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
Balance Foot and Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, is Howell, Michigan’s premier foot and ankle specialist practice. Located in the heart of Livingston County, we serve Howell residents and patients from across southeast and south-central Michigan who choose us for our expertise, accessibility, and commitment to personalized care. From routine nail care to complex reconstructive surgery, Dr. Biernacki provides the full spectrum of podiatric medicine under one roof.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Howell Michigan Livingston County Foot Ankle Specialist isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Howell’s Home Foot and Ankle Specialist
Howell is a active, growing city of nearly 20,000 residents that serves as the commercial and governmental hub of Livingston County. The community is active, health-conscious, and demanding of high-quality healthcare. Dr. Biernacki built Balance Foot and Ankle to meet those demands — offering fellowship-level training, advanced diagnostics (digital X-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, pressure mapping), and the latest treatment modalities including PRP injection, shockwave therapy (ESWT), and modern surgical techniques like Lapiplasty bunion correction.
Full Spectrum of Podiatric Services
Balance Foot and Ankle provides comprehensive care for all foot and ankle conditions. Heel pain from plantar fasciitis is our most treated condition — Dr. Biernacki’s evidence-based protocols produce lasting results for over 95% of patients without surgery. Bunion and hammertoe correction, including minimally invasive Lapiplasty 3D correction, transforms patients’ ability to wear footwear and live actively. Diabetic foot care — annual evaluations, wound management, neuropathy monitoring, and therapeutic footwear — protects Livingston County’s diabetic population from serious complications. Custom orthotics fabricated in-office using digital pressure mapping correct biomechanical imbalances driving most overuse injuries. Sports foot and ankle injuries are treated with athlete-focused protocols that minimize time away from activity.
Why Howell Residents Choose Balance Foot and Ankle
Patients choose Dr. Biernacki because he takes time. Every new patient receives a comprehensive history, thorough physical examination, weight-bearing X-rays when indicated, and a detailed explanation of findings and treatment options. Follow-up visits are structured and efficient. Dr. Biernacki communicates directly with patients about what is wrong and what can be done — without jargon and without unnecessary procedures. Same-week appointments are regularly available, and the office is conveniently located with free parking.
Schedule Your Howell Foot Appointment
Howell and Livingston County residents can schedule online at MichiganFootDoctors.com or call (517) 545-FEET. New patient appointments are available same-week for most conditions. Dr. Biernacki accepts all major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Insole – Howell Patient Favorite
⭐ Highly Rated
Clinical-grade arch support insole that Dr. Biernacki recommends as an OTC starting point for Howell patients with plantar fasciitis, arch pain, and mild biomechanical issues before custom orthotics.
Dr. Tom says: “Dr. Biernacki recommended PowerStep insoles for my plantar fasciitis and within two weeks I had eliminated the morning heel pain I had lived with for a year.”
Howell and Livingston County patients with plantar fasciitis, arch pain, or mild biomechanical issues needing immediate structured support before custom orthotics are fabricated
Patients with significant biomechanical deformities, diabetic conditions, or conditions requiring prescription-grade correction need custom orthotics rather than OTC insoles
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Theraband Foot Strengthening Kit
⭐ Highly Rated
Resistance band set for foot and ankle strengthening exercises prescribed by Dr. Biernacki for Howell patients recovering from plantar fasciitis, ankle instability, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Dr. Tom says: “Dr. Biernacki gave me a resistance band exercise program for my ankle instability and after 8 weeks I had no more giving-way episodes.”
Howell patients in home exercise programs for foot and ankle strengthening, ankle stability rehabilitation, and plantar fasciitis flexibility work
Home exercise programs should be designed by Dr. Biernacki or a physical therapist — unsupervised resistance exercises can worsen certain conditions if performed incorrectly
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
HOKA Bondi 8 Maximum Cushion Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Dr. Biernacki’s most recommended walking and running shoe for Howell patients with plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and general foot pain. Maximum cushion rocker sole dramatically reduces impact on painful feet.
Dr. Tom says: “When Dr. Biernacki told me to try HOKA Bondi shoes for my heel pain I was skeptical — but within days I was walking without pain for the first time in months.”
Howell patients with plantar fasciitis, heel pain, metatarsalgia, and general foot fatigue needing maximum cushioning for daily walking and light running activity
High stack height alters ankle mechanics — not suitable for patients with significant ankle instability without professional guidance on safe shoe selection
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Howell’s home podiatric specialist — no long drives to metropolitan medical centers
- Same-week and same-day appointments available for Livingston County patients
- Advanced treatments including PRP, shockwave therapy, and Lapiplasty available locally
❌ Cons / Risks
- High demand from across southeast Michigan — scheduling ahead recommended for elective procedures
- Hospital-based inpatient surgical care is coordinated with local Livingston County and Genesee County hospitals
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Being Howell’s local podiatrist is something I take seriously. This is my community — I shop here, my family is here, my kids go to school here. When a Howell patient comes to see me, I am not just their doctor for that visit — I am invested in their long-term foot health. That sense of community accountability drives me to deliver the best possible care for every patient who walks through the door.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Balance Foot and Ankle located in Howell?
Balance Foot and Ankle is located in Howell, Michigan — the county seat of Livingston County. Call (517) 545-FEET for exact address and directions, or use MichiganFootDoctors.com for online booking.
What insurance does Balance Foot and Ankle accept in Howell?
All major Michigan insurance plans are accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, and Medicaid. Most Howell residents find their insurance covers podiatric care at our office.
What are the most common conditions treated at Balance Foot and Ankle in Howell?
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain are the most frequent presentations. Bunion correction, diabetic foot care, custom orthotics, sports injuries, ankle sprains, hammertoes, and toenail conditions round out the most common Howell patient presentations.
Does Dr. Biernacki offer same-day appointments in Howell?
Same-week and frequently same-day appointments are available. Dr. Biernacki’s office prioritizes rapid access for acute injuries, diabetic foot concerns, and urgent problems.
Does Balance Foot and Ankle perform surgery in Howell?
Yes. Outpatient surgical procedures are performed locally. More complex or inpatient procedures are coordinated with local hospital surgical facilities while maintaining Dr. Biernacki as the primary operating surgeon.
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 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.