Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI Last reviewed: May 2026
MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT
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.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what podiatrist howell michigan livingston county balance foot ankle means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Dr. Tom Biernacki welcomes Howell Michigan and Livingston County patients to Balance Foot & Ankle for expert foot and ankle care.
Expert Foot Care for Howell and Livingston County
Howell is the county seat of Livingston County — a rapidly growing community with active residents who demand quality healthcare close to home. Balance Foot & Ankle with Dr. Tom Biernacki provides advanced podiatric care to Howell, Brighton, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Cohoctah Township, and surrounding Livingston County communities. Our southeast Michigan practice delivers specialist-level foot and ankle care with the personalized service that sets us apart from large hospital systems.
Conditions Treated for Howell and Livingston County Patients
Howell patients come to Dr. Biernacki with the full range of podiatric conditions. Heel pain and plantar fasciitis are among the most common concerns, along with bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal nails, ankle sprains, flat feet, diabetic foot complications, and sports-related overuse injuries. Livingston County’s active, outdoors-oriented population also presents with trail running injuries, hiking-related foot problems, and conditions related to the county’s significant equestrian community.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Excellence
Dr. Biernacki exhausts conservative options before recommending surgery — custom orthotics, physical therapy, regenerative medicine, injection therapy, and advanced bracing are all part of our toolkit. When surgery is appropriate, Dr. Biernacki performs minimally invasive bunion correction, hammertoe repair, tendon surgery, ankle reconstruction, and complex reconstructive procedures. Howell patients receive the same quality of surgical care available at any major Michigan academic center.
Diabetic Foot Care in Livingston County
Livingston County’s growing population includes a substantial number of patients managing diabetes — and preventive foot care is one of the most powerful interventions available to them. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive diabetic foot evaluations, custom diabetic footwear, callus and nail management, and wound care services. Early identification of neuropathy, vascular compromise, and pre-ulcerative lesions prevents the devastating downstream consequences of unmanaged diabetic foot disease.
Schedule Your Howell Appointment
Howell and Livingston County residents can reach Balance Foot & Ankle conveniently via I-96 and M-59. Call (734) 479-0710 or request an appointment online. Most major Michigan insurance plans are accepted, and same-week appointments are frequently available. Let Dr. Biernacki help you get back on your feet.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Superfeet CARBON Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Ultra-thin carbon fiber orthotic — ideal for Howell patients who need firm arch support in low-profile athletic or dress shoes without adding bulk.
Dr. Tom says:“”These fit in my dress shoes perfectly and eliminated my arch pain on long work days.” — Livingston County patient”
✅ Best for Howell patients who need firm orthotic support in shoes with minimal depth
⚠️ Not ideal for Those requiring maximum cushion rather than rigid support — a softer orthotic may be more appropriate
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Serving Howell and all of Livingston County
Convenient I-96/M-59 access from Howell
Sports medicine and trail running injury expertise
Comprehensive diabetic foot care program
❌ Cons / Risks
25–35 minute drive from central Howell
Some complex surgical procedures may require scheduling 2–3 weeks out
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Livingston County is growing fast and has a really active population — runners, cyclists, equestrians, high school athletes. I enjoy treating this community because people genuinely want to stay active and they’re motivated patients. If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis from your marathon training or a diabetic ulcer that needs urgent care, we’ve got you covered at Balance Foot & Ankle.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Howell, MI?
Howell patients can reach our southeast Michigan office in approximately 25–35 minutes via I-96 or M-59. Brighton patients are typically 15–20 minutes away. We are conveniently located for most of Livingston County.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Livingston County insurance plans?
Yes — we accept most major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Call our office to confirm your specific plan is in-network before your visit.
Can I get custom orthotics near Howell, MI?
Custom prescription orthotics are available at Balance Foot & Ankle. Dr. Biernacki performs a complete biomechanical evaluation and creates a device precisely matched to your foot anatomy and activity demands.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle treat running injuries for Howell area runners?
Absolutely — Dr. Biernacki treats plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, and other overuse injuries common in runners. We work with training schedules to minimize time away from running while ensuring proper healing.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle injuries, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
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.
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.
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.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.