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.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what Kalamazoo / Battle Creek podiatry means and what actually works. Call (810) 206-1402 for a same-day appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Patients from Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and southwest Michigan occasionally make the trip to Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell for subspecialty podiatric consultations, surgical second opinions, and conditions that haven’t been resolved with local management. While southwest Michigan has podiatric services, patients seeking specific expertise — in-office diagnostic ultrasound, minimally invasive bunion surgery, complex Achilles tendon management, or Lisfranc injury evaluation — sometimes find that a consultation with Dr. Biernacki provides the clarity and direction their care has been missing.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Kalamazoo Battle Creek Southwest Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Why Southwest Michigan Patients Consult Balance Foot & Ankle
The most common reasons Kalamazoo and Battle Creek patients make the trip east to Howell:
- Surgical second opinion — patients recommended surgery (bunion, Achilles, ankle) who want to verify the diagnosis and explore whether non-surgical options were adequately exhausted
- Diagnostic clarification — chronic heel pain, midfoot pain, or ankle pain that hasn’t responded to treatment and lacks a clear diagnosis from prior providers
- In-office diagnostic ultrasound — soft tissue diagnosis (Morton’s neuroma, plantar plate tear, Achilles tendinopathy) that benefits from real-time ultrasound not available at the initial provider
- Complex wound care — diabetic foot ulcers not progressing with local management, requiring evaluation for vascular status, biofilm, osteomyelitis, or advanced biologics
Making a Southwest Michigan Visit Efficient
For patients traveling from Kalamazoo or Battle Creek (approximately 1.5–2 hours), Dr. Biernacki structures appointments to maximize what can be accomplished at a single visit. A telehealth pre-consultation allows patients to discuss their case remotely before committing to the drive — helping both parties identify whether an in-person visit will add meaningful value to their care.
At the in-person visit, Dr. Biernacki aims to deliver: complete history and clinical examination, in-office imaging (X-ray and ultrasound when indicated), a clear diagnosis and differential, a treatment plan with specific milestones, and treatment initiation when appropriate (injection, orthotic impression, wound care). Patients from southwest Michigan should not leave without a clear path forward.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Southwest Michigan
Balance Foot & Ankle is at 3011 E. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843. From Kalamazoo, I-94 East to US-23 North is approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic. From Battle Creek, I-94 East is approximately 1.5 hours. We accept most major Michigan insurance plans. Please call (810) 588-0520 to discuss your specific condition and schedule — and ask about telehealth pre-consultation availability.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Superfeet CARBON Thin Performance Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Ultra-thin carbon fiber OTC insoles that fit in dress shoes and athletic footwear — appropriate for southwest Michigan patients who need arch support without bulk. The carbon fiber shell provides meaningful midfoot stabilization despite minimal thickness.
Dr. Tom says: “”I travel from Kalamazoo to see Dr. Biernacki. Between visits, he recommended these thin carbon insoles for my dress shoes. They make a real difference in midfoot stability without the bulk of standard orthotics.””
Best for: Dress shoe wearers, patients needing thin profile insole, mild arch support, Morton’s extension forefoot protection
Not ideal for: Patients with significant biomechanical deformity requiring thick custom orthotic correction
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Doctor Hoy’s Arnica Pain Relieving Gel
⭐ Highly Rated
Natural topical pain relief for southwest Michigan patients managing foot and ankle pain between consultations. Arnica, menthol, and camphor provide multi-mechanism localized relief without NSAIDs.
Dr. Tom says: “”I drive 2 hours from Kalamazoo to see Dr. Biernacki every few months. He recommends this gel for managing flare-ups between visits. Works well and I’d rather use this than take ibuprofen daily.””
Best for: Foot and ankle arthritis, tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, between-visit pain management for long-distance patients
Not ideal for: Open wounds, skin infections, or replacing definitive diagnosis and treatment
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Telehealth pre-consultation allows southwest Michigan patients to assess whether an in-person visit adds value before committing to a 1.5–2 hour drive
- Appointments structured for maximum efficiency — diagnosis, imaging, treatment, and orthotic impressions at a single visit whenever clinically appropriate
- Subspecialty expertise in in-office ultrasound diagnosis, Lisfranc injury evaluation, and complex wound care that may not be locally available in southwest Michigan communities
❌ Cons / Risks
- The 1.5–2 hour drive from Kalamazoo or Battle Creek is a significant commitment — telehealth pre-consultation is strongly recommended to assess whether the visit is warranted
- Ongoing follow-up care is best coordinated with a local podiatrist for southwest Michigan patients — Dr. Biernacki can provide the diagnosis, surgical opinion, or complex wound plan, while local providers handle routine follow-up
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
When a patient drives 2 hours from Kalamazoo to see me, it’s because they need something specific that they haven’t been able to get locally. My job at that visit is to provide exactly that — a definitive diagnosis, a clear plan, and the clinical tools (ultrasound, injection, orthotic impression) needed to set them on the right path. I take that responsibility seriously. No one makes a 2-hour drive for a 5-minute appointment.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth driving from Kalamazoo to Balance Foot & Ankle?
It depends on your specific situation. A telehealth consultation is the best way to answer this question before committing to the drive. If you have a complex diagnosis, a condition that hasn’t responded to local treatment, or are considering surgery and want a second opinion, the visit is typically worthwhile. Call (810) 588-0520 to discuss whether your specific situation is well-suited to a consultation visit.
Can I get a telehealth consultation before driving from Battle Creek?
Yes — telehealth consultations are available for initial evaluation of many conditions. This allows patients from Battle Creek and Kalamazoo to discuss their case with Dr. Biernacki remotely, assess whether an in-person visit adds value, and plan the visit to maximize efficiency. Ask about telehealth availability when you call to schedule.
What conditions are most worth the drive from southwest Michigan?
Complex diagnoses that benefit most from in-person evaluation with ultrasound include: Morton’s neuroma (requires Mulder’s test and ultrasound confirmation), Lisfranc injury (requires weight-bearing X-rays often missed on initial non-weight-bearing films), plantar plate tear (ultrasound-confirmed), diabetic foot ulcers not responding to local management, and surgical consultations for bunion, Achilles, or ankle conditions. Routine heel pain or nail care is better addressed locally.
Do you accept Priority Health for Kalamazoo area patients?
Priority Health is one of our accepted insurance plans. Please call (810) 588-0520 with your specific Priority Health plan information to verify coverage before your visit — regional HMO plans sometimes have network restrictions for out-of-area specialty care.
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.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes only so far. The fastest path to relief is a 30-minute office visit with Dr. Biernacki — same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402 or use our online booking.
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.