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 Lapeer, Imlay City, Almont, and Lapeer County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for expert, fellowship-trained podiatric care. Lapeer County’s rural and suburban communities — with agricultural, trades, and manufacturing populations alongside active families — present diverse foot and ankle needs that Dr. Biernacki addresses with comprehensive podiatric expertise.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Lapeer Imlay City Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Services for Lapeer County Patients
Plantar Fasciitis: Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and structured protocols for Lapeer area patients. Ingrown Toenails: Same-week permanent matrixectomy — a lasting solution. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual preventive exams, neuropathy testing, and wound management. Ankle Injuries: From acute sprains to surgical reconstruction. Bunions & Hammertoes: Conservative through surgical correction. Custom Orthotics: For agricultural work, trades, and sport.
Accessible from Lapeer County
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Lapeer (M-24 south to I-75 south to M-59 west to US-23, approximately 45-50 minutes) and Imlay City (similar route, approximately 50 minutes). All major Michigan insurance accepted. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Georgia Boot Work Boot Steel Toe
⭐ Highly Rated
Work boot recommendation for Lapeer County agricultural and trades workers — a supportive steel-toe work boot compatible with custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis management in occupational settings.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended this work boot for my plantar fasciitis on the farm and confirmed my custom orthotics fit properly inside.”
Agricultural work plantar fasciitis, steel toe boot orthotic compatible, Lapeer County workers
Bring your work boots to your appointment for orthotic fitting verification
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum arch support OTC insole — a starting point for Lapeer County patients managing plantar fasciitis before their custom orthotic evaluation appointment.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended Powerstep Maxx for my heel pain and they provided good initial relief while I waited for custom orthotics.”
Plantar fasciitis OTC treatment, maximum arch support, heel pain starting management
OTC — custom orthotics provide superior structural correction
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Fellowship-trained expertise serving Lapeer County patients
- Same-week appointments — no prolonged wait for specialist care
- Custom orthotics for work boots and agricultural footwear
- All major Michigan insurance accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 45-50 minute drive from Lapeer via M-24 and I-75
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Lapeer County has a strong agricultural and trades community with foot demands that require specific orthotic considerations — steel-toe boots, work boots with narrow shanks, extended standing on concrete or uneven terrain. I ask every Lapeer County patient to bring their work boots to the appointment so I can verify custom orthotics will fit properly. Occupational foot problems need occupational solutions.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Lapeer Michigan?
Approximately 45-50 minutes via M-24 south, I-75 south, M-59 west, and US-23 south. Same-week new patient appointments available.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat Imlay City patients?
Yes — Imlay City and Lapeer County patients are welcome. The M-24 south corridor provides the most direct route.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Lapeer County insurance?
Yes — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Most Lapeer County commercial plans are accepted.
Can Dr. Biernacki make orthotics for work boots?
Yes — agricultural and industrial boot orthotics are regularly fabricated. Please bring your work boots to the appointment for proper fitting evaluation.
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 Lapeer and Imlay City. 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 Lapeer and Imlay City 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.