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 Jackson, Grass Lake, Brooklyn, Hillsdale, Jonesville, and all of Jackson and Hillsdale County receive expert podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC in Howell. Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-certified podiatrist serving South Central Michigan communities who deserve the same quality of specialist-level foot and ankle care available to patients in the state’s major urban centers.
Jackson County and Hillsdale County are home to manufacturing workers, agricultural producers, outdoor enthusiasts who fish and hunt across the region’s abundant lakes and forests, and active families in communities like Grass Lake, Michigan Center, and Brooklyn. Foot pain affects all of these groups differently — and Dr. Biernacki’s individualized approach provides care that fits each patient’s specific occupational demands and recreational goals.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Jackson Hillsdale County 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 and Ankle Services for Jackson and Hillsdale County Patients
Heel pain and plantar fasciitis are among the most common referrals from Jackson and Hillsdale County patients. Custom foot orthotics, injection therapy, and shockwave treatment achieve durable relief for most patients without surgery. Ankle sprains — common among hunters navigating uneven terrain, athletes in Jackson County’s competitive high school sports programs, and workers in agricultural and industrial settings — are evaluated and managed with return-to-function focused protocols.
Diabetic foot care is a significant service for Jackson and Hillsdale County patients, where diabetes rates reflect rural Michigan’s broader public health challenges. Preventive nail and skin care, wound monitoring, and Medicare-covered diabetic shoe prescriptions are all available. Ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, bunions, hammertoes, and nerve conditions are managed with conservative and surgical approaches appropriate to the patient’s condition and goals.
Getting to Howell from Jackson and Hillsdale County
The Howell clinic is approximately 35–50 minutes from Jackson via I-96 East or M-106 North. From Hillsdale, the drive via US-127 North and I-96 East is approximately 50–65 minutes. To schedule, call (517) 315-6969 or visit MichiganFootDoctors.com. Most major insurance plans are accepted. Free parking is available at the clinic.
Dr. Tom’s Product Recommendations
Muck Boot Wetland Boot
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Waterproof insulated boot popular with Jackson and Hillsdale County hunters and outdoor workers — a durable, protective option for patients who spend time in wet terrain.
Dr. Tom says: “These are the only boots that keep my feet dry during hunting season. My podiatrist approved them for my orthotics.”
Hunters, anglers, and outdoor workers in Jackson and Hillsdale County who need waterproof foot protection
Patients with significant flat foot or heel pain who need custom orthotics — confirm orthotic compatibility with the boot’s removable insole
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Spenco Total Support Insoles
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Full-length supportive insoles for daily heel and arch pain management — a reliable OTC option while awaiting custom orthotic fabrication.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended these as a bridge. Cut my heel pain significantly within the first week.”
Jackson and Hillsdale County patients with mild to moderate plantar fasciitis needing immediate OTC relief
Patients with complex biomechanical issues requiring prescription custom orthotics from a podiatrist
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Comprehensive podiatric care for Jackson, Hillsdale County, and all South Central Michigan communities
- Priority diabetic foot care for rural Michigan patients managing diabetes
- Same-week new patient appointments with board-certified podiatrist
- Accessible from Jackson via I-96 East in approximately 35–50 minutes
❌ Cons / Risks
- Hillsdale County patients have a somewhat longer drive — approximately 50–65 minutes from Hillsdale City
- Patients requiring same-day urgent care should call early to confirm availability
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Jackson and Hillsdale County are communities where people work hard with their hands and feet, and foot problems can directly affect their livelihood. A hunter who can’t walk a field, a farmer who can’t stand in a barn, a factory worker who can’t make it through a shift — these are real economic consequences that motivate me to find the most effective, fastest-recovery treatment options available. I appreciate the drive these patients make to see me, and I respect it by making sure they leave with a clear plan and realistic expectations.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Jackson Michigan?
The Howell clinic is approximately 35–50 minutes from Jackson via I-96 East, depending on your starting point within the city. From Jackson County’s southern and eastern communities, driving times via M-106 North or I-94 East may vary slightly.
Does Dr. Biernacki see patients from Hillsdale Michigan?
Yes — patients from Hillsdale, Jonesville, and all Hillsdale County communities are welcome. The drive from Hillsdale City to Howell is approximately 50–65 minutes via US-127 North to I-96 East. Many Hillsdale County patients find the drive worthwhile given the comprehensive, single-visit capabilities of the practice.
Can I get an orthotic cast on my first visit?
Yes — orthotic casting is typically performed at the initial evaluation appointment. The custom orthotics are fabricated over 1–2 weeks and available for pickup at a follow-up visit. For Jackson and Hillsdale County patients who drive to Howell, we try to schedule casting and delivery to minimize the number of return trips required.
What foot conditions are most common in rural Michigan?
Rural Michigan patients most commonly present with plantar fasciitis and heel pain from agricultural and outdoor work, ankle instability and sprains from uneven terrain, diabetic foot complications, fungal nail infections, and ingrown toenails. Athletic patients and high school athletes present with stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, and turf toe.
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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Jackson and Hillsdale County. 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 Jackson and Hillsdale County area.
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.