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
Hartland and Fenton — two growing communities at the southern edge of Livingston County — are just minutes from Balance Foot and Ankle in Howell. Dr. Tom Biernacki is the local podiatric specialist for the Hartland-Fenton corridor, providing expert foot and ankle care to residents who want high-quality specialist treatment without leaving their community. From the Hartland Consolidated Schools athletic fields to Fenton’s active downtown, Dr. Biernacki serves patients of all ages and activity levels throughout this rapidly growing region.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Hartland Fenton Michigan Livingston County Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Local Podiatric Care for Southern Livingston County
Hartland and Fenton combine active suburban lifestyles with a strong youth sports culture. Dr. Biernacki treats Hartland High School and Fenton High School athletes regularly for ankle sprains, stress fractures, Sever’s disease, and sports-related overuse injuries. Adults in these communities present with the full range of foot conditions: plantar fasciitis from active recreational lifestyles, bunion deformity from years of narrow footwear, and the diabetic foot complications increasingly seen in Livingston County’s growing and aging population. Dr. Biernacki provides thorough, individualized care for every patient regardless of the complexity of their condition.
Hartland and Fenton’s Closest Foot Specialist
Hartland is approximately 10 minutes from the Balance Foot and Ankle office; Fenton is approximately 15-20 minutes via US-23 North or M-59. This proximity makes Dr. Biernacki genuinely local for southern Livingston County patients — not a distant specialist who requires hours of travel. Same-week appointments mean Hartland and Fenton patients get seen quickly rather than waiting months for metropolitan specialist availability.
Conditions Commonly Treated in Hartland and Fenton
Plantar fasciitis is the single most common condition from this corridor. Dr. Biernacki’s comprehensive approach — custom orthotics, stretching, shockwave therapy, and PRP injection — achieves lasting results for even longstanding heel pain. Bunion and hammertoe correction, including minimally invasive Lapiplasty, transforms quality of life for patients who have struggled with footwear and pain. Youth sports injuries — ankle sprains, Sever’s disease, tibial stress fractures, and shin splints — are a major part of the practice given the active school sports programs in both communities. Diabetic foot evaluations, wound care, and therapeutic footwear complete the spectrum of care offered.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Youth Soccer Ankle Brace Pair
⭐ Highly Rated
Low-profile lace-up ankle brace designed to fit in soccer cleats for youth and adult athletes. Dr. Biernacki’s recommendation for Hartland and Fenton athletes with ankle sprain history returning to sport.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended ankle braces for my Fenton soccer player after an ankle sprain and she finished the season without any further sprains.”
Youth and adult soccer, basketball, and field sport athletes with ankle sprain history needing lateral ankle protection that fits inside cleats and athletic footwear
Ankle braces reduce sprain risk but do not eliminate it — athletic conditioning, proprioception training, and appropriate playing surface management are also essential
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Superfeet Berry Women’s Insole
⭐ Highly Rated
Women’s specific insole with medium arch support and deep heel cup. Designed for active women in Hartland and Fenton who need biomechanical support in running and casual footwear.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist suggested Superfeet Berry insoles as a starting point before custom orthotics and they made a significant difference in my heel pain.”
Active women with mild to moderate arch pain and plantar fasciitis needing gender-specific insole support in running shoes and casual footwear
Women with significant biomechanical deformities, severe flat feet, or diabetic conditions require professional evaluation for custom orthotics rather than OTC solutions
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Heel Cups Sever Disease Pair
⭐ Highly Rated
Silicone heel cups for growing athletes with Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis). Dr. Biernacki’s first conservative treatment for Hartland and Fenton youth soccer and baseball players with heel pain.
Dr. Tom says: “My son had Sever’s disease heel pain every soccer season until our podiatrist prescribed these heel cups and Achilles stretches — completely resolved it.”
Growing youth athletes ages 8-15 with Sever’s disease needing heel cushioning and elevation to offload the calcaneal growth plate during sports seasons
Heel cups manage Sever’s disease symptoms but are most effective when combined with Achilles stretching, activity modification, and proper footwear — professional guidance recommended
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Just 10-20 minutes from Hartland and Fenton — truly local specialist care
- Expert youth sports injury management for Hartland and Fenton school athletes
- Same-week appointments without long metropolitan specialist delays
❌ Cons / Risks
- High demand from Livingston County means scheduling ahead is recommended for non-urgent conditions
- Hospital-based emergency care should use nearby Genesee County or Livingston County hospital facilities
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Hartland and Fenton are practically our backyard — I see families from these communities constantly. Youth sports injuries are a big part of what I do for this corridor. Sever’s disease, ankle sprains, shin splints in cross-country runners — I know the coaches, I understand the sports seasons, and I give kids a treatment plan that lets them finish their season rather than sitting on the bench. That matters a lot to families in these communities.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is Hartland Michigan to Balance Foot and Ankle?
Hartland is approximately 10 minutes from our Howell office. Fenton is 15-20 minutes via US-23 North. Dr. Biernacki is the local specialist for the entire southern Livingston County corridor.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat youth sports injuries for Hartland and Fenton athletes?
Yes. Youth sports injuries including Sever’s disease, ankle sprains, stress fractures, and shin splints are a major part of our practice for Hartland and Fenton’s active school sports communities.
What insurance does Balance Foot and Ankle accept for Livingston County patients?
All major Michigan insurance plans are accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Are same-week appointments available for Hartland and Fenton patients?
Yes. Same-week and often next-day appointments are available. Acute sports injuries and urgent concerns receive priority scheduling.
Can Dr. Biernacki provide clearance letters for returning to sport?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki provides return-to-sport documentation and communicates with schools, coaches, and athletic trainers as needed for Hartland and Fenton student athletes.
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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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.