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
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Howard City Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatrist Serving Howard City, Michigan & Montcalm County
Howard City is a community in Montcalm County along the US-131 corridor in west-central Michigan, serving as a gateway community between Grand Rapids to the south and the northern Lower Peninsula. Residents of Howard City and the surrounding Montcalm County communities — including Morley, Sand Lake, Lakeview, and Stanton — often travel to Grand Rapids or Greenville for specialty healthcare. For subspecialty podiatric care, Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC led by Dr. Tom Biernacki provides expert foot and ankle services for the Montcalm County community.
About Balance Foot & Ankle
Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC is a Michigan podiatric surgical practice exclusively focused on foot and ankle medicine. Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-qualified podiatric physician and surgeon with fellowship-level training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, diabetic limb preservation, sports medicine, and minimally invasive techniques. His patient-centered practice philosophy ensures thorough conservative care is offered before surgical intervention is ever recommended.
Conditions Treated for Howard City & Montcalm County Patients
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis — the most common cause of adult heel pain — produces stabbing first-step morning discomfort from inflammation of the fascial band along the bottom of the foot. Custom foot orthotics, targeted stretching, and ultrasound-guided injection therapy resolve symptoms in the large majority of patients. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy provides relief for the small percentage who fail comprehensive conservative management.
Bunion Surgery
Bunion deformities progressively worsen and ultimately require surgical correction when conservative measures no longer control pain and function. Dr. Biernacki performs modern bunion correction including the Lapiplasty 3D procedure — addressing the root deformity at the first tarsometatarsal joint for more durable correction than traditional osteotomies. Most patients are in regular shoes within 6–8 weeks.
Ankle Sprains & Instability
Chronic ankle instability from inadequately healed sprains — recurrent rolling, giving way, and persistent lateral pain — is definitively treated with Broström-Gould lateral ankle ligament reconstruction. This outpatient procedure restores native ligament anatomy and provides durable stability for full return to activity.
Diabetic Foot Care
Proactive diabetic podiatric care is the most powerful preventive intervention against lower limb amputation. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive diabetic foot services — neuropathy evaluation, callus debridement, wound care, diabetic shoe prescription, and limb salvage surgery — for Howard City-area diabetic patients.
Ingrown Toenails & Nail Disorders
Permanent ingrown toenail correction with phenol matrixectomy is performed in-office in a single 15–20 minute visit under local anesthesia. Recurrence rate is under 5%.
The US-131 Corridor: Access from Howard City to Specialist Care
Howard City’s position on US-131 makes Balance Foot & Ankle accessible via a straightforward highway drive south to I-96 east toward Howell — approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. This is one of the shorter drives among our west-central Michigan patients, making Howard City an ideal community for access to subspecialty podiatric care. Telehealth consultations are also available for initial evaluations. Call (517) 548-3457 to schedule.
Why Choose Balance Foot & Ankle?
Podiatric physicians complete a specialized 7-year training pathway focused exclusively on foot and ankle medicine — producing diagnostic accuracy and surgical expertise that generalists and orthopedic surgeons cannot replicate for foot-specific conditions. For Howard City-area patients with complex foot and ankle problems, subspecialty care is the most efficient path to accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and lasting results.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Podiatrist-recommended OTC arch support insoles with 4-way stretch nylon top cloth and patented Spenco material for cushioning and arch support. Widely used by patients managing plantar fasciitis during the period before custom orthotics are fabricated.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended these as a bridge while waiting for my custom orthotics. They made my heel pain manageable at work.””
Plantar fasciitis conservative management and daily arch support
Custom orthotics provide superior biomechanical control — OTC insoles are a starting measure for mild cases
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Orthotics
⭐ Highly Rated
Targeted plantar fasciitis relief orthotics with reinforced arch spring and heel cushioning. Specifically designed to address the biomechanical stress pattern of plantar fasciitis — available in men’s and women’s versions.
Dr. Tom says: “”Best OTC insole I’ve tried for my plantar fasciitis. Good enough to use in my casual and work shoes while managing my heel pain.””
Plantar fasciitis first-line conservative insole management
Not designed for severe deformity, significant hyperpronation, or post-surgical use — custom orthotics recommended in those cases
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 1.5–1.75 hour drive from Howard City — shorter than most west-central Michigan patients
- Subspecialty foot and ankle expertise for conditions requiring more than general practice management
- Telehealth initial consultations available
- Same-week appointments for new patients
❌ Cons / Risks
- In-person visits still require a planned half-day including travel
- Multiple post-surgical follow-up visits needed over weeks to months
- Local PT arrangements needed for rehabilitation phases
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Howard City patients have an advantage — you’re on US-131, which is a direct route to our practice. I encourage Montcalm County patients to come in before their foot problem gets worse. Whether it’s a bunion that’s been bothering you for years or a diabetic wound that appeared recently, earlier treatment almost always means better outcomes and simpler solutions.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Howard City from Balance Foot & Ankle?
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes via US-131 south to I-96 east to our Howell-area location. This is one of the more accessible drives for west-central Michigan patients.
Are telehealth visits available for Howard City patients?
Yes — telehealth consultations are available for new patients wanting expert guidance before committing to the in-person drive. Call (517) 548-3457 or schedule online.
What insurance is accepted?
Most major Michigan insurance plans including BCBSM, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid/Healthy Michigan. Verify your coverage by calling (517) 548-3457.
Can I bring imaging from a local hospital or urgent care?
Yes — please bring any X-rays, MRI, or CT studies on CD or digital link. This eliminates duplicate imaging and allows more productive use of your first visit time.
What foot problems are too minor to travel for?
Simple acute problems — uncomplicated ankle sprains, new ingrown toenails, small blisters — may be appropriate to manage locally first. However, any problem that has persisted for more than 4–6 weeks, caused significant disability, or involves infection or vascular compromise warrants specialist evaluation.
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. Whether 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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Howard City. 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 Howard City area.
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.