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.
Patients from Hazel Park, Michigan choose Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle for comprehensive podiatric care. Our Bloomfield Hills clinic is just 10-15 minutes from Hazel Park — making us one of the closest specialty podiatry practices for Oakland County residents near I-75.
Foot Care for Hazel Park & Oakland County
Hazel Park patients see Dr. Biernacki for plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, bunion correction, hammertoe surgery, Morton’s neuroma, diabetic foot care, custom orthotics, ingrown toenails, and ankle stabilization. With 3,000+ procedures and a 4.9-star rating, Dr. Biernacki provides expert podiatric care for all foot and ankle conditions.
Schedule Today
Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week appointments. From Hazel Park, take John R Road north or I-75 to our Bloomfield Hills location — approximately 10-15 minutes. We accept most major Michigan insurance plans.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Top-rated arch support insoles for Hazel Park patients managing heel and foot pain.
Dr. Tom says: “PowerStep is my go-to OTC recommendation for most foot pain starting points — excellent support, widely available, and proven effective.”
Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, arch support
Complex deformities needing custom orthotics or surgery
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
⭐ Highly Rated
Fast-acting natural topical pain relief for daily foot and ankle discomfort.
Dr. Tom says: “Doctor Hoy’s is my daily pain management recommendation between clinic visits — natural, fast, and effective for foot and ankle soreness.”
Daily pain management, post-activity soreness
Conditions requiring surgical evaluation
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 10-15 minute drive from Hazel Park
- Board-certified podiatric surgeon
- 4.9-star rating, 1,100+ reviews
- Same-week appointments
- Accepts most major Michigan insurance
❌ Cons / Risks
- Short drive to Bloomfield Hills required
- Advance booking recommended for complex surgery
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Hazel Park is right near our Bloomfield Hills clinic — patients from this community are some of our most frequent visitors because the drive is so easy. If you’re dealing with foot pain and want expert care without a long commute, we’re just a few minutes up the road.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is your clinic to Hazel Park?
Our Bloomfield Hills clinic is approximately 8-12 miles north of Hazel Park via I-75 North or John R Road — about a 10-15 minute drive.
What is the most effective treatment for ingrown toenails?
Recurrent ingrown toenails are best treated with a permanent procedure called chemical matrixectomy — the offending nail border is removed and the nail growth matrix is chemically destroyed to prevent the nail from growing into the skin edge. This is a quick, in-office procedure under local anesthesia with a 95%+ permanent cure rate. Recovery is straightforward with minimal downtime.
Can flat feet cause knee and back pain?
Yes — flat feet (excessive pronation) cause a chain reaction that can affect the knee, hip, and lower back. Overpronation causes internal tibial rotation, which stresses the knee joint and can cause IT band syndrome, patellofemoral pain, and even hip pain. Custom orthotics that correct flat feet often provide significant knee and back pain relief in appropriate patients.
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.
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.