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 Leroy Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatrist Serving LeRoy, Michigan
LeRoy is a small community in Osceola County, west-central Michigan, surrounded by the agricultural and forested landscape of Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula. Residents of LeRoy and the surrounding townships share the rural Michigan character — hardworking, outdoors-oriented, and resourceful. When foot and ankle conditions require subspecialty evaluation and treatment beyond what local providers offer, Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC led by Dr. Tom Biernacki provides expert podiatric care for west-central Michigan patients.
Conditions We Treat
Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive podiatric services for the full range of foot and ankle problems affecting LeRoy and Osceola County patients. Whether you’re a farmer with chronic heel pain, a hunter who rolled an ankle last season and never fully recovered, a diabetic patient concerned about a foot wound, or a parent seeking care for your child’s ingrown toenails — Dr. Biernacki provides expert evaluation and the most evidence-based treatment available.
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common podiatric complaint in adults — producing the characteristic stabbing first-step morning heel pain. Custom foot orthotics address the biomechanical root cause; stretching programs and night splinting maintain fascial length; ultrasound-guided corticosteroid or PRP injections provide targeted anti-inflammatory relief. Over 85% of patients achieve resolution with comprehensive conservative care. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy resolves refractory cases efficiently.
Bunion Surgery & Correction
Bunions worsen progressively without correction and ultimately limit activity and footwear choices significantly. Modern surgical correction — including Lapiplasty 3D bunionectomy for the most severe deformities — is performed as an outpatient procedure with most patients in regular shoes within 6–8 weeks.
Ankle Sprains & Instability
Chronic ankle instability from undertreated or recurrent sprains is effectively treated with the Broström-Gould lateral ankle ligament reconstruction — an outpatient procedure providing durable stability for return to full activity including demanding outdoor work and recreation.
Diabetic Foot Care
Proactive diabetic podiatric care prevents the callus-to-ulcer-to-infection-to-amputation cascade. Dr. Biernacki provides complete diabetic foot services from neuropathy screening through advanced wound care and limb salvage surgery.
Ingrown Toenails & Nail Disorders
In-office phenol matrixectomy permanently corrects recurrent ingrown toenails in a single visit. Fungal nail infections are treated with oral, topical, or laser options.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from LeRoy
From LeRoy, Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible via US-131 south to I-96 east toward Howell — approximately 2 hours. Telehealth consultations allow LeRoy-area patients to get expert guidance before making the in-person trip. Call (517) 548-3457 to schedule your telehealth or in-person consultation.
Why Subspecialty Podiatric Care Makes a Difference
Podiatric physicians train exclusively in foot and ankle medicine for 7 years after undergraduate education. This depth of subspecialty focus produces diagnostic accuracy and treatment expertise that general practice providers cannot replicate for complex foot and ankle conditions. For conditions like Jones fractures, chronic ankle instability, Charcot foot reconstruction, or diabetic limb salvage — getting to the right specialist makes an enormous difference in outcome.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Sof Sole Plantar Fasciitis Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
OTC orthotic insoles with reinforced arch support and deep heel cup specifically designed for plantar fasciitis. Practical first-line option for heel pain management in work boots and athletic shoes.
Dr. Tom says: “”Started with these while waiting for my custom orthotics appointment. Significant improvement within the first week of wearing them in my boots.””
Plantar fasciitis initial conservative management in work and athletic footwear
Custom orthotics provide superior individualized biomechanical correction — OTC insoles are a starting point, not a long-term solution for moderate-severe cases
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Copper Fit Ankle Sleeve Compression
⭐ Highly Rated
Graduated compression ankle sleeve providing mild support, swelling reduction, and proprioceptive feedback during ankle sprain recovery and mild instability management. Thin profile fits inside most shoes and boots.
Dr. Tom says: “”Used this during the early weeks after my ankle sprain while waiting for my physical therapy to start. Reduced the swelling noticeably.””
Mild ankle sprain swelling management and light proprioceptive support
Moderate-to-severe sprains and chronic instability require formal evaluation and more structured bracing
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Subspecialty podiatric expertise for conditions requiring more than general practice management
- Telehealth consultations reduce the travel burden for LeRoy-area patients seeking initial evaluation
- Accepting most major Michigan insurance plans
- Same-week appointments typically available
❌ Cons / Risks
- Approximately 2-hour drive from LeRoy to Howell for in-person visits
- Multiple post-surgical follow-up visits required
- Local PT coordination needed for rehabilitation
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Small communities like LeRoy deserve access to the same quality of specialized foot care available anywhere in Michigan. I treat patients from across the state, and every one of them deserves the most accurate diagnosis and the best treatment their condition warrants. Don’t settle for being told ‘just live with it’ — reach out and let’s find a real solution.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you serve patients from LeRoy and Osceola County?
Yes — we welcome patients from LeRoy, Osceola County, and surrounding west-central Michigan communities. Telehealth is available for initial consultations to minimize unnecessary travel.
What insurance plans are accepted?
We accept most major Michigan plans including BCBSM, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Call (517) 548-3457 to verify coverage.
Can children be seen for foot problems?
Yes — pediatric foot and ankle conditions including Sever’s disease, flat feet, ingrown toenails, and juvenile bunions are evaluated and treated at Balance Foot & Ankle.
How do I prepare for a first visit from a distance?
Gather any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI on CD or digital link), medication list, insurance card, and the footwear you wear most often. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete new patient paperwork.
Is telehealth as useful as an in-person visit?
For initial evaluation and triage, telehealth is extremely effective — Dr. Biernacki can review your symptoms and any available imaging and provide substantial guidance. Physical examination and in-office X-rays cannot be performed remotely, so in-person visits are needed for definitive diagnosis and treatment planning for most conditions.
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.
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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.