Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer: Balance Foot & Ankle serves West Michigan patients from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and surrounding communities. Our Howell, MI location is approximately 60–75 minutes from Grand Rapids via I-96 East. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive podiatric care including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ankle injuries, diabetic foot care, and custom orthotics. Call (517) 579-FOOT for an appointment.
Foot & Ankle Care for Grand Rapids & West Michigan
Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan community represent one of Michigan’s most vibrant and growing regions. Active outdoor lifestyles, a thriving healthcare and business economy, and sports-oriented communities create significant foot and ankle care needs. Balance Foot & Ankle serves West Michigan patients who seek subspecialty podiatric expertise that may not be available locally or where there are extended wait times.
Dr. Tom Biernacki provides the full spectrum of foot and ankle care — from conservative management of plantar fasciitis to complex reconstructive surgery. Grand Rapids area patients who make the approximately 60–75 minute drive via I-96 East receive specialist-level care with a personalized practice’s individual attention.
Why West Michigan Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle
West Michigan patients seek out Dr. Biernacki for several reasons. Many are looking for second opinions on recommended surgeries. Some want access to specific procedures — like MICA minimally invasive bunionectomy or Lapidus bunionectomy — not readily available locally. Others have complex conditions like Charcot foot, total ankle replacement candidacy, or chronic ankle instability that benefit from subspecialty evaluation. And some simply prefer the personalized care model of a dedicated foot and ankle specialist practice over large hospital system podiatry clinics.
Conditions Commonly Treated for West Michigan Patients
Bunion correction — Grand Rapids patients seeking minimally invasive MICA bunionectomy or Lapidus bunionectomy find these modern procedures available at Balance Foot & Ankle. MICA surgery through tiny percutaneous incisions means faster recovery and earlier return to Michigan’s active outdoor lifestyle.
Total ankle replacement consultation — West Michigan patients with end-stage ankle arthritis seeking TAR candidacy evaluation benefit from Dr. Biernacki’s experience with ankle replacement and fusion decision-making. A detailed second opinion consultation with fresh weight-bearing X-rays and clinical evaluation helps patients make well-informed decisions about major ankle surgery.
Chronic ankle instability — West Michigan outdoor athletes with recurrent ankle sprains and chronic instability find comprehensive evaluation and Broström-Gould surgical stabilization when indicated.
Complex foot deformity — flatfoot reconstruction, Charcot foot management, forefoot reconstruction for rheumatoid arthritis, and other complex conditions benefit from subspecialty evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Diabetic foot care — West Michigan diabetic patients with complex wound care needs, Charcot foot risk, or advanced neuropathy receive comprehensive diabetic foot management.
Serving West Michigan via I-96
Grand Rapids to Howell is approximately 60–75 minutes via I-96 East — a manageable drive for specialized consultations, second opinions, or procedures with extended recovery that keep patients local post-operatively. We welcome patients from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Holland, Muskegon, and across West Michigan.
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, HAP, McLaren, and Medicare. Call (517) 579-FOOT to schedule your West Michigan consultation.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Brooks Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Consistently top-rated neutral daily trainer — recommended for Grand Rapids and West Michigan runners seeking reliable cushioning and smooth transitions for high-mileage training.
Dr. Tom says: “Best neutral daily trainer for West Michigan runners”
Neutral gait runners with moderate heel and midfoot strike
Not for significant overpronators requiring stability shoe
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
PowerStep Pulse Performance Running Insole
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Dual-layer foam and semi-rigid arch plate for West Michigan runners who need responsive arch support and forefoot cushioning during high-mileage training.
Dr. Tom says: “Best performance insole for high-mileage runners”
West Michigan runners with mild arch pain and high mileage
Custom orthotics preferred for significant biomechanical issues
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Medical-grade lateral ankle stabilization brace — recommended for Grand Rapids area outdoor athletes managing chronic ankle instability during return to trail running, hiking, and sport.
Dr. Tom says: “Best ankle brace for chronic instability in outdoor athletes”
West Michigan hikers and trail runners with chronic ankle instability
Does not correct structural ligament laxity — surgery may be needed for severe cases
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Subspecialty-level bunion, ankle, and complex foot surgery expertise for West Michigan patients
- Second opinion consultation services for Grand Rapids patients considering major foot surgery
- MICA minimally invasive bunionectomy and Lapidus bunionectomy both available
- Major Michigan insurance accepted; accessible via I-96 East in 60–75 minutes
❌ Cons / Risks
- Drive from Grand Rapids to Howell is approximately 60–75 minutes via I-96 East
- Post-operative follow-up visits require return trips to Howell
- Some West Michigan insurance plans may require in-network referral verification
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
I see a meaningful number of West Michigan patients who’ve done their research and want a specific type of care they can’t access locally — whether it’s MICA bunion surgery, a second opinion on recommended ankle replacement, or a fresh look at a complex problem. The drive on I-96 is straightforward and I think most patients find the visit worth it. We do our best to provide West Michigan patients with the same thorough, personalized care our local patients receive.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Grand Rapids patients come to Balance Foot & Ankle?
West Michigan patients typically seek out our practice for second opinions on recommended surgeries, access to specific minimally invasive procedures not available locally, complex condition subspecialty evaluation (Charcot foot, total ankle replacement candidacy), or simply for the personalized care model of a dedicated foot and ankle specialty practice.
Is the drive from Grand Rapids worth it for bunion surgery?
Many West Michigan patients find it worthwhile — particularly for MICA minimally invasive bunionectomy or Lapidus bunionectomy, which may not be offered by all local providers. These procedures provide excellent correction with faster recovery than traditional techniques. We’re happy to provide a consultation so you can decide if our approach is right for you.
Can I get a second opinion at Balance Foot & Ankle?
Absolutely — second opinion consultations are welcomed. We perform a fresh examination, review existing imaging (or take new weight-bearing X-rays in-office), and provide our independent assessment. Second opinions are particularly valuable before major foot or ankle surgery decisions.
Do you accept West Michigan insurance plans?
We accept most major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, McLaren, and Medicare. Coverage for West Michigan patients is typically the same as for our local patients. Call (517) 579-FOOT and our team will verify your plan.
What is the recovery from MICA bunion surgery?
MICA (Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin) bunionectomy uses small percutaneous incisions with fluoroscopic guidance. Recovery involves immediate weight-bearing in a surgical shoe, transition to regular shoes by 6–8 weeks, and return to full activity by 3–4 months. The faster recovery makes the drive to Howell very practical — most post-operative visits are brief and spaced at 2, 6, and 12 weeks.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
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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)