Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer: Balance Foot & Ankle provides expert podiatric care to Grand Rapids, Michigan and Kent County patients from Dr. Tom Biernacki. Grand Rapids residents receive comprehensive treatment for plantar fasciitis, bunions, diabetic foot complications, nail disorders, ankle instability, and sports injuries — with most major Michigan insurance plans accepted and convenient scheduling for Grand Rapids-area patients.
Podiatric Care for Grand Rapids, Michigan Patients
Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city and a thriving, diverse metropolitan center. While Grand Rapids has excellent local healthcare resources, Balance Foot & Ankle with Dr. Tom Biernacki provides specialized podiatric care that Grand Rapids patients seek when they want the focused expertise of a foot and ankle specialist combined with a personalized patient experience. Our southeast Michigan practice is accessible from Grand Rapids via I-96, approximately 45–60 minutes away.
Conditions We Treat for Grand Rapids Patients
Grand Rapids patients present with the full spectrum of podiatric conditions. Plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, ankle instability, diabetic foot complications, ingrown toenails, and sports-related injuries are the most common presentations. Grand Rapids’ vibrant running community — including the Fifth Third River Bank Run participants and local trail running groups — contributes a significant sports medicine caseload. Dr. Biernacki also treats complex reconstructive cases referred from the Grand Rapids area when patients seek additional surgical expertise.
Why Grand Rapids Patients Make the Drive
Grand Rapids patients who choose Balance Foot & Ankle typically do so after researching Dr. Biernacki’s YouTube content or reading patient reviews from the southeast Michigan community. They appreciate the comprehensive biomechanical evaluation, advanced imaging protocols, and the level of surgical expertise available at our practice — combined with unhurried appointments and a physician who explains everything clearly and honestly.
Custom Orthotics and Advanced Conservative Care
Custom prescription orthotics, regenerative medicine options, advanced injection therapy, and comprehensive physical therapy coordination are all available for Grand Rapids patients. Dr. Biernacki exhausts conservative options before surgical recommendations — Grand Rapids patients can trust that surgery will only be recommended when it is truly the best option for their specific condition and lifestyle.
Schedule Your Grand Rapids Appointment
Call (734) 479-0710 or book online. Grand Rapids and Kent County patients are welcome at Balance Foot & Ankle. Many Grand Rapids patients combine their appointment with a day trip to southeast Michigan. We accept most major Michigan insurance plans and offer early morning appointments to accommodate the drive.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Hoka Bondi 8 Maximum Cushion Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Maximum cushion running shoe with rocker sole — a podiatrist-approved daily shoe for Grand Rapids runners managing plantar fasciitis or recovering from foot pain.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended Hoka Bondi for my plantar fasciitis — the rocker sole and maximum cushion have been fantastic.” — Grand Rapids runner”
Grand Rapids runners and walkers looking for maximum daily cushioning during plantar fasciitis or heel pain recovery
Those with significant overpronation who need a stability or motion control shoe rather than a neutral maximum cushion trainer
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Bauerfeind MalleoTrain Ankle Support
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Medical-grade knit ankle support with anatomical malleoli pads — provides compression, proprioceptive feedback, and swelling control for Grand Rapids patients recovering from ankle sprains.
Dr. Tom says: “”Best ankle brace I’ve used — provides excellent compression and proprioceptive support without restricting my movement.” — Grand Rapids athlete”
Grand Rapids athletes recovering from ankle sprains who need graduated compression and proprioceptive support
Those with chronic mechanical ankle instability requiring a rigid functional brace or Brostrom surgery
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Serving Grand Rapids and Kent County patients via I-96
- Complex reconstructive surgical expertise sought by Grand Rapids referrals
- Advanced conservative care options including regenerative medicine
- Most major Michigan insurance plans accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 45–60 minute drive from Grand Rapids via I-96
- Grand Rapids patients should book well in advance for complex consultations
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Grand Rapids patients who find us through YouTube or referrals are among my most engaged — they’ve done their research and they want a specific level of expertise. I take that seriously. Whether it’s a complex flatfoot reconstruction or a runner with chronic plantar fasciitis who’s tried everything, Grand Rapids patients get my full attention and my best thinking. The drive is worth it.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Grand Rapids, MI?
Grand Rapids is approximately 45–60 minutes from our southeast Michigan office via I-96 eastbound. We offer early morning appointments to accommodate the drive for Grand Rapids patients.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Kent County insurance?
Yes — we accept most major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Please call to confirm your specific plan is in-network.
Can I get a second opinion from Dr. Biernacki as a Grand Rapids patient?
Absolutely — Dr. Biernacki regularly provides second opinions for Grand Rapids and West Michigan patients considering complex foot or ankle surgery. Bring your prior imaging and surgical recommendations to the appointment.
Does Dr. Biernacki do complex foot reconstruction for Grand Rapids patients?
Yes — Dr. Biernacki performs the full range of complex foot and ankle reconstruction including flatfoot reconstruction, cavus foot surgery, ankle joint replacement, and complex trauma reconstruction for patients from throughout Michigan including Grand Rapids and West Michigan.
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 →
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.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)