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.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what Livonia/Redford/Farmington Hills podiatry means and what actually works. Call (810) 206-1402 for a same-day appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Patients from Livonia, Redford Township, and Farmington Hills choose Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell for expert podiatric care with same-week scheduling. The I-96 West corridor provides direct access from these western Wayne and Oakland county communities to Howell in approximately 45–55 minutes — and patients find the drive worth making for a podiatrist who delivers a diagnosis and treatment plan at appointment one.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Livonia Redford Farmington Hills Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Serving Western Wayne & Oakland County
Livonia, Redford Township, and Farmington Hills represent a broad cross-section of Metro Detroit’s western suburbs — from Livonia’s established blue-collar and professional population to Redford’s working-class community to Farmington Hills’ corporate and professional demographics. All three communities share strong demand for quality specialty healthcare that respects the patient’s time.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM provides the same in-office diagnostic ultrasound, same-day treatment approach, and comprehensive foot and ankle expertise that has made Balance Foot & Ankle a regional destination practice. For Livonia and Redford residents, the I-96 West drive to Howell is often faster than navigating large health system campuses in Detroit or Dearborn for specialty appointments.
Common Conditions for Livonia-Area Patients
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot condition in adult patients, and Livonia-area patients are no exception. Whether from occupational standing, recreational running, or the everyday demands of an active life, plantar fascia pain responds best to an evidence-based protocol that begins with accurate diagnosis. Dr. Biernacki uses in-office ultrasound to measure plantar fascia thickness and rule out competing diagnoses — then provides a specific treatment plan rather than generic advice to “stretch and rest.”
Bunions & Hallux Valgus
Bunion deformity is one of the most common reasons patients from Livonia, Farmington Hills, and Redford seek specialty podiatric care. Dr. Biernacki evaluates bunions comprehensively — standing X-ray, quantitative angle measurement, first ray mobility assessment — and counsels patients on the full range from conservative management to minimally invasive surgical correction. He is upfront about what surgery can and cannot achieve, including realistic recovery timelines for working adults.
Diabetic Foot Care & Wound Management
The Livonia and Redford communities have significant populations of patients managing diabetes who require regular preventive podiatric care. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive diabetic foot exams, callus management, nail care, neuropathy screening, and wound care for active diabetic ulcers — following the systematic protocol that prevents the amputations and hospitalizations that make poorly managed diabetic foot disease so costly.
Custom Orthotics & Biomechanical Evaluation
Custom functional orthotics prescribed by Dr. Biernacki address the biomechanical root causes of plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, Achilles tendinopathy, and metatarsalgia that OTC insoles cannot adequately correct. Covered by most commercial insurance plans, custom orthotics are one of the highest-value interventions available to patients with chronic mechanical foot pain.
Getting Here from Livonia, Redford & Farmington Hills
Balance Foot & Ankle is located at 3011 E. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843. From Livonia or Redford, take I-96 West to US-23 North — approximately 45–55 minutes. From Farmington Hills, M-5 North to I-96 West is typically the fastest route — approximately 45–55 minutes.
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and most major Michigan commercial plans. Same-week new patient appointments are available. Call (810) 588-0520 or request online.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
New Balance 990v6 — Wide Fit Everyday Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Dr. Biernacki’s top recommendation for Livonia and Farmington Hills patients needing a wide-fit, supportive everyday shoe. Available in 4E extra-wide width with a ENCAP midsole providing excellent stability and cushioning. Compatible with custom orthotics.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended the 4E wide New Balance 990 after my bunion surgery. Enough room for my foot without pressure on the surgical site, and deep enough for my custom orthotics.””
Best for: Bunion patients, wide feet, custom orthotic compatibility, everyday walking and light activity
Not ideal for: Trail running or high-intensity sport — these are supportive everyday trainers
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
DASS Foot & Heel Pain Relief Balm
⭐ Highly Rated
A podiatrist-developed topical balm for foot and heel pain. Specifically formulated for plantar fasciitis and heel pain relief between appointments. A clean alternative to NSAIDs for patients who prefer topical management.
Dr. Tom says: “”Dr. Biernacki recommended this after my cortisone injection while waiting for my custom orthotics to arrive. The topical relief kept me comfortable without needing oral anti-inflammatories.””
Best for: Plantar fasciitis, heel spur pain, Achilles tendon soreness, between-visit topical pain management
Not ideal for: Open wounds, infected skin, or nerve pain (neuropathy) — these require different management
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- I-96 West provides direct, predictable access from Livonia and Redford to Howell in 45–55 minutes — typically faster than navigating Detroit-area health system specialty clinics
- Same-week appointments mean Livonia-area patients get seen quickly rather than waiting 4–8 weeks for a specialty slot at large health system practices
- In-office X-ray and diagnostic ultrasound — same-appointment diagnosis without referral to a separate imaging facility
❌ Cons / Risks
- I-96 rush-hour traffic can increase travel time significantly — scheduling mid-morning or early afternoon appointments avoids peak congestion from the Livonia and Redford corridor
- Patients requiring same-day emergency care for acute injuries should use local emergency or urgent care services first, then follow up with Dr. Biernacki within 24–72 hours for definitive management
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Livonia and Farmington Hills patients tend to be busy, practical people who want straightforward answers and efficient appointments. That’s exactly what I provide. When you come to Balance Foot & Ankle, you’ll spend the majority of your appointment talking to me — not waiting. You’ll leave with a clear diagnosis, a treatment plan, and treatment started if clinically appropriate. That’s the private practice model these patients deserve.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Livonia Michigan?
From central Livonia, our Howell office at 3011 E. Grand River Ave is approximately 45–55 minutes via I-96 West to US-23 North. From Farmington Hills, M-5 North to I-96 West is similar. We recommend Google Maps for real-time I-96 estimates, particularly during afternoon commute hours.
Do you accept patients from Redford Township?
Yes — Redford Township patients are welcome at Balance Foot & Ankle. We accept most major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Please call (810) 588-0520 with your insurance information to confirm coverage.
Can I schedule a bunion surgery consultation from Livonia?
Absolutely. Bunion surgery consultations from Livonia, Farmington Hills, and surrounding communities are a regular part of our practice. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive surgical consultation with in-office standing X-ray, reviews all surgical and non-surgical options, and provides honest guidance on timing, technique, and return-to-activity expectations. Same-week consultations are typically available.
What diabetic foot care services do you provide for Livonia patients?
We provide comprehensive diabetic foot care including preventive foot exams, neuropathy screening, callus and nail management, diabetic footwear prescription, and wound care for active diabetic ulcers. For Livonia-area diabetic patients, regular podiatric care (every 2–3 months for high-risk patients) is one of the most important preventive health investments available.
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.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes only so far. The fastest path to relief is a 30-minute office visit with Dr. Biernacki — same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402 or use our online booking.
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.