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
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Eastpointe St Clair Shores Michigan Macomb County Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care for Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores
Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores are southeast Macomb County lakeside communities with active, family-oriented populations who need convenient access to expert foot and ankle care. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle serves these communities with evidence-based podiatric medicine and same-week scheduling. From the Eastpointe worker with chronic heel pain to the St. Clair Shores runner with an ankle injury, our practice delivers expert care to every patient who needs it.
Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Plantar fasciitis is the most common podiatric complaint among Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores residents. The stabbing first-step morning heel pain and the aching arch fatigue after activity are treated with Dr. Biernacki’s systematic approach: OTC or custom orthotics, stretching protocols, corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy, and when necessary surgical release. Most patients achieve significant lasting relief within 8–12 weeks of consistent, structured treatment.
Nail Care: Ingrown Toenails and Fungal Infections
Ingrown toenails and toenail fungus are extremely common in Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores patients. Dr. Biernacki performs permanent partial nail avulsion with matrixectomy for recurrent ingrown toenails — a quick in-office procedure with less than 5% recurrence. Fungal nail infections are treated with topical, oral, or laser therapy. Same-day nail procedures keep wait times minimal and recovery straightforward.
Sports and Recreational Injuries
St. Clair Shores’ Lake St. Clair shoreline and Eastpointe’s parks and recreational areas attract walkers, runners, cyclists, and athletes year-round. Sports-related foot and ankle injuries — ankle sprains, stress fractures, tendon injuries — are managed with in-office diagnostic ultrasound and evidence-based return-to-activity protocols. Youth athletes from Lake Shore Public Schools and St. Clair Shores rec leagues benefit from specialized pediatric sports medicine foot care.
Bunions, Hammertoes, and Forefoot Surgery
Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores patients with progressive forefoot deformities — painful bunions and hammertoes — find hands-on exam plus imaging when needed and management at Balance Foot & Ankle. Dr. Biernacki discusses both conservative management and surgical correction, performing modern bunionectomy and hammertoe procedures as outpatient surgeries with return to regular shoes within 6–8 weeks.
Accessing Balance Foot & Ankle from Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores
Our southeast Macomb County locations are accessible from Eastpointe via I-94, Eight Mile Road, and Gratiot Avenue, and from St. Clair Shores via Jefferson Avenue, I-94, and Nine Mile Road. Patients from Roseville, Harper Woods, and Fraser also find our offices conveniently located. Same-week new patient appointments, flexible hours, and acceptance of most major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross, Medicare, and Medicaid make our practice the right choice for southeastern Macomb County podiatric care.
Why Patients from Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores Choose Dr. Biernacki
Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores patients choose Balance Foot & Ankle because Dr. Biernacki delivers honest, thorough, results-oriented care without unnecessary tests or vague recommendations. His extensive YouTube educational content — trusted by hundreds of thousands of viewers — reflects the same transparent, evidence-based approach patients experience in every office visit. For southeast Macomb County’s foot care needs, Balance Foot & Ankle provides the expertise and accessibility the community deserves.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Podiatrist-recommended arch support for heel pain and plantar fasciitis in Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores patients. Durable support that fits in most everyday shoes.
Dr. Tom says: “PowerStep Pinnacle is my standard first orthotic recommendation for Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores patients with heel pain — accessible, effective, and compatible with most casual and athletic footwear.”
Best for: Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, arch support, daily use
Not ideal for: Custom orthotic needs or significant structural deformity
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tuli’s Classic Heel Cups
⭐ Highly Rated
Medical-grade silicone heel cushions for plantar fasciitis and heel spur pain relief. Quick and simple first-line option for Eastpointe residents with work-related heel pain.
Dr. Tom says: “Tuli’s heel cups provide quick heel cushioning relief for patients who need immediate help while we develop a more comprehensive treatment plan — simple and effective.”
Best for: Heel pain, plantar fasciitis initial relief, daily cushioning
Not ideal for: Patients needing full arch support or biomechanical control
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
CURREX RunPro Active Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Dynamic arch support for active St. Clair Shores and Eastpointe residents who walk, run, or participate in recreational sports. Prevents common running injuries.
Dr. Tom says: “For active patients from the Lake Shore communities who walk or run regularly, CURREX RunPro provides the best OTC arch support for injury prevention — especially plantar fasciitis and Achilles problems.”
Best for: Recreational athletes, walkers, active Macomb County residents
Not ideal for: Dress shoes or patients needing diabetic accommodative insoles
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Accessible from Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores via I-94 and Jefferson Avenue
- Same-week appointments available for new patients with acute foot conditions
- Expert pediatric sports medicine for youth athletes from local schools and recreational leagues
- Accepts most Macomb County insurance plans including Blue Cross, Medicare, and Medicaid
❌ Cons / Risks
- Complex surgical procedures require travel to partnered outpatient facilities
- High demand from southeast Macomb County may require advance scheduling for complex consultations
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores are lakeside communities with active, family-oriented residents who care about their health. When foot or ankle pain interferes with your ability to walk the lakeshore, play with your kids, or do your job well — that’s when my practice makes a real difference. Expert, honest, accessible foot care for Macomb County’s southeast communities.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a podiatrist near Eastpointe or St. Clair Shores?
Yes — Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, serves Eastpointe, St. Clair Shores, and southeast Macomb County. Offices are accessible via I-94 and Gratiot/Jefferson corridors, with same-week appointments available.
What foot conditions are treated in Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores?
We treat plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, ankle sprains, stress fractures, Morton’s neuroma, Achilles tendinopathy, and diabetic foot care for southeast Macomb County patients.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept Macomb County insurance?
Yes — we accept most major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, Medicare, and Medicaid. Call to verify your specific plan.
How do I book from Eastpointe or St. Clair Shores?
Book online at michiganfootdoctors.com or call our office. Same-week appointments are frequently available for new patients.
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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores. You can call or book online directly. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, Priority Health, and United Healthcare. We treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Our board-certified DPM provides both conservative and surgical care. Same-week and urgent appointments are available for residents of the Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores area.
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 reached over one million views and almost 1 million subscribers on youtube.