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 Fenton Township Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care Near Fenton Township, Michigan
Fenton Township, one of Livingston County’s most vibrant communities nestled along US-23 near the Livingston-Genesee county border, is a growing area of families, professionals, and active adults who need convenient access to specialist foot and ankle care. Balance Foot & Ankle, with Dr. Tom Biernacki — a board-certified podiatric physician and surgeon — serves Fenton Township residents with comprehensive podiatric services ranging from routine nail care to complex reconstructive surgery.
The Fenton area has seen significant residential growth, bringing with it the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions: the weekend warrior with an Achilles tear, the office worker with plantar fasciitis from new commuter shoes, the retired teacher with diabetic foot concerns, and the youth soccer player with Sever’s disease. Dr. Biernacki treats them all.
Foot & Ankle Conditions Treated Near Fenton
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain: Fenton area’s active population generates significant plantar fasciitis demand. Dr. Biernacki’s evidence-based heel pain protocol — stretching, orthotics, night splints, and ESWT for stubborn cases — gets results. Most patients achieve lasting relief within 6–12 weeks of proper treatment.
Sports Injuries: With Fenton High School athletics, numerous recreational sports leagues, running paths around Lake Fenton, and the trail networks in the area, sports-related foot and ankle injuries are extremely common. Dr. Biernacki provides sport-specific diagnosis and return-to-activity protocols for ankle sprains, stress fractures, Achilles injuries, and tendon problems.
Diabetic Foot Care: Livingston County’s growing and aging population includes significant diabetes prevalence. Dr. Biernacki’s comprehensive diabetic surveillance program protects patients from the serious complications — neuropathic ulcers, Charcot foot, infection — that lead to hospitalization. Annual exams, vascular assessment, and Medicare therapeutic footwear are all available.
Bunions & Hammertoes: Progressive forefoot deformities that worsen without treatment. Dr. Biernacki evaluates severity with weight-bearing X-rays and offers both conservative orthotic management and modern minimally invasive surgical correction when needed. Many Fenton patients have been told they need “major foot surgery” and are pleasantly surprised to learn about the minimally invasive options available.
Ankle Arthritis: End-stage ankle arthritis significantly limits function and quality of life. Dr. Biernacki manages ankle arthritis with the full range of options from bracing and injections to total ankle replacement and ankle fusion — choosing the approach based on each patient’s age, activity level, and structural findings.
Pediatric Foot Care: Sever’s disease (heel pain in growing kids), juvenile flatfoot, in-toeing, and pediatric ingrown nails all respond well to early, appropriate treatment. Dr. Biernacki sees children with sensitivity and makes appointments as comfortable as possible for young patients.
Serving the Fenton/Linden/Holly Livingston-Genesee Corridor
The US-23 corridor through southern Genesee and northern Livingston County encompasses a growing population of Fenton, Linden, Argentine Township, Gaines Township, Holly, and Grand Blanc. Balance Foot & Ankle is well-positioned to serve patients throughout this corridor, offering the specialist expertise previously available only in Flint, Ann Arbor, or Detroit.
On-Site Diagnostics & Immediate Treatment
Dr. Biernacki obtains digital X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, Doppler vascular studies, and computerized gait analysis in-office — all at the first visit when indicated. Patients don’t leave without a diagnosis and a treatment plan. For many straightforward conditions, treatment begins that same day.
Insurance & Accessibility
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid/Healthy Michigan. Same-week scheduling for urgent concerns, with new patient appointments typically within a few days. Our team makes scheduling as easy as possible for Livingston County’s busy families.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Support Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
GuideRails support running shoe that controls excess motion during running and walking. Popular with Livingston County runners dealing with plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee pain from overpronation.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended Brooks Adrenaline for my plantar fasciitis. After six months of morning heel pain, switching to these shoes combined with orthotics has me running pain-free again.””
Running, plantar fasciitis, overpronation, active daily use
Wide toe box version available — check sizing when ordering
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Gaiam Restore Foot Stretcher & Resistance Band
⭐ Highly Rated
Foot and calf stretching system that facilitates plantar fascia and Achilles stretching exercises critical to heel pain recovery. Recommended for plantar fasciitis patients to use before their first morning steps.
Dr. Tom says: “”I use this foot stretcher for my morning plantar fascia stretching routine. Doing it before I take my first steps makes a significant difference in the morning pain level. Simple, effective tool.””
Plantar fasciitis stretching, Achilles flexibility, morning routine
Complement to orthotics and footwear — not a standalone treatment
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Specialist podiatric care accessible to the entire Fenton/Linden/US-23 corridor of Livingston-Genesee County
- Advanced treatment options including minimally invasive surgery available close to home for the first time
- Active population expertise — Dr. Biernacki understands the needs of runners, athletes, and active families in the Fenton area
❌ Cons / Risks
- Fenton Township patients may have a 20–30 minute commute depending on exact location
- Complex surgical cases requiring inpatient hospital admission performed at regional facilities
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Fenton is a great community — active families, lots of runners and cyclists and athletes at all levels, mixed with a growing retiree population that wants to stay active. I see both ends of the spectrum: the 16-year-old with Sever’s disease who can’t finish soccer season, and the 68-year-old with plantar fasciitis who just wants to be able to walk the trail around Lake Fenton. Both have great solutions. The common thread is that earlier treatment is almost always simpler and faster — don’t wait until a manageable problem becomes a major one.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a podiatrist near Fenton Michigan?
Yes. Balance Foot & Ankle serves the Fenton Township and greater Fenton/Linden area with comprehensive podiatric care. Most patients from Fenton can reach our office within 20–30 minutes. Same-week appointments available.
What causes pain on the outside of the ankle without a sprain?
Lateral ankle pain without a clear sprain history suggests peroneal tendon pathology (peroneal tendinopathy or tear), sinus tarsi syndrome (lateral subtalar joint pain), os peroneum irritation, or stress fracture of the fibula or fifth metatarsal. Each diagnosis has distinct exam and imaging findings — Dr. Biernacki evaluates all of these at the first visit with X-ray and ultrasound when indicated.
Can orthotics help with knee pain from foot problems?
Yes. Excessive pronation and altered foot mechanics create a predictable chain reaction: increased tibial internal rotation, lateral patellar tracking dysfunction, and IT band tension. Custom orthotics that correct rearfoot alignment often improve not just foot pain but knee and hip symptoms as well. Dr. Biernacki discusses lower extremity kinetic chain effects during every orthotic consultation.
How do I know if I need ankle replacement or ankle fusion?
Both are excellent options for end-stage ankle arthritis. Total ankle replacement preserves ankle motion and may be preferred in more active patients with good bone quality and reasonable alignment. Fusion (arthrodesis) provides exceptional pain relief and is more durable — preferred when bone quality or alignment makes replacement technically challenging. Dr. Biernacki performs a comprehensive evaluation including weight-bearing CT when needed to recommend the best approach for each patient.
What is the Achilles tendon and why does it hurt?
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is subject to two distinct types of tendinopathy: mid-substance tendinopathy (pain and thickening in the central tendon body, typically 2–6 cm above the heel) and insertional tendinopathy (pain at the Achilles attachment on the calcaneus, often with a Haglund’s deformity). Both respond well to specific eccentric strengthening programs and, for insertional cases, heel lifts and orthotic modification.
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.
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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.