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, Spring Arbor, Grass Lake, and Jackson County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for expert, fellowship-trained podiatric care. Jackson County’s diverse community — with significant manufacturing, agricultural, and active recreational populations — creates a broad range of foot and ankle needs that Dr. Biernacki is equipped to address comprehensively.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Jackson Michigan Balance Foot Ankle New isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Services for Jackson County Patients
Plantar Fasciitis: Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and targeted conservative treatment for Jackson area patients. Ingrown Toenails: Same-week permanent matrixectomy — end the cycle permanently. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual Medicare-covered exams, neuropathy testing, and wound management. Ankle Injuries: From acute sprains to Broström reconstruction. Bunions & Hammertoes: Full conservative-to-surgical range. Custom Orthotics: For work, sport, and daily footwear.
Accessible from Jackson via I-96
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Jackson via I-96 east or I-94 east to US-23 north — approximately 30–40 minutes depending on starting point. Same-week new patient appointments. All major Michigan insurance accepted including Blue Cross, Aetna, Priority Health, and Medicare. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Stability
⭐ Highly Rated
Stability running and walking shoe — recommended for Jackson County patients with plantar fasciitis and overpronation seeking supportive daily footwear.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended Brooks Adrenaline for my plantar fasciitis and it eliminated my morning heel pain.”
Plantar fasciitis stability, overpronation daily footwear, Jackson Michigan active patients
Not for neutral or high-arch foot types needing flexible shoes
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thorlos Padded Work Socks
⭐ Highly Rated
Clinically tested padded work socks with extra heel and ball-of-foot cushioning — recommended for Jackson County manufacturing and service workers managing foot fatigue and plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended these for my standing shift and the heel fatigue at end of day reduced dramatically.”
Standing occupation foot fatigue, plantar fasciitis work socks, manufacturing worker cushioning
Thicker sock — may require half-size larger shoe
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 30-40 minutes from Jackson via I-94 east or I-96 — accessible commute for specialist care
- Same-week appointments for Jackson County patients
- Fellowship-trained surgical expertise without traveling to Ann Arbor or Lansing
- All major Michigan insurance accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 30-40 minute drive required from Jackson
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Jackson County patients come to us when they want fellowship-trained expertise without the Ann Arbor wait times or the Lansing commute. I-94 east is a straightforward route and we make the drive worthwhile with same-week access and thorough evaluations. Manufacturing and agricultural work creates specific foot demands — occupational history is always part of my evaluation for Jackson County patients.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Jackson Michigan?
Approximately 30-40 minutes via I-94 east or I-96 east depending on your starting point. Same-week new patient appointments are available.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Jackson Michigan insurance?
Yes — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Most Jackson County commercial plans are accepted.
Can Jackson patients get urgent foot care?
Urgent cases including fractures, infections, and severe ankle injuries are accommodated same-day or next-day when possible. Call (810) 220-5551 early in the morning.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat diabetic foot problems for Jackson County patients?
Yes — diabetic foot care including annual preventive exams, neuropathy testing, nail care, and wound management for Jackson County diabetic patients. Medicare covers annual diabetic foot exams for qualified high-risk patients.
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. 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 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.