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
Patients from Holland, Zeeland, Grand Haven, Saugatuck, and Ottawa County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for expert foot and ankle care. Whether you’re an active Holland resident dealing with a running injury, a Zeeland professional with chronic heel pain, or an Ottawa County senior seeking diabetic foot care, Dr. Biernacki offers same-week appointments and the full scope of podiatric treatment — from custom orthotics to complex reconstructive surgery.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Holland Zeeland Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot & Ankle Conditions Treated
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain: Michigan’s most common foot complaint — especially prevalent in Holland’s active outdoor community. Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and targeted stretching protocols. Ankle Sprains & Ligament Injuries: From acute lateral ankle sprains to chronic instability requiring Broström ligament repair. Bunion Surgery: Lapidus fusion and Lapiplasty for moderate-to-severe bunion deformity — minimal-incision options for mild cases. Ingrown Toenails: Permanent matrixectomy in-office — eliminates recurrence in a single visit. Achilles Tendon: Conservative eccentric loading programs and surgical repair for ruptures. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual exams, neuropathy assessment, wound care, and prevention for Ottawa County’s diabetic population.
Serving Ottawa County and West Michigan
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Holland (I-196 east to US-131 north), Zeeland (I-196 east), Grand Haven (US-31 south to I-196 east), and Saugatuck/Douglas (I-196 east). Most major Michigan insurance plans are accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, and Medicare. Telemedicine consultations available for West Michigan patients to assess whether the drive is warranted.
Book Your Appointment
New patients from Holland and Zeeland typically receive appointments within 3–5 business days. Dr. Biernacki personally performs all evaluations — 45-minute initial consultations for surgical candidates. Call (810) 220-5551 or book online 24/7 at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Brooks Ghost 16 Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Neutral cushioned running shoe — one of the most widely recommended shoes for plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and everyday running. Excellent for Holland’s active running community.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended the Brooks Ghost and it was the first shoe in years that didn’t cause heel pain on my morning runs.”
Neutral running, plantar fasciitis, everyday training, heel pain prevention
Not ideal for moderate-to-severe overpronators — consider stability shoe
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Powerstep Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Full-length arch support orthotic with dual-layer cushioning — top OTC insole for plantar fasciitis and arch pain. Excellent for Holland and Zeeland patients managing heel pain conservatively.
Dr. Tom says: “These made such a difference in my work shoes — heel pain went from constant to almost nothing within a week.”
Plantar fasciitis, arch pain, heel spur, daily OTC orthotic support
Custom orthotics from Dr. Biernacki provide superior correction for moderate-severe cases
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Fellowship-trained surgical expertise — not always available in West Michigan
- Same-week appointments for Holland and Zeeland new patients
- All major Michigan insurance plans including BCBS accepted
- Telemedicine option available before making the drive from Ottawa County
❌ Cons / Risks
- 1.5–2 hour drive from Holland — telemedicine first recommended
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers, not in-office
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
West Michigan sends us patients who’ve often been managing foot pain for a long time because specialist access is limited on that side of the state. Whether it’s a complicated bunion, chronic ankle instability, or heel pain that hasn’t responded to treatment elsewhere, we take a fresh look and usually find a path forward. The drive is worth it when you leave with real answers.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Holland Michigan insurance plans?
Yes — we accept most major Michigan plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and HMO, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Ottawa County plans are generally accepted. Call to verify your specific plan before scheduling.
Is telemedicine available for Holland and Zeeland patients?
Yes — we offer telemedicine consultations to help West Michigan patients assess their condition before making the drive. You can upload photos, review MRI or X-ray images with Dr. Biernacki, and get a preliminary treatment discussion remotely. Many consultations can be handled via telemedicine; in-person visits are scheduled when examination or injection is required.
How long is the drive from Holland to Balance Foot & Ankle?
Approximately 1.5–2 hours via I-196 east to US-23 south. We recommend scheduling your appointment for a time that allows a comfortable drive. Telemedicine pre-screening helps ensure your in-person visit is focused and productive.
What foot problems are most common in the Holland area?
We see a high volume of plantar fasciitis in active Holland residents who spend time hiking, running, and on their feet in busy jobs. Ankle sprains from sports and outdoor activities are also common. Diabetic foot care needs are significant in the Ottawa County senior population.
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.
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.
Find a Board-Certified Podiatrist (American Podiatric Medical Association)
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 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.