Podiatrist Flint MI: Foot & Ankle Specialist | Balance

Foot & Ankle Care for Flint Area & Genesee County Patients

The Flint and Genesee County community deserves access to expert podiatric care. Balance Foot & Ankle serves patients from across Genesee County — including Flint, Grand Blanc, Fenton, Flushing, Davison, Burton, and Swartz Creek — at our Howell, Michigan location, accessible via US-23 South in approximately 45–55 minutes.

Dr. Tom Biernacki provides the full spectrum of foot and ankle medicine and surgery, from routine nail care and ingrown toenail procedures to complex reconstructive foot surgery. Genesee County patients — working professionals, athletes, seniors managing chronic conditions, and patients with diabetes — receive individualized care built around their specific needs and lifestyle.

Podiatric Services for Flint Area Patients

Heel pain and plantar fasciitis — the region’s active and working populations frequently develop plantar fasciitis from prolonged standing, athletic training, and inadequate footwear support. Dr. Biernacki’s evidence-based treatment combines stretching protocols, anti-inflammatory management, custom orthotics, and advanced options (PRP, shockwave) for persistent cases.

Bunion correction — from conservative padding and orthotics to modern minimally invasive MICA bunionectomy, Genesee County patients have access to the full spectrum of bunion management. MICA surgery delivers excellent correction through tiny incisions with faster recovery than traditional open procedures.

Diabetic foot care — Genesee County has significant diabetes prevalence, and comprehensive preventive and wound care is a critical service. Annual diabetic foot exams, monofilament testing, vascular assessment, therapeutic footwear, and wound management for established ulcers are all available at Balance Foot & Ankle.

Ankle injuries — acute sprains, chronic instability, Achilles tendinopathy, and peroneal tendon problems are expertly evaluated and managed. In-office digital X-rays enable rapid diagnosis at your first visit.

Ingrown toenails — same-day in-office nail procedures under local anesthesia with permanent matrixectomy to prevent recurrence. Flint area patients walk out immediately after the procedure.

Custom orthotics — precision prescription foot orthotics fabricated from 3D foot molds provide targeted biomechanical correction for a many conditions.

Serving Grand Blanc, Fenton & All of Genesee County

From our Howell office, we serve the entire Genesee County region including Flint, Grand Blanc, Fenton, Flushing, Davison, Burton, Swartz Creek, Clio, and surrounding communities. Drive time from Flint to Howell is approximately 45–55 minutes via US-23 South. From Grand Blanc, the drive is approximately 35–40 minutes.

We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, HAP, McLaren, and Medicare. Call (517) 579-FOOT to verify your coverage and schedule your appointment.

Book Your Genesee County Appointment

Don’t let foot or ankle pain disrupt your life. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (517) 579-FOOT or request your appointment online. Urgent concerns — infected ingrown toenails, diabetic foot wounds, and acute injuries — receive priority scheduling, often same-day or next-day.

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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.

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.

What is Foot pain?

Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.

Symptoms and warning signs

Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.

Conservative treatment options

Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.

Recovery timeline and prevention

Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.