5–10 minutes from Dexter — plan mid-morning appointments.
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Dexter is a community I love — active, engaged, and health-focused in a genuinely authentic way. The trail running and outdoor community there is serious about their sport and serious about their health. When they come to us with a foot or ankle injury, we give them the same level of care and analysis we’d provide to an elite athlete — because that’s what their lifestyle deserves.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you treat trail running injuries from the Dexter and Ann Arbor area?
Yes — trail running injuries including ankle sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and peroneal tendon injuries on technical terrain are conditions we treat frequently. Dr. Biernacki understands the biomechanical demands of trail running and provides return-to-trail protocols specific to the terrain and race goals of each athlete.
Can I get a second opinion on bunion surgery at your practice?
Absolutely — second opinion consultations for planned bunion surgery are welcome. Dr. Biernacki will review your X-rays, evaluate your deformity, and provide an independent assessment of the proposed procedure and whether alternatives (MICA, Lapidus, osteotomy) might be more appropriate for your specific anatomy and goals.
What’s the parking situation near Dexter?
Our Howell office has ample free parking directly in front — no parking challenges typical of Ann Arbor medical offices. 1590 E. Grand River Ave, Suite 100, Howell — ground level, fully accessible.
Do you treat Dexter High School athletes?
Yes — Dexter Dreadnaughts student athletes come to Balance Foot & Ankle for sports injuries. Same-week appointments help minimize time out of sport during competitive seasons.
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.
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.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes only so far. The fastest path to relief is a 30-minute office visit with Dr. Biernacki — same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402 or use our online booking.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) 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 made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
