Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer: Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, provides comprehensive podiatric care to patients from Livonia, Westland, Garden City, Wayne, and western Wayne County, Michigan. Our Howell clinic is approximately 45 minutes northwest of Livonia via I-96 West. We treat plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot management, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, and perform foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Biernacki is board-certified in podiatric surgery. Call (517) 545-FEET to schedule.
Expert Foot Care for Livonia and Westland Residents
Livonia, Westland, Garden City, Wayne, and Inkster residents seeking subspecialty-level foot and ankle care have a premium option just 40–45 minutes away in Howell. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle delivers board-certified podiatric surgical expertise with same-week scheduling and genuine investment in long-term outcomes — a meaningful alternative to navigating crowded metro Detroit practices.
Comprehensive Conditions Treated
Western Wayne County patients visit Balance Foot & Ankle for the full range of podiatric conditions. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — especially common in Livonia’s active suburban community — is treated with custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, PRP injections, and surgery when needed. Bunion correction with minimally invasive or lapidus technique provides lasting results with faster return to work. Ingrown toenail surgery is performed in-office with same-day permanent resolution. Diabetic foot care — preventive nail care, callus reduction, neuropathy assessment, wound management — is provided for Wayne County’s substantial diabetic population. Ankle injuries, tendinopathy, sports conditions, and occupational foot problems are evaluated and treated comprehensively. Dr. Biernacki also sees pediatric patients with Sever’s disease, juvenile bunions, and flatfoot deformity common in the youth athletic population of western Wayne County.
Surgical Expertise for Western Wayne Patients
Livonia-area patients requiring surgery benefit from Dr. Biernacki’s full surgical scope: minimally invasive bunion correction, hammertoe fusion, Achilles reconstruction, ankle arthroscopy, lateral ankle stabilization, flatfoot reconstruction, total ankle replacement, and revisional foot surgery — all performed at accredited outpatient surgical centers near Howell with comprehensive pre- and post-operative care.
Directions from Livonia to Howell
From Livonia: Take I-96 West to US-23 North, then exit at Grand River Avenue in Howell (approximately 43 miles, 45 minutes). From Westland: Take I-96 West approximately 42 miles to the Grand River Ave exit (approximately 43 minutes). Balance Foot & Ankle is at 1590 E. Grand River Ave, Suite 100, Howell, MI 48843. Free parking. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, HAP, Medicare, and most major Michigan plans. Call (517) 545-FEET.
Why Western Wayne County Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle
Livonia and Westland patients come to Balance Foot & Ankle for thorough evaluation and long-term solutions — not quick appointments and repeat prescriptions. Dr. Biernacki takes time to understand each patient’s occupation, activity level, and goals, and creates treatment plans that address the root cause of the problem. Hundreds of 5-star reviews from patients across southeast Michigan reflect this standard of care. The drive from Livonia is worth it for patients who want to get it right the first time.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Structured cushioning running shoe with GuideRails stability system — highly recommended for overpronators and plantar fasciitis patients in the Livonia and Westland area.
Dr. Tom says: “”Brooks Adrenaline is a consistently excellent shoe for my overpronating patients with heel pain — the GuideRails technology provides meaningful biomechanical guidance without being a rigid motion control shoe.” — Dr. Biernacki”
Overpronation, plantar fasciitis, daily running and walking
Severe flatfoot requiring maximum motion control or custom orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 45-minute drive from Livonia gives western Wayne County residents access to subspecialty foot surgery without metro Detroit complexity.
- Same-week appointments — significantly faster access than most specialist practices in the Detroit metro area.
- Full surgical scope means one practice for both conservative management and surgical intervention.
❌ Cons / Risks
- Rush hour on I-96 westbound can extend travel time from Livonia — plan morning or mid-day appointments to avoid delays.
- Post-operative patients should arrange transportation; driving restrictions apply for anesthesia-based procedures.
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Western Wayne County is one of the most densely populated suburban corridors in Michigan, and the demand for quality foot care there is enormous. We consistently see patients from Livonia and Westland who couldn’t get timely appointments with local podiatrists, or who saw a local provider and weren’t satisfied with the evaluation. When they come to Howell, we make sure the time they invested in the drive was absolutely worth it.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is your office on the I-96 corridor from Livonia?
Yes — our Howell office is directly accessible from I-96 West. Take I-96 West to US-23 North, exit at Grand River Avenue. The office is at 1590 E. Grand River Ave, Suite 100, Howell — approximately 43 miles from central Livonia.
Do you treat foot problems from Ford or GM plant workers?
Yes — we see many automotive industry workers with occupational foot conditions related to prolonged standing on concrete, heavy lifting, and restrictive safety footwear. We provide custom orthotics that fit safety boots, treatment for work-related injuries, and workers’ compensation documentation when applicable.
Can I see Dr. Biernacki for a second opinion on foot surgery?
Absolutely — second opinion consultations are welcome and encouraged for patients considering major foot or ankle surgery. Dr. Biernacki reviews your imaging, clinical history, and proposed surgical plan to provide an independent, thorough assessment. Call (517) 545-FEET to schedule a second opinion consultation.
What if I need physical therapy after foot surgery — can I go to a PT near Livonia?
Yes — Dr. Biernacki works with physical therapists throughout southeast Michigan. He will provide post-operative PT protocols that any qualified physical therapist can follow, allowing you to receive rehabilitation care close to home in Livonia or Westland.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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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.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)