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
Lansing and Ingham County residents have access to expert podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC in Howell. Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-certified podiatrist who provides the full spectrum of foot and ankle evaluation and treatment for Michigan’s capital city and the communities across Ingham County — from professional government workers and state employees to hospital staff at Sparrow and McLaren, MSU affiliates in the South Lansing area, and active families throughout the region.
Lansing’s diverse population includes significant communities of state government employees who sit or stand for long hours, automotive industry workers at General Motors Lansing facilities, healthcare professionals, and active residents who run on the River Trail, cycle through the Capital Area Transportation Authority corridors, and participate in local competitive sports leagues. Dr. Biernacki tailors every treatment plan to the patient’s specific activity profile and work demands.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Lansing 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 Lansing Patients
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain are the leading reasons Lansing patients seek podiatric care. Whether the pain comes from prolonged sitting in a state office, standing shifts in a healthcare setting, or training for the Lansing Marathon, Dr. Biernacki’s evidence-based approach provides systematic, effective relief. Custom foot orthotics, targeted injection therapy, and shockwave treatment for resistant cases are all available.
Bunions, hammertoes, and forefoot pain are evaluated and managed with conservative approaches first. Diabetic foot care is a priority service for Lansing’s significant diabetic patient population. Ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, ankle sprains, tendinopathies, and pediatric foot conditions are all treated at Balance Foot & Ankle with the same standard of evidence-based care regardless of the complexity of the presenting problem.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Lansing
The Howell clinic is approximately 35–45 minutes from downtown Lansing via I-96 East. Free parking is available at the clinic. To schedule, call (517) 315-6969 or visit MichiganFootDoctors.com. Most major insurance plans are accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare. New patient appointments are typically available within the same week.
Dr. Tom’s Product Recommendations
Saucony Guide 15 Stability Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Stability running shoe popular with Lansing Marathon and River Trail runners — medial post support and responsive cushioning for moderate overpronation.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended a stability shoe for my flat feet. The Saucony Guide was perfect.”
Lansing runners with mild to moderate overpronation or flat feet training for road races
Runners with neutral to supinating foot types who need neutral or cushion category shoes
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
THERABAND Foot Roller
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Firm foam foot roller for daily plantar fascia and arch stretching — recommended for Lansing office workers and runners as part of a home care routine.
Dr. Tom says: “I keep this under my desk and use it during work calls. My plantar fasciitis is so much better.”
State employees, office workers, and Lansing runners using foot rolling as daily plantar fascia self-care
Patients in the acute inflammatory phase of plantar fasciitis — rolling during active flares may worsen symptoms
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Comprehensive podiatric care for Lansing and all Ingham County residents
- Evidence-based treatment for government workers, healthcare professionals, and active Lansing residents
- Same-week appointments with board-certified podiatrist
- Accessible from Lansing via I-96 East in approximately 35–45 minutes
❌ Cons / Risks
- Clinic is in Howell — Lansing patients should budget 40–50 minutes including parking and check-in
- Sparrow Health and McLaren Lansing have their own internal podiatric services for patients with those system insurance affiliations
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Lansing is Michigan’s capital, and the patients I see from there often have demanding jobs with limited flexibility for health appointments — state legislators during session, healthcare workers on tight schedules, GM shift workers. I keep that in mind by making appointments efficient and productive. I try to accomplish as much as possible in a single visit so patients aren’t making multiple trips from Lansing for something that could have been handled the first time.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from downtown Lansing?
The Howell clinic is approximately 35–45 minutes from downtown Lansing via I-96 East. From South Lansing and Holt, the drive is closer to 30–40 minutes. Mid-morning appointments avoid the peak I-96 eastbound traffic.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept state employee health plans?
Most state employee health plans (BCBS, BCN, and similar plans) are accepted. Please call the office to verify your specific plan before scheduling, as coverage varies by plan type and tier.
Can Lansing patients get custom orthotics in a single visit?
Orthotic casting is performed at the initial evaluation. Devices are typically ready within 1–2 weeks. For Lansing patients, the casting visit and delivery can be scheduled to minimize total number of trips to the Howell clinic.
Is there parking available at the Howell clinic?
Yes — free surface parking is available at the Balance Foot & Ankle clinic in Howell, with no parking structures or meters to navigate. The clinic is conveniently accessible from I-96 East with clear local signage from the highway exit.
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 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.