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

Patients from Farmington Hills, Farmington, and west Oakland County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for fellowship-trained podiatric expertise. Farmington Hills’ large, active, and medically sophisticated community expects high-quality specialist care — the same fellowship-trained expertise and evidence-based approach Dr. Biernacki provides to every patient.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Farmington Hills Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Services for Farmington Hills Area Patients
Plantar Fasciitis: Custom orthotics, PRP, and shockwave therapy. Bunions & Hammertoes: Full surgical range including advanced Lapidus fusion. Ankle Surgery: Broström reconstruction, ankle arthroscopy, and ankle replacement. Custom Orthotics: Running, golf, and daily wear biomechanical devices. Ingrown Toenails: Same-week permanent matrixectomy. Second Opinions: Fellowship-trained objective assessment of recommended procedures.
Accessible from Farmington Hills via I-96
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Farmington Hills via I-96 west to US-23 south — approximately 30–35 minutes. Same-week new patient appointments. All major Michigan insurance accepted. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Stability Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Top-rated stability running shoe — recommended for Farmington Hills area runners managing plantar fasciitis and overpronation with a medically endorsed stability trainer.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended Brooks Adrenaline for my plantar fasciitis and it has been my go-to running shoe for the past two training seasons.”
Plantar fasciitis stability, overpronation daily runner, Farmington Hills runners
Stability shoe — not for neutral or high-arch foot types
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Aetrex Josie Arch Support Flat
⭐ Highly Rated
Fashionable arch support flat with podiatrist-designed support — recommended for Farmington Hills area professional women managing plantar fasciitis in work and social settings.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended Aetrex Josie flats for my plantar fasciitis in a professional setting and they look professional while providing real arch support.”
Professional women plantar fasciitis, fashionable arch support flat, business dress footwear
Dress flat — not for athletic or high-impact activities
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 30-35 minutes from Farmington Hills via I-96 west
- Same-week appointments for west Oakland County patients
- Fellowship-trained second opinion capability for complex surgical decisions
- All major Michigan insurance accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 30-35 minute drive from Farmington Hills
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Farmington Hills patients tend to be well-informed and want detailed explanations — which suits my practice philosophy perfectly. I spend time explaining the anatomy, the diagnosis, and the reasoning behind treatment recommendations. Patients from this area frequently seek second opinions on recommended procedures, and I welcome that — an informed patient who understands why surgery is or isn’t indicated makes a better partner in the recovery process.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Farmington Hills Michigan?
Approximately 30-35 minutes via I-96 west to US-23 south. The I-96 corridor provides a direct route from Farmington Hills and Farmington to our Howell/Howell area practice.
Does Dr. Biernacki provide second opinions for Farmington Hills patients?
Yes — objective second opinions on recommended surgical procedures are a valued service for Farmington Hills and west Oakland County patients. Bring your prior imaging (X-rays, MRI), operative reports if applicable, and a summary of your current symptoms.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Farmington Hills insurance?
Yes — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Most west Oakland County commercial plans accepted.
Can Farmington Hills patients get same-week appointments?
Yes — same-week new patient appointments are typically available. Call (810) 220-5551 to schedule.
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.
Related Conditions
American Podiatric Medical Association: Find a Podiatrist
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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 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.