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 Ferndale Hazel Park Michigan Oakland 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 Ferndale and Hazel Park
Ferndale and Hazel Park are active southeast Oakland County communities — walkable, culturally rich, and home to active residents who value accessible, expert healthcare. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle serves these communities with evidence-based podiatric medicine that delivers real results. From the Ferndale runner training for a race to the Hazel Park worker with chronic heel pain from long shifts, our practice provides the expertise and accessibility that southeast Oakland County patients deserve.
Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most frequently treated condition in our Ferndale and Hazel Park patient population. Dr. Biernacki’s systematic treatment approach — OTC or custom orthotics, stretching protocols, corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy, and surgical release for refractory cases — achieves significant lasting relief for most patients within 8–12 weeks. Ferndale and Hazel Park’s active population benefits from a treatment plan that addresses their specific activity demands and lifestyle, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Running and Urban Active Lifestyle Injuries
Ferndale and Hazel Park attract active residents who run the Woodward Corridor, cycle local streets, and participate in fitness activities year-round. Running-related injuries — plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures, and shin splints — are expertly managed with Dr. Biernacki’s sports medicine approach: accurate diagnosis with in-office ultrasound, evidence-based return-to-running protocols, and biomechanical evaluation to prevent recurrence. Most running injuries in Ferndale and Hazel Park athletes are resolved without surgery.
Nail Conditions and Skin Care
Ingrown toenails and toenail fungus are everyday foot health concerns for Ferndale and Hazel Park residents. In-office matrixectomy permanently corrects ingrown toenails in a single appointment with less than 5% recurrence. Fungal nail infections are treated with topical, oral, or laser antifungal therapy. Plantar warts, corns, and calluses are also effectively managed. Same-day procedures minimize scheduling hassle and keep recovery time short.
Bunions, Hammertoes, and Forefoot Care
Forefoot deformities — bunions that have grown painful and hammertoes causing corns from shoe pressure — are common concerns among Ferndale and Hazel Park patients. Dr. Biernacki evaluates these conditions with weight-bearing X-rays and provides honest guidance on conservative management vs. surgical correction. Modern outpatient bunion and hammertoe surgery provides reliable outcomes with return to regular shoes within 6–8 weeks.
Accessing Balance Foot & Ankle from Ferndale and Hazel Park
Our southeast Oakland County clinic locations are accessible from Ferndale via Woodward Avenue, Nine Mile Road, and I-696, and from Hazel Park via John R Road, Eight Mile Road, and I-696. Patients from Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Berkley, Pleasant Ridge, and Oak Park also find our offices conveniently located. Flexible scheduling including early and evening appointments is available. Most major Michigan insurance plans are accepted. Book online at michiganfootdoctors.com or call for same-week new patient scheduling.
Why Ferndale and Hazel Park Patients Choose Dr. Tom Biernacki
Ferndale and Hazel Park’s informed, health-conscious residents research their healthcare providers and expect transparency, expertise, and genuine personalized care. Dr. Biernacki’s YouTube educational content — trusted by hundreds of thousands of viewers nationwide — reflects the same commitment to patient empowerment that drives his clinical practice. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Ferndale and Hazel Park patients get the high-quality, honest foot and ankle care they’ve researched and deserve.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
CURREX RunPro Insoles for Urban Runners
⭐ Highly Rated
Dynamic arch support insoles for Ferndale and Hazel Park runners and active residents. Three arch profiles for personalized biomechanical support in running and daily footwear.
Dr. Tom says: “CURREX RunPro is my top OTC insole recommendation for Ferndale’s active running community — arch-specific support that genuinely prevents plantar fasciitis, Achilles issues, and stress injuries.”
Best for: Runners, cyclists, active Ferndale and Hazel Park residents with arch issues
Not ideal for: Formal dress shoes or patients requiring diabetic accommodative insoles
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Superfeet GREEN Premium Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
High-arch support insoles for Ferndale and Hazel Park professionals who need serious arch support in work or casual footwear. Deep heel cup provides biomechanical correction for overpronation.
Dr. Tom says: “Superfeet GREEN is excellent for Ferndale professionals who need firm arch support in everyday shoes — the deep heel cup and structured arch provide real correction for overpronation and plantar fasciitis.”
Best for: High-arch support, overpronation, professional and casual footwear
Not ideal for: Low-arch feet or patients needing soft cushioning
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Strassburg Sock Night Splint
⭐ Highly Rated
Comfortable sock-style plantar fascia night splint for Ferndale and Hazel Park patients with first-step morning heel pain. Far more tolerable than rigid alternatives.
Dr. Tom says: “The Strassburg Sock is my preferred night splint for patients with morning plantar fasciitis pain — great compliance because patients can actually sleep comfortably in it, and very effective at eliminating that first-step pain.”
Best for: Plantar fasciitis first-step morning pain, overnight plantar fascia stretch
Not ideal for: Patients who cannot tolerate any foot positioning during sleep
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Accessible from Ferndale and Hazel Park via Woodward, Nine Mile, and I-696 with flexible scheduling
- Sports medicine expertise for Ferndale and Hazel Park’s active urban running community
- Same-week appointments for new patients with acute heel pain, nail, and ankle conditions
- Accepts most Oakland County insurance plans including Blue Cross, Medicare, and Medicaid
❌ Cons / Risks
- Complex surgical procedures require travel to partnered outpatient surgical facilities
- High demand from southeast Oakland County may require advance scheduling for complex consultations
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Ferndale and Hazel Park have a great mix of active runners, young professionals, and long-time community residents who all deserve expert foot care. I appreciate the health-conscious, research-oriented patients from this community — they ask great questions and follow through on treatment plans. That combination makes for great outcomes.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a podiatrist near Ferndale or Hazel Park, Michigan?
Yes — Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, serves Ferndale, Hazel Park, and southeast Oakland County. Our offices are accessible via Woodward Avenue and I-696, with same-week appointments available.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat runners from Ferndale?
Yes — running injuries including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and stress fractures are a specialty area within Dr. Biernacki’s practice. He manages Ferndale and Hazel Park runners with evidence-based return-to-running protocols.
What foot conditions are treated near Ferndale and Hazel Park?
We treat plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, ankle sprains, stress fractures, Morton’s neuroma, Achilles tendinopathy, and diabetic foot complications for southeast Oakland County patients.
How do I book from Ferndale or Hazel Park?
Book online at michiganfootdoctors.com or call our office. Same-week appointments are frequently available. We offer morning and evening hours to accommodate Ferndale and Hazel Park’s professional schedules.
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 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.