Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what Flint podiatry means and what actually works. Call (810) 206-1402 for a same-day appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
Quick answer: Podiatrist Flint 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.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Flint Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Serving Flint & Genesee County Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC serves patients from Flint, Genesee County, and surrounding communities from our Howell, Michigan location — approximately 30 miles south on US-23. Our Howell office is easily accessible for patients from Flint, Fenton, Grand Blanc, Swartz Creek, and Linden. Patients from Burton, Davison, and Mundy Township are typically 30-45 minutes away.
Diabetic Foot Care for Flint Area Patients
Genesee County has a high burden of diabetes-related foot complications. Regular podiatric care prevents the cascade from neuropathy to ulcers to infection to amputation. We provide comprehensive diabetic foot examinations, protective sensation testing, vascular screening, wound care, custom diabetic orthotics, and preventive nail care. Medicare covers annual podiatric visits for eligible diabetic patients with documented neuropathy — most Flint-area diabetic patients with neuropathy qualify.
Conditions Treated
Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-certified podiatric surgeon treating the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Common presentations from Flint area patients include heel pain (plantar fasciitis), diabetic foot complications, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus (including laser treatment), bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, ankle sprains, and sports injuries. We offer both conservative care and surgical intervention, including minimally invasive procedures.
Insurance and Appointments
We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Same-day and next-day appointments are frequently available. Telehealth consultations are available for Flint area patients who prefer a virtual initial visit. We are committed to making podiatric care accessible to Genesee County patients.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Evidence-based insoles recommended for heel pain and flat feet
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PowerStep
4.6
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DASS Medical Compression Socks
⭐ Highly Rated
Diabetic-appropriate compression for Flint area patients
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DASS Medical
4.5
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 30 miles from Flint — easily accessible on US-23
- Same-day appointments available
- Board-certified podiatric surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries
❌ Cons / Risks
- Not located in Flint — requires drive to Howell
- Telehealth available for some visit types
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
We see a lot of patients from Genesee County and the Flint area. Diabetes-related foot problems are very common in this region and the care gap for podiatric services is real. If you’re diabetic and haven’t had a foot check in over a year, please make an appointment — it takes 20 minutes and can prevent serious complications. We accept Medicaid and most insurances and we’ll get you in quickly.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Flint?
Our Howell location is approximately 30 miles south of Flint via US-23 — typically 35-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Do you treat diabetic foot problems?
Yes. Diabetic foot care is a major part of our practice. We provide comprehensive diabetic foot exams, neuropathy testing, wound care, custom diabetic orthotics, and preventive nail care. Medicare covers these services for eligible diabetic patients.
Can I get a telehealth appointment?
Yes — telehealth is available for initial consultations and many follow-up visits for patients throughout Michigan including the Flint area.
When Shoes Aren’t Enough — Dr. Tom’s Top 9 Orthotics
About 30% of patients I see for foot pain need MORE than a great shoe — they need a structured insole. Below: my complete 2026 orthotic ranking with pros, cons, and the specific patient I’d give each one to.
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.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes only so far. The fastest path to relief is a 30-minute office visit with Dr. Biernacki — same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402 or use our online booking.
APMA: Podiatric Medicine — Services, Conditions & Patient Resources
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.