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
Residents of Grand Haven, Muskegon, Norton Shores, Spring Lake, and the West Michigan lakeshore have access to fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgical expertise at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC with Dr. Tom Biernacki. The active lakeshore lifestyle — beach walking, water sports, cycling, running on the dunes — creates a distinct pattern of foot and ankle conditions we are well-equipped to treat. Telemedicine consultations are available to initiate care before the drive.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Grand Haven Muskegon Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Conditions We Treat for West Michigan Lakeshore Patients
Plantar Fasciitis: Sand walking and beach activities are actually excellent for foot health but can aggravate existing fasciitis. Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and structured protocols resolve most cases. Ankle Sprains & Instability: Uneven terrain, dune activities, and water sports create significant ankle sprain risk. Broström repair for chronic instability. Stress Fractures: Running and high-impact activities — metatarsal and navicular stress fractures evaluated with MRI. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual exams and wound management. Bunions & Hammertoes: Full range from conservative to surgical correction. Fungal Toenails: Common in aquatic and beach environments — oral prescription antifungal.
Telemedicine First for West Michigan Patients
For Grand Haven and Muskegon patients, a telemedicine consultation is the ideal first step — Dr. Biernacki can review imaging, prescribe orthotics, manage fungal nails, and plan surgical consultations remotely, minimizing the number of trips required. When in-person evaluation is needed, we schedule efficiently to make the trip worthwhile. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from West Michigan
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Grand Haven (US-31 south to I-96 east, approximately 1 hour), Muskegon (US-31 south to I-96 east, approximately 55 minutes), and Norton Shores (similar route). Michigan insurance accepted including Blue Cross, Priority Health, Aetna, and Medicare.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Superfeet BLUE Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Medium-arch semi-rigid orthotic — excellent for beach and athletic footwear. A top OTC orthotic for plantar fasciitis management for active West Michigan patients.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended these while I was waiting for custom orthotics and they significantly helped my heel pain on my daily beach walks.”
Plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, medium-arch support, athletic and casual footwear
Custom orthotics provide superior correction for complex biomechanical problems
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Crocs Classic Clog
⭐ Highly Rated
The podiatrist-approved water sandal — excellent arch support and cushioning for beach environments. Reduces plantar fascia strain compared to flat flip-flops for lakeshore activities.
Dr. Tom says: “My foot doctor specifically said Crocs are much better for my plantar fasciitis than flip-flops at the beach.”
Beach and water activities, plantar fasciitis, better than flat flip-flops, post-surgical footwear
Not a substitute for custom orthotics — for light activity and beach use
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Telemedicine available for initial evaluation — minimizes trips for West Michigan patients
- Fellowship-trained expertise for complex ankle and reconstructive surgery
- Understands active lakeshore lifestyle demands — beach, running, water sports
- Michigan insurance including Blue Cross and Medicare accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 55-70 minute drive from Grand Haven/Muskegon for in-person care
- In-person evaluation required for injections, casting, and surgical procedures
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
West Michigan lakeshore patients are some of my most active patients — they walk the beach, run the dunes, kayak, and stay active year-round. The telemedicine platform lets me start their care without requiring a 60-minute drive for something I can manage remotely. When they do come in for surgery or injection, we’ve already done all the preliminary work so the visit is highly productive.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Grand Haven patients use telemedicine for foot care?
Yes — telemedicine is the ideal starting point for Grand Haven and Muskegon patients. Dr. Biernacki can review X-rays and MRI images, prescribe orthotics, manage fungal toenails, and provide treatment guidance via secure video visit. When physical examination or injection is needed, one efficient in-person visit is scheduled.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat beach/sand-related foot injuries?
Yes — we see plantar fasciitis, metatarsal stress fractures, and ankle sprains associated with beach walking, running on soft sand, and dune activities. Barefoot beach walking in moderation is beneficial for foot health; chronic plantar fasciitis patients should wear supportive footwear even on the beach.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept West Michigan insurance plans?
Yes — we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Medicare. Most major West Michigan commercial plans are accepted. Call to verify your specific plan before scheduling.
Is there a closer podiatrist option for Muskegon patients?
We encourage Grand Haven and Muskegon patients to start with telemedicine, which handles a large portion of care remotely. For surgical expertise and complex reconstructive cases, Dr. Biernacki’s fellowship training is worth the drive. Call (810) 220-5551 to discuss your situation and determine the best approach.
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.
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Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
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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.