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
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Kentwood Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care for Kentwood, Michigan
Kentwood is a dynamic city in Kent County with a diverse, growing population. As Michigan’s seventh-largest city, Kentwood is home to a large workforce, active families, a significant immigrant and refugee community, and a strong healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive podiatric medicine and foot and ankle surgery for Kentwood residents, offering the full spectrum of foot care under one specialist.
Heel Pain Treatment for Kentwood Patients
Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot complaint among Kentwood’s working population—particularly for those in manufacturing, warehousing, retail, and service industries where prolonged standing on hard concrete floors is the norm. Dr. Biernacki treats heel pain with a structured, evidence-based protocol that addresses the biomechanical and inflammatory components of plantar fasciitis simultaneously. Custom orthotics, night splints, physical therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EPAT), and ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection are all available. Most patients achieve substantial relief within 6–12 weeks.
Heel spurs—calcium deposits at the plantar fascial insertion—are a frequent X-ray finding in Kentwood patients with heel pain. Dr. Biernacki clarifies that the spur is usually not the source of pain; treatment of the plantar fascia inflammation resolves symptoms in the vast majority of patients without removing the spur.
Bunion and Forefoot Surgery
Bunions are a significant source of disability for Kentwood women and men across all age groups. Dr. Biernacki evaluates bunions with weight-bearing X-rays and discusses the full range of options from conservative (wider shoes, orthotics, padding) to surgical bunionectomy. He performs modern bunion correction techniques including Lapidus TMT fusion for hypermobile bunions and Austin/chevron osteotomy for moderate deformity, using low-profile internal fixation hardware that allows earlier weight-bearing than traditional approaches.
Lesser toe deformities—hammertoes, claw toes, mallet toes—are addressed with in-office conservative management or outpatient surgical correction. Morton’s neuroma causing burning, tingling ball-of-foot pain is treated with corticosteroid or alcohol sclerosing injections, and surgical neurectomy when needed.
Diabetic Foot Care
Kentwood has a significant diabetic population across its diverse communities. Dr. Biernacki provides culturally sensitive, comprehensive diabetic foot care including annual risk-stratified exams, monofilament sensory testing, Doppler vascular assessment, wound care, and custom molded diabetic footwear with Medicare-covered depth insoles. He partners with local endocrinologists, primary care physicians, and wound care centers to ensure coordinated management of complex diabetic foot cases.
Prevention is paramount in diabetic foot care—Dr. Biernacki educates patients on proper nail trimming technique, daily foot self-examination, appropriate footwear selection, and the early warning signs that require urgent evaluation. Diabetic foot infection is treated aggressively with antibiotics, surgical debridement when needed, and coordination with infectious disease specialists for complex cases.
Sports Medicine and Ankle Care
Kentwood’s youth sports programs and adult recreational leagues generate a steady volume of ankle sprains, Achilles injuries, and overuse conditions. Dr. Biernacki provides same-day or next-day urgent evaluation for acute ankle injuries, rules out fracture with Ottawa Ankle Rules–guided X-ray protocols, and designs return-to-sport rehabilitation programs for athletes of all ages. Chronic ankle instability is treated with lateral ankle ligament reconstruction (Broström-Gould) when conservative management fails.
Schedule Your Appointment
Kentwood residents can contact Balance Foot & Ankle to schedule a new patient appointment with Dr. Tom Biernacki. Most major Michigan insurance plans are accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and Medicare. The office works to accommodate prompt appointments for patients in acute pain.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Vionic Tide II Sandals
⭐ Highly Rated
Podiatrist-designed sandals with built-in biomechanical orthotic footbed for arch support and heel cushioning—popular with Kentwood patients managing plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended Vionic sandals to replace my flat flip flops. The difference in my heel pain was immediate.”
Adults managing plantar fasciitis or general arch fatigue who need supportive casual footwear
Not appropriate for patients with severe biomechanical deformity requiring custom orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Theraband Foot Roller
⭐ Highly Rated
Foot massage and plantar fascia stretching roller—an essential tool in Dr. Biernacki’s plantar fasciitis home care protocol for Kentwood patients.
Dr. Tom says: “Rolling my foot on this every morning before I get up literally eliminated my first-step heel pain within two weeks.”
Plantar fasciitis patients following Dr. Biernacki’s home care protocol
Not a standalone treatment for severe plantar fasciitis—use as part of a comprehensive protocol
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Kentwood’s central location within the Grand Rapids metro provides multiple convenient office access routes
- Dr. Biernacki’s culturally competent team serves Kentwood’s diverse community including non-English-speaking patients
- Comprehensive podiatric care from conservative to surgical under one specialist
❌ Cons / Risks
- Kentwood’s large patient population can mean scheduling delays for non-urgent appointments—call early
- Surgical procedures are performed at outpatient facilities, not in Kentwood proper
- Complex wound care and diabetic foot cases may require coordination with multiple specialists
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Kentwood is such a vibrant community and I see patients from there representing the full diversity of west Michigan. The most common scenario is someone who’s been dealing with heel pain for a year or two, tried everything they could find at the pharmacy, and finally comes in. Within 6 weeks of a proper treatment plan—the right orthotics, stretches, maybe a shockwave session—they’re back to full activity. Don’t wait that long. Podiatric care works, and it works faster when you start sooner.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a podiatrist near Kentwood, Michigan?
Yes—Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle serves Kentwood and all of Kent County. His offices are conveniently located for Kentwood residents via US-131 and East Beltline. Call for directions and to schedule an appointment.
What insurance does Dr. Biernacki accept for Kentwood patients?
Dr. Biernacki accepts most major Michigan plans including BCBS, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and Medicare. Call the office to verify your specific plan and coverage.
Can Dr. Biernacki treat diabetic foot problems for Kentwood patients?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive diabetic foot exams, wound care, Medicare-covered custom diabetic footwear, and coordinates with endocrinology and vascular surgery for complex cases.
Does Dr. Biernacki perform bunion surgery for Kentwood patients?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki offers modern bunionectomy techniques including Lapidus fusion and chevron osteotomy. Schedule a consultation to discuss the best approach for your bunion severity and lifestyle.
How quickly can I get an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle from Kentwood?
New patient appointments are typically available within 1–2 weeks. Acute pain or infection cases are often accommodated sooner.
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.
What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. Whether 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.