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 Genoa Township, Brighton, and central Livingston County are right in the heart of our practice area. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC is the local fellowship-trained podiatrist — serving Genoa Township’s families, runners, seniors, and athletes with same-week access to surgical-level foot and ankle expertise.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Genoa Township Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Your Local Brighton-Area Podiatrist
Plantar Fasciitis: Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and PRP for central Livingston County patients. Ingrown Toenails: Same-week permanent matrixectomy. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual Medicare exams, neuropathy testing, and wound management. Ankle Injuries: From acute sprains to complex surgical reconstruction. Bunions & Hammertoes: Full corrective surgical range. Pediatric Foot Care: Sever’s disease, flatfoot, and sports injuries in Genoa Township’s young athletes.
Local — No Long Drive Required
Balance Foot & Ankle is located in the heart of Livingston County — Genoa Township and Brighton patients are among our closest neighbors. Same-week appointments always available. All major Michigan insurance accepted including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Hoka Clifton Cushioned Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum cushion running shoe — recommended for Genoa Township and Brighton area runners managing plantar fasciitis and overuse injuries with everyday training.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended Hoka Clifton for my plantar fasciitis and the cushioning made a significant difference in my morning heel pain during training.”
Plantar fasciitis maximum cushion running, Genoa Township Brighton Livingston County runners
Maximum cushion shoe — not for patients requiring motion control or stability correction
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Powerstep Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Full-length arch support OTC insole — recommended starting point for Genoa Township area patients managing plantar fasciitis and arch pain before custom orthotic evaluation.
Dr. Tom says: “My local podiatrist recommended PowerStep and they provided good support during my plantar fasciitis treatment.”
Plantar fasciitis OTC insole, local Livingston County patients, arch support starting point
Custom orthotics provide superior biomechanical correction for structural foot problems
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Truly local — Genoa Township and Brighton are in our primary service area
- Same-week appointments always available for Livingston County neighbors
- Fellowship-trained surgical expertise without driving to Metro Detroit or Ann Arbor
- All major Michigan insurance accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- Short drive to clinic — we don’t do house calls
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Genoa Township is home — this is our community. We serve Brighton families, Genoa Township schools, local athletes, and seniors in central Livingston County every day. When a neighbor needs foot surgery or their child has heel pain from sports, we want them to know they have fellowship-trained expertise right here, same-week, without a long drive. That’s what we’re here for.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Balance Foot & Ankle located in relation to Genoa Township?
Balance Foot & Ankle is located in the Brighton/Howell area of Livingston County — right in the heart of Genoa Township’s neighboring communities. Call (810) 220-5551 for our exact address and directions.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat Brighton Michigan patients?
Yes — Brighton and central Livingston County are our primary service area. We’re the local fellowship-trained podiatrist for the Brighton community.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Genoa Township Michigan insurance?
Yes — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. All major Livingston County commercial plans accepted.
Can Genoa Township patients get same-week appointments?
Yes — same-week new patient appointments are always available for local Livingston County patients. Call (810) 220-5551 to schedule.
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.
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.
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.
Related Conditions
American Podiatric Medical Association: Find a Podiatrist
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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.