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
Genesee County’s southern communities—particularly Grand Blanc Township and the greater Flint metropolitan area—represent a significant population with diverse foot and ankle health needs. From Grand Blanc’s thriving suburban community and competitive athletics to Flint’s medically underserved population with elevated diabetes prevalence, Balance Foot & Ankle’s Dr. Tom Biernacki provides specialist-level podiatric care accessible from Genesee County via US-23 north to our Howell office—approximately 40–45 minutes from Grand Blanc.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Grand Blanc Flint Genesee County Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Grand Blanc: Affluent Suburb and Athletic Hub
Grand Blanc Township has experienced notable growth as Flint’s premier suburban community—excellent schools, Grand Blanc High School’s Bobcats athletics (perennial state contenders in multiple sports), and a health-conscious professional population. Grand Blanc’s proximity to US-23 makes our Howell office among the most accessible specialty podiatric options for Genesee County patients. Golf remains a significant recreational activity—Warwick Hills Golf Club (historic PGA venue) and multiple area courses attract an active older demographic with foot and ankle health needs.
Flint: Diabetic Foot Care and Community Health
The Flint metropolitan area has a well-documented burden of chronic disease including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and associated complications. Diabetic foot disease—neuropathy, ulceration, Charcot foot, and infection—represents a critical public health need in the Flint community. Dr. Biernacki’s comprehensive diabetic foot program provides preventive monitoring, neuropathy assessment, wound care, and custom diabetic footwear prescription. Flint-area patients at elevated diabetic foot risk are especially encouraged to establish preventive podiatric care before complications develop.
Services for Grand Blanc and Flint Area Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive care for Genesee County patients including: plantar fasciitis and heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy, bunion and hammertoe correction, sports injury management, ankle sprains and instability, diabetic foot monitoring and wound care, custom orthotics, ingrown toenail treatment, and surgical consultation. Grand Blanc athletes and Flint-area diabetic patients represent the two primary patient profiles from Genesee County.
Getting Here from Grand Blanc and Flint
US-23 south from Grand Blanc provides direct highway access to our Howell office in approximately 40–45 minutes. Telehealth initial consultations are available for Genesee County patients who prefer remote assessment before the drive. Call (517) 579-1881 or schedule at MichiganFootDoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Propet Stability Walker Diabetic Shoe
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Medicare-eligible therapeutic depth shoe for diabetic patients. Accommodates custom orthotics and reduces pressure points for Genesee County diabetic foot patients.
Dr. Tom says: “As a Flint-area diabetic patient, Dr. Biernacki prescribed these shoes through my Medicare benefit. Essential for foot protection.”
Diabetic neuropathy, pressure ulcer prevention, therapeutic footwear benefit patients
Standard athletic footwear for non-diabetic patients
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
PowerStep Pinnacle Arch Support for Plantar Fasciitis
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Semi-rigid arch support insole for plantar fasciitis management. A first-line conservative option for Grand Blanc and Genesee County patients with heel pain.
Dr. Tom says: “Grand Blanc teacher with plantar fasciitis—these insoles made standing all day manageable while I recovered.”
Plantar fasciitis, arch pain, heel pain management, daily standing activities
Diabetic patients requiring custom accommodative insoles from their provider
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- US-23 provides direct highway access from Grand Blanc to Howell in 40–45 minutes
- Comprehensive diabetic foot care program serves the elevated diabetic burden in Flint-area communities
- Grand Blanc Bobcats athlete sports injury care for one of Genesee County’s premier athletic programs
❌ Cons / Risks
- 40–45 minute drive from Grand Blanc—telehealth initial consultations help determine trip necessity before scheduling
- Flint-area patients may face transportation barriers—telehealth offers an accessible first-contact option
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Genesee County has two distinct patient communities that I serve in very different ways. Grand Blanc patients are health-savvy, often have excellent insurance, and are seeking surgical expertise or a second opinion on a complex condition. Flint-area diabetic patients often come to me when things have already progressed—a foot ulcer, a Charcot deformity—and my role is both to treat the acute problem and establish long-term preventive monitoring. Both patient communities deserve the same level of expert care and honest communication.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Grand Blanc from Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell?
Approximately 40–45 minutes via US-23 south from Grand Blanc to Howell—a direct highway route. Flint residents are approximately 50–55 minutes. Telehealth initial consultations are available to help Genesee County patients assess whether an in-person visit is warranted.
Does Dr. Biernacki provide diabetic foot care for Flint-area patients?
Yes. Diabetic foot care including neuropathy assessment, annual foot exams, wound care for diabetic ulcers, Charcot foot evaluation, and custom therapeutic footwear prescription is available. Flint-area patients at elevated diabetic risk are encouraged to establish preventive foot care. Medicare covers annual diabetic foot exams and may cover therapeutic footwear.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle treat Grand Blanc Bobcats athletes?
Yes. We welcome Grand Blanc High School student-athletes experiencing foot and ankle injuries. Ankle sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy are common presentations in competitive high school athletic programs. Return-to-sport protocols are provided.
Are telehealth appointments available for Genesee County patients?
Yes. HIPAA-compliant telehealth is available for Grand Blanc, Flint, and all Genesee County patients. Initial assessments, imaging review, and follow-up care can be handled remotely. This is especially valuable for Flint-area patients with transportation challenges. Schedule at MichiganFootDoctors.com or call (517) 579-1881.
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.