Quick answer: Podiatrist Ferndale Hazel Park Oak Park Michigan is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Foot and Ankle Specialists for Ferndale, Hazel Park, and Oak Park
Residents of Ferndale, Hazel Park, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, and the surrounding inner-ring Oakland County communities have access to expert podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our board-certified physicians treat all conditions affecting the feet and ankles, from common problems like plantar fasciitis and ingrown toenails to complex surgical reconstruction of foot deformities and sports injuries.
These communities along the 8 Mile Road and 9 Mile Road corridors represent some of the most active and diverse neighborhoods in Metro Detroit, with a strong creative, entrepreneurial, and athletic community. Active residents, from cyclists exploring the regional trail system to runners participating in the Ferndale Local race series and athletes at Ferndale, Hazel Park, and Oak Park high schools, benefit from the specialized foot care our practice provides.
Conditions We Treat
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Heel pain is the most common reason new patients schedule with us. Whether caused by plantar fasciitis, heel fat pad syndrome, or Baxter nerve entrapment, we accurately diagnose the source of your heel pain and implement targeted treatment. Custom orthotics, corticosteroid or PRP injections, shockwave therapy, and physical therapy coordination provide relief for the full spectrum of heel conditions.
Sports Medicine
The active athletic and recreational community of Ferndale, Hazel Park, and Oak Park generates a significant volume of sports-related foot and ankle injuries. Ankle sprains, stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, peroneal tendon injuries, and turf toe are conditions we evaluate and treat with evidence-based functional rehabilitation protocols designed to return athletes to sport efficiently and safely.
Bunions and Hammertoes
Bunions and hammertoes are progressive deformities that worsen without appropriate intervention. We begin with conservative management including wider shoes, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory treatment. When surgical correction becomes appropriate, we offer minimally invasive and traditional bunionectomy and hammertoe correction procedures with consistently excellent outcomes and predictable recovery timelines.
Nail and Skin Care
Fungal toenails, ingrown toenails, plantar warts, athlete foot, and calluses affect residents of all ages in our service area. We provide in-office nail procedures, topical and oral antifungal treatments, laser nail fungus therapy, cryotherapy for plantar warts, and professional callus care. Same-week appointments are available for painful ingrown toenails.
Diabetic Foot Care
Comprehensive diabetic foot management including neuropathy screening, vascular assessment, custom therapeutic footwear prescription, and wound care is available for our diabetic patients. We coordinate with primary care and specialist physicians throughout the region to provide comprehensive care that prevents the complications of diabetic foot disease.
Scheduling and Insurance
We accept Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, HAP, and most other major insurance plans. Online appointment scheduling is available 24 hours a day. New patient appointments are typically available within one to two weeks, with urgent slots reserved for acute injuries, infections, and diabetic foot wound care. We look forward to serving Ferndale, Hazel Park, Oak Park, and the inner-ring Oakland County community.
Ready to Relieve Your Foot Pain?
Board-certified podiatrists serving Southeast Michigan. Same-week appointments available.
Book Your AppointmentPodiatry Services Near Ferndale Hazel Park Oak Park
Podiatrist Serving Ferndale Hazel Park Oak Park, Michigan
Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay & Dr. Daria Gutkin offer same-day appointments for all foot & ankle conditions near Ferndale Hazel Park Oak Park.
☎ Call (810) 206-1402Howell: 4330 E Grand River • Bloomfield: 43494 Woodward Ave #208
View all SE Michigan podiatrist locations → | All conditions we treat →
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.

When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Shop Doctor Hoy’s →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.
Find a Board-Certified Podiatrist (American Podiatric Medical Association)
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.
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offices.
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.





