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.
For a podiatrist near Livonia, MI — Balance Foot & Ankle’s Bloomfield Hills location accepts most major insurance plans and offers same-day appointments.
You’re in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what a podiatrist near Livonia, MI means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Livonia Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care Serving Livonia, Michigan
Livonia residents — in Michigan’s third-largest city — have access to specialized podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC. Dr. Tom Biernacki and his team provide comprehensive foot and ankle services for Livonia patients and those from neighboring communities including Westland, Northville, Plymouth, Garden City, and Redford Township.
Livonia’s diverse, active population generates a many podiatric needs — from youth athletes in Livonia’s extensive recreational programs to working professionals managing occupational foot pain to older residents navigating age-related foot and ankle changes. Balance Foot & Ankle serves every patient population with the same individualized, evidence-based care. Same-week appointments are routinely available.
Services for Livonia Foot and Ankle Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle provides the full spectrum of podiatric care for Livonia patients. Heel pain — plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, heel spur syndrome, and nerve entrapment — is the most common chief complaint and responds reliably to Dr. Biernacki’s evidence-based treatment protocols. Sports medicine podiatry serves Livonia’s active athlete population with stress fracture evaluation, ankle sprain management, and overuse injury treatment.
Diabetic foot care is an important service for Livonia’s significant diabetic population — annual exams, neuropathy screening, wound management, and preventive care are provided. Forefoot care addresses bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and toe deformities both conservatively and surgically. Nail care includes professional ingrown toenail treatment (permanent correction available), toenail fungus management, and trauma nail care. Custom orthotics are prescribed for biomechanical correction across the full range of foot and ankle conditions.
Heel Pain Solutions for Livonia Residents
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain are the most frequent reason Livonia patients seek podiatric care. The condition affects workers in Livonia’s manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and service sectors who spend long hours on hard floors, runners and active adults, and patients who have had a recent increase in activity or weight change. The stabbing, first-step morning pain is characteristic — and while initially manageable, it typically worsens over weeks to months without appropriate treatment.
Dr. Biernacki’s heel pain protocol is comprehensive and highly effective. A structured stretching program for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, night splints for overnight stretch maintenance, anti-inflammatory management, custom orthotics addressing the biomechanical drivers, and — when needed — ultrasound-guided injection therapy achieve relief in the great majority of Livonia patients. Advanced options including the Tenex ultrasonic fasciotomy are available for the minority of truly refractory cases.
Bunion and Hammertoe Care for Livonia Patients
Bunions and hammertoes are among the most common forefoot conditions affecting Livonia’s adult population. These progressive deformities — driven by genetics, footwear, and biomechanical factors — cause shoe-fitting difficulties, cosmetic concerns, and significant forefoot pain. Conservative management (wider footwear, padding, anti-inflammatory treatment, custom orthotics) is always the first approach. Surgical correction is discussed when conservative measures fail to maintain adequate quality of life.
Modern bunion surgery, including minimally invasive Lapidus and MICA techniques, has dramatically reduced recovery time compared to traditional procedures — many Livonia patients are walking in surgical shoes within days and return to normal footwear within 6–8 weeks. Hammertoe correction (arthroplasty or arthrodesis) is an outpatient procedure with rapid return to footwear and activity. Dr. Biernacki discusses all options honestly, with realistic expectations for recovery and outcomes.
Schedule Your Livonia Podiatry Appointment
Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC is accepting new patients from Livonia and central Wayne County. Same-week appointments are available for most conditions. Dr. Tom Biernacki and his team look forward to providing expert, personalized foot and ankle care to the Livonia community.
Call our office or request an appointment online at MichiganFootDoctors.com. We accept most major insurance plans and will answer any coverage questions before your first visit.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Stability Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Premium stability running shoe with LITETRUSS technology and extra cushioning. A top podiatrist-recommended choice for Livonia runners with overpronation and heel pain.
Dr. Tom says: “Dr. Biernacki’s recommended shoe for Livonia runners with moderate overpronation and plantar fasciitis — the Kayano’s stability and cushioning combination is excellent.”
Runners with moderate overpronation, plantar fasciitis, or flat feet needing stability support
Neutral or high-arch runners — different shoe type needed for optimal biomechanics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Boot
⭐ Highly Rated
Rigid boot-style night splint maintaining ankle at 90 degrees for overnight plantar fascia stretching. Reduces first-step morning heel pain significantly.
Dr. Tom says: “A key component of plantar fasciitis treatment for Livonia patients — the overnight dorsiflexion stretch consistently reduces morning pain when worn regularly.”
Plantar fasciitis patients with significant morning heel pain on first steps
Patients with Achilles issues requiring different night positioning — see Dr. Biernacki
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Livonia is a great city with a lot of hard-working people who take their health seriously. I see a lot of patients who have been managing foot pain with OTC products for months before coming in — and once we get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan in place, they’re often frustrated it took so long to get real help. Come in sooner rather than later. Most foot problems are much easier to treat when caught early, and the sooner you get started, the sooner you’re comfortable again.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a podiatrist near Livonia, Michigan?
Yes — Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC serves Livonia patients with comprehensive foot and ankle care. Dr. Tom Biernacki accepts new patients and offers same-week appointments for most conditions.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat bunions for Livonia patients?
Yes. Bunion management including minimally invasive surgical correction is available for Livonia patients. Dr. Biernacki always discusses conservative alternatives before any surgical recommendation and provides honest expectations for recovery.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept insurance for Livonia patients?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans. We recommend calling to verify your specific coverage before your first appointment.
How quickly can Livonia patients get a podiatry appointment?
Same-week appointments are routinely available for new patients from Livonia. Urgent conditions are typically accommodated within 24–48 hours.
Does Dr. Biernacki provide diabetic foot care for Livonia patients?
Yes. Diabetic foot care is one of our core services. Dr. Biernacki provides annual exams, neuropathy screening, wound management, and preventive nail and skin care for Livonia’s diabetic population.
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 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.