Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI Last reviewed: May 2026
MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT
Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week 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.
Podiatrist Lake Odessa Michigan Ionia County East Balance Foot Ankle treatment | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Balance Foot & Ankle is 30 minutes from Lake Odessa and Saranac via I-96.
Expert Foot Care Close to Home
Balance Foot & Ankle is just 30 minutes from Lake Odessa and Saranac via I-96 — making our Howell clinic one of the most conveniently accessible subspecialty foot and ankle practices for eastern Ionia County residents. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides the full range of podiatric care, from conservative treatment of common heel and arch problems to advanced surgical reconstruction for bunions, ankle arthritis, and complex deformities.
Services for the Community
Lake Odessa and Saranac residents come to us for all types of foot problems — ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, bunion surgery, and more. Our practice serves all ages, from pediatric flat foot evaluations to ankle replacement surgery in older adults. Conservative treatment is always tried first, with surgery reserved for appropriate indications.
Urgent and Same-Day Care
Being so close to Lake Odessa and Saranac, we are a practical destination even for urgent care needs — acute ankle sprains, wound infections, severe nail problems, and fracture evaluations. Call (517) 579-4800 early in the morning for same-day availability. We triage urgent calls and accommodate acute presentations as quickly as possible.
Insurance and Scheduling
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. New patient appointments are typically within 1–2 weeks; urgent within 24–48 hours. Visit MichiganFootDoctors.com or call (517) 579-4800.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal
⭐ Highly Rated
Podiatrist-designed sandal with built-in orthotic arch support — ideal for Michigan summer wear for Lake Odessa and Saranac residents with plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
Dr. Tom says:“APMA-accepted biomechanical footbed reduces plantar fascia tension — the most supportive sandal available for plantar fasciitis sufferers.”
✅ Best for Summer footwear with arch support for plantar fasciitis
⚠️ Not ideal for Toe-post design not suitable for patients with hammertoe or second toe issues
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
30 minutes from Lake Odessa/Saranac — very accessible for eastern Ionia County.
Same-day urgent care frequently available.
Full surgical capabilities close to home.
Most major insurance accepted.
❌ Cons / Risks
Still requires a 30-minute drive for in-person visits.
Surgical cases need multiple visits over weeks.
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Lake Odessa and Saranac are practically next door to us. You’re closer to Balance Foot & Ankle than most people realize — half an hour on I-96. For a condition that’s been bothering you for months, that’s nothing. Call us and get it handled.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Howell from Lake Odessa, Michigan?
Approximately 30 minutes via I-96 East — one of our closest patient communities. Follow-up appointments are very practical for Lake Odessa and Saranac residents.
Do you offer same-week appointments for urgent foot problems?
Frequently yes — call (517) 579-4800 early for same-day availability. Acute injuries and infections are prioritized.
What insurance do you accept?
Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Call our billing team for specific plan verification.
Can I get orthotics made at your Howell clinic?
Yes — custom orthotics are fabricated after a biomechanical assessment and casting/3D scan. They are typically ready within 2–3 weeks. Being close to Howell makes pickup convenient.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Week Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-week appointment availability.
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.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
