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
Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores are among southeast Michigan’s most distinctive lakefront communities—affluent, historically significant neighborhoods along Lake St. Clair’s western shore where residents maintain active lifestyles, high professional standards, and strong expectations for quality healthcare. Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell, Michigan offers east-side Michigan patients a genuinely alternative option to large health system podiatry—private practice expertise with Dr. Biernacki personally involved in every patient’s care.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Grosse Pointe St Clair Shores Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores
From Grosse Pointe, the drive to Howell is approximately 55–65 minutes via I-94 West to I-96 West to M-59—a longer commute than patients from western Wayne County, but one that many east-side Michigan patients undertake when seeking private practice specialist care that isn’t readily available in their immediate area. From St. Clair Shores and Harrison Township, the route via I-94 West is similarly 55–65 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
For patients from Grosse Pointe and the Lakeshore communities who want a preliminary evaluation, Dr. Biernacki offers telehealth initial consultations—available 24/7 at MichiganFootDoctors.com. This allows an initial assessment of the condition, triage of urgency, and a treatment strategy discussion before the patient commits to the drive west to Howell.
The Active Lifestyle Demands of Grosse Pointe and Lakeshore Communities
Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores are communities with high rates of active recreation: sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on Lake St. Clair; tennis at the Grosse Pointe clubs; running in the lake-side parks; golf; and cycling on the Lakeshore Road path. This active population generates substantial sports podiatry needs:
Running injuries including plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and peroneal tendinopathy are common in the active adult population. Grosse Pointe’s waterfront running routes and the Macomb Orchard Trail attract dedicated runners who need sport-specific rehabilitation and return-to-run protocols.
Golf-related foot and ankle conditions—first metatarsophalangeal joint sprains (turf toe), bunion aggravation from golf shoes, and ankle instability on uneven course terrain—are presentations Dr. Biernacki addresses with sport-specific management plans.
Dress footwear-related conditions in the professional and social context of Grosse Pointe’s active social calendar. Bunions aggravated by narrow dress shoes, metatarsalgia from high heels, and Morton’s neuroma from pointed-toe footwear are conditions that affect the active professional demographic of these communities.
Comprehensive Podiatric Services at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Biernacki provides the full spectrum of podiatric care for Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores patients:
Bunion and hammertoe correction: Minimally invasive and Lapiplasty 3D surgical options tailored to each patient’s deformity severity and recovery goals. Patients with social and professional commitments appreciate minimally invasive approaches that allow return to regular shoes faster.
Ankle instability and sports injuries: Lateral ankle reconstruction (Broström-Gould), peroneal tendon repair, and return-to-sport rehabilitation for active Grosse Pointe and Lakeshore patients.
Custom orthotics and biomechanical assessment: Precision orthotic fabrication for runners, golfers, and professionals seeking to optimize foot function in athletic and dress footwear.
Diabetic foot care: Comprehensive preventive care for patients managing diabetes with peripheral neuropathy—nail management, callus care, wound treatment, and education on daily foot monitoring. Detroit’s east side communities have diabetes rates consistent with the broader metropolitan area, making this an important service for east-side Michigan patients.
To schedule, Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores patients can book online at MichiganFootDoctors.com (available 24/7) or call (517) 579-1881. Most patients are seen within 1–2 weeks. Telehealth initial consultations are available for east-side patients who prefer to start with a video visit before driving to Howell.
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Professionals and social-active patients needing support in dress and golf shoes
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Gel metatarsal pads for forefoot pain relief in high heels and dress shoes—redistributes pressure away from painful ball of foot.
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Altra Torin 7 Wide Toe Box Running Shoes
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Zero-drop, foot-shaped running shoes for Grosse Pointe waterfront runners—allows natural toe splay and reduces forefoot loading.
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Runners with bunions, metatarsalgia, or forefoot conditions needing more toe-box room
Runners who need significant heel-to-toe drop for Achilles or plantar fascia management
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✅ Pros / Benefits
- Telehealth initial consultations available for east-side Michigan patients before making the drive to Howell
- Dr. Biernacki personally handles every patient visit—no mid-level substitutions for follow-up care
- Specializes in conditions common to active, professional demographics of Grosse Pointe and Lakeshore communities
❌ Cons / Risks
- 55–65 minute drive from Grosse Pointe is the longest commute of any Wayne County community we serve
- East-side Michigan patients have local podiatric options closer to home—Balance Foot & Ankle offers private practice expertise as an alternative
- Multiple visit surgical cases require multiple drives west for east-side patients
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
I appreciate every patient who makes the drive from the east side of metro Detroit to see us in Howell—it tells me they’ve made a deliberate decision that they want something different from what they’ve been getting locally. Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores patients tend to be well-researched, engaged in their healthcare decisions, and clear about what they want from treatment. I enjoy that clinical dynamic. For conditions like bunions, ankle instability, and sports injuries, the results we achieve with modern surgical and conservative techniques are worth the commute many times over. And for patients who want to start with a telehealth visit before driving out, that’s always an option.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Grosse Pointe, Michigan?
Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell is approximately 55–65 minutes from Grosse Pointe via I-94 West to I-96 West to M-59, depending on traffic. Dr. Biernacki offers telehealth initial consultations for east-side patients who want to assess their condition before making the drive.
Does Dr. Biernacki see patients from St. Clair Shores?
Yes—Dr. Biernacki welcomes patients from St. Clair Shores, Harrison Township, Clinton Township, and the broader east-side Macomb and Wayne County communities. The drive from St. Clair Shores to Howell is approximately 55–65 minutes via I-94 West.
What insurance plans are accepted for Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores patients?
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, and Medicaid. Call (517) 579-1881 to verify your specific plan before scheduling.
Can I start with a telehealth visit from Grosse Pointe before driving to Howell?
Yes—Dr. Biernacki offers telehealth initial consultations for patients from Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, and other east-side Michigan communities. This allows a preliminary assessment and treatment discussion before the in-person drive. Schedule at MichiganFootDoctors.com.
What foot and ankle conditions does Dr. Biernacki specialize in for active patients?
Dr. Biernacki has fellowship-level expertise in foot and ankle surgery and provides comprehensive care for sports injuries, bunions, hammertoes, ankle instability, tendon injuries, heel pain, and complex reconstructive conditions. He works with runners, golfers, tennis players, and active professionals on return-to-sport protocols tailored to each patient’s activity goals.
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.
What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
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.
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores. You can call or book online directly. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, Priority Health, and United Healthcare. We treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Our board-certified DPM provides both conservative and surgical care. Same-week and urgent appointments are available for residents of the Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores area.
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.