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 Ferndale, Royal Oak, Hazel Park, Berkley, Madison Heights, and southeast Oakland County receive board-certified podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive foot and ankle evaluation and treatment for patients from the greater Detroit metropolitan area who are looking for an attentive, evidence-based podiatrist who takes the time to understand their specific situation.
Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Hazel Park communities are home to young professionals, families, artists, and active residents who value transparency, quality, and genuine engagement from their healthcare providers. Dr. Biernacki’s educational approach — explaining diagnoses clearly, discussing all treatment options honestly, and involving patients in decision-making — resonates strongly with this patient population, many of whom have watched his YouTube educational content before their first appointment.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Ferndale Royal Oak Hazel Park Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Conditions Treated for Royal Oak and Ferndale Patients
Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Hazel Park patients present with the full range of podiatric conditions. Running-related injuries including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, metatarsal stress fractures, and Morton’s neuroma are particularly common among the area’s active running community, which participates in Royal Oak’s charity runs and competitive racing circuits throughout Metro Detroit. Dr. Biernacki provides biomechanical gait analysis and custom orthotic solutions that address the root cause of running injuries — not just the painful symptom.
Bunions and hammertoes affecting shoe fit and daily comfort are evaluated conservatively first, with surgical correction reserved for patients who have genuinely maximized non-operative options. Ingrown toenails, nail infections, and skin conditions are managed with in-office procedures under local anesthesia. Ankle sprains in the area’s active adult and youth populations are evaluated for concurrent peroneal tendon or ligament injury to ensure complete recovery and prevention of chronic instability.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Royal Oak and Ferndale
The Howell clinic is accessible from Royal Oak and Ferndale via I-696 West to I-96 West, approximately 40–50 minutes. From Hazel Park and Madison Heights, the drive via I-75 North to I-96 West is similarly 45–55 minutes. To schedule, call (517) 315-6969 or visit MichiganFootDoctors.com. Most major insurance plans are accepted. Free parking is available at the Howell clinic.
Dr. Tom’s Product Recommendations
Hoka Clifton Running Shoe
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Maximum cushion running shoe popular with Royal Oak and Ferndale runners — lightweight with exceptional shock absorption for road running.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended maximum cushion shoes for my metatarsal stress fracture recovery. Clifton is perfect.”
Ferndale and Royal Oak runners needing maximum cushion for high-mileage training or injury recovery
Runners who need significant stability posting — Hoka Clifton is primarily neutral
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pro-Tec Athletics Plantar Fascia Sleeve
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Compression sleeve with targeted arch pad that supports the plantar fascia during running — a helpful conservative adjunct for active patients managing heel pain.
Dr. Tom says: “Wore this during my race season while managing plantar fasciitis. Reduced my mid-run pain significantly.”
Active runners managing plantar fasciitis who need targeted compression during training
Severe plantar fasciitis or patients with associated conditions requiring professional custom orthotic evaluation
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Comprehensive podiatric care for Ferndale, Royal Oak, Hazel Park, and all southeast Oakland County residents
- Evidence-based, transparent approach well-suited to the engaged, health-literate patient population
- Same-week new patient appointments with board-certified podiatrist
- Accessible from Royal Oak via I-696/I-96 in approximately 40–50 minutes
❌ Cons / Risks
- I-696 to I-96 can be congested during peak commute hours — mid-morning appointments recommended
- Many larger Oakland County medical systems have internal podiatric services for patients with those network plans
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Ferndale and Royal Oak patients tend to do a lot of research before they come in, which I genuinely appreciate. They’ve watched the YouTube videos, they’ve read the articles, and they arrive with specific questions. That preparation makes for a more productive appointment because we can skip the basics and go deeper into the specifics of their case. I always say that an informed patient is a better patient — and the patients who understand their diagnosis and treatment rationale are the ones who get the best outcomes.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Howell clinic from Royal Oak?
The clinic is approximately 40–50 minutes from Royal Oak via I-696 West to I-96 West. From Ferndale and Hazel Park, driving times are similar. Mid-morning appointments typically offer the most comfortable commute on the I-696/I-96 route.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Blue Cross Blue Shield for Royal Oak patients?
Yes — BCBS is one of the most common plans used by patients at Balance Foot & Ankle. Most BCBS plans — including BCBS PPO, BCBS Blue Care Network, and BCBS Federal Employee plans — are accepted. The billing team verifies specific plan coverage before each appointment.
Can I get a biomechanical gait analysis for my running injuries at the Howell clinic?
Yes — biomechanical gait assessment is a standard component of the evaluation for running-related foot and ankle injuries. Dr. Biernacki evaluates static and dynamic alignment, footwear, and movement patterns to identify the factors driving injury and prescribe targeted interventions including custom orthotics and sport-specific rehabilitation protocols.
What should I bring to my first appointment from Ferndale?
Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, the footwear you most commonly wear (including athletic shoes if presenting with a sports injury), any prior X-rays or MRI images on disc or digital transfer, and a list of current medications. Arriving 10 minutes early for new patient paperwork helps ensure the full appointment time is available for evaluation and discussion.
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 double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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.