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.
Patients from Grand Haven, Michigan and Ottawa County choose Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle for comprehensive podiatric care. Dr. Biernacki is a board-certified podiatric surgeon with 4.9-star patient ratings and over 3,000 procedures performed.
Expert Foot Care for Ottawa County Patients
Grand Haven and Ottawa County patients travel to Balance Foot & Ankle for specialized care including bunion surgery, custom orthotics, plantar fasciitis treatment, Achilles tendon care, diabetic foot management, Morton’s neuroma treatment, and ankle stabilization. Our minimally invasive surgical techniques provide faster recovery than traditional approaches.
Active Lifestyle Foot Care
Grand Haven’s active outdoor community puts significant demands on feet and ankles — hiking, beach walking, cycling, and water sports all create unique foot care needs. Dr. Biernacki specializes in getting active patients back to their activities quickly, using evidence-based treatment protocols and sport-specific rehabilitation guidance.
Contact & Scheduling
Our Howell clinic is approximately 130-140 miles from Grand Haven. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online. Telehealth initial consultations are available to help Ottawa County patients decide if an in-person visit is needed before making the drive.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
CURREX RunPro Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
High-performance insoles for Grand Haven’s active outdoor community — ideal for hiking, running, and sport.
Dr. Tom says: “For active patients who demand performance from their footwear, CURREX insoles provide dynamic arch support that standard insoles simply can’t match.”
Running, hiking, active sports
Serious deformities requiring custom orthotics or surgery
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
FLAT SOCKS Shoe Liner
⭐ Highly Rated
Ultra-thin no-show liners perfect for boat shoes, loafers, and casual footwear — blister prevention without bulk.
Dr. Tom says: “Grand Haven’s beach and boat lifestyle means a lot of casual shoe wear. FLAT SOCKS give protection without the bulk — a great product for active summer feet.”
Casual shoe wear, summer footwear, blister prevention
Patients needing compression or full orthotic support
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Specializes in active and outdoor patient foot care
- Minimally invasive surgery for faster recovery
- Board-certified podiatric surgeon
- Telehealth option for initial Ottawa County consultations
- 4.9-star rating, 1,100+ reviews
❌ Cons / Risks
- 130+ mile drive from Grand Haven
- Surgical and orthotic cases require in-person visits
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Active patients from west Michigan are some of my favorite cases to work with — they’re motivated, they follow through on home exercise programs, and they want to get back to the activities they love as fast as possible. If you’re a runner, a hiker, or someone who just wants to walk the beach pain-free, let’s get your feet working right.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hiking cause plantar fasciitis?
Yes — hiking, especially on uneven terrain without proper footwear or arch support, is a common trigger for plantar fasciitis. Inadequate shoe cushioning, steep terrain, and prolonged time on feet all stress the plantar fascia. Proper hiking footwear and insoles significantly reduce this risk.
How do I know if I need custom orthotics or just better shoes?
Many patients do well with quality OTC insoles and proper footwear. Custom orthotics are recommended when: you have a specific biomechanical abnormality (significant pronation, supination, or leg length difference), you’ve failed to improve with OTC insoles after 4-6 weeks, or when your foot condition is directly caused by your foot structure (like plantar fasciitis from flat feet). Dr. Biernacki will help you determine which is appropriate.
What shoes are best for beach and sand walking?
For casual beach walking, supportive sandals with arch support (Birkenstock-style or OrthoFeet) are recommended. Avoid completely flat flip-flops for extended walking. For active beach and trail activities, properly fitted athletic shoes with arch support and cushioning are essential.
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.
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.