Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — serves patients here. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
Quick answer: Podiatrist Hartland Michigan is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Hartland Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care for the Hartland Community
Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, provides comprehensive podiatric services to patients from Hartland Township, Milford, Holly, and the entire northern Livingston County region. Our Howell clinic is just a short drive down M-59 — easily accessible for Hartland residents who want expert foot care without traveling to a larger urban area.
Hartland patients come to us for everything from routine care (ingrown toenails, nail fungus, diabetic foot exams) to complex procedures (bunion surgery, flatfoot reconstruction, custom orthotics). We take pride in providing the same level of care you’d expect from a major medical center, with the convenience and personal attention of a local practice.
Dr. Tom Biernacki brings extensive training in biomechanics, foot and ankle surgery, and sports medicine — combined with genuine familiarity with the active outdoor lifestyle of Hartland’s community. If you’re a runner on the Highland Recreation Area trails, a hockey player at a local rink, or simply someone dealing with everyday heel pain, we have the expertise to help.
What Hartland Patients Can Expect
When you call Balance Foot & Ankle, you’ll typically be scheduled within the week — often sooner for acute injuries. Our office features on-site digital X-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and gait analysis capability, so we can often complete your evaluation and diagnosis in a single visit without sending you elsewhere for imaging.
We provide thorough explanations of your condition and all treatment options — surgical and non-surgical. Hartland patients tell us they appreciate that Dr. Tom doesn’t push toward expensive or invasive treatments when simpler options will work just as well.
Medicare and most major Michigan insurance plans are accepted. Our billing team will verify your specific benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises. Most covered services have only a standard copay.
Contact and Directions from Hartland
Our office is located at 3490 E. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843. From Hartland, take M-59 East approximately 8–10 minutes to Howell. Free parking, ground-level entry, and wheelchair accessibility at the office.
Book online 24/7 at MichiganFootDoctors.com or call (517) 545-0747. We look forward to serving the Hartland community.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Get started with arch support today while you schedule your appointment. PowerStep is what we most often recommend to Hartland patients for plantar fasciitis and arch pain.
Dr. Tom says: “Order PowerStep Pinnacle today — immediate delivery and ready to wear. Start conservative treatment before your appointment.”
Plantar fasciitis, flat feet, heel pain, arch support
Complex structural deformities — schedule your appointment first
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
⭐ Highly Rated
Home pain management while you prepare for your podiatric appointment. Doctor Hoy’s is safe for general foot and ankle soreness.
Dr. Tom says: “Doctor Hoy’s is what I recommend to patients managing foot pain at home. Effective, natural ingredients, no drug interactions.”
General foot and ankle pain, heel soreness, tendon discomfort
Open wounds or infections — call us for urgent care first
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Convenient to Hartland via M-59 — 8-10 minutes east
- Comprehensive podiatric care with on-site diagnostics
- Same-week appointments available
- Most major Michigan insurance accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- Office is in Howell — not physically in Hartland
- Patients requiring hospital procedures need to travel to a surgery center
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
We love serving patients from Hartland — the drive is short and the care you’ll receive is worth it. Don’t wait on foot pain. The sooner we see you, the simpler the treatment usually is. Book online or call us today.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Hartland?
Approximately 8–10 minutes east on M-59 from Hartland to our Howell office.
Does the Hartland-area podiatrist accept Priority Health?
Yes, we accept Priority Health as well as BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare.
Can I get same-day foot care near Hartland?
We often accommodate same-day or next-day appointments for acute injuries and urgent foot conditions. Call (517) 545-0747.
When Shoes Aren’t Enough — Dr. Tom’s Top 9 Orthotics
About 30% of patients I see for foot pain need MORE than a great shoe — they need a structured insole. Below: my complete 2026 orthotic ranking with pros, cons, and the specific patient I’d give each one to.
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.
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.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes so far. The fastest path is a 30-minute office visit. Same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402.
APMA: Podiatric Medicine — Services, Conditions & Patient Resources
Ready to Get Relief?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.