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.
Podiatric Care for Madison Heights Patients
Madison Heights, located in southeastern Oakland County, is a diverse community with a significant working population, many seniors, and a growing number of active adults who need reliable foot and ankle care. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC in Brighton provides board-certified podiatric expertise for Madison Heights patients who want hands-on exam plus imaging when needed and effective treatment — not quick in-and-out visits that don’t resolve the problem.
Services for Madison Heights Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle provides the full scope of podiatric care for Madison Heights patients. Plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, diabetic foot care and neuropathy evaluation, ingrown toenails, fungal nails, ankle sprains and instability, Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures, flatfoot, and arthritic conditions are all comprehensively managed. Custom orthotics, on-site digital X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, Swift microwave wart treatment, and shockwave therapy for chronic tendinopathy are all available in-office.
Diabetic and Senior Foot Care
Madison Heights has a significant senior population who benefit from regular preventive podiatric care. Annual diabetic foot exams, nail debridement for thickened nails, diabetic shoe fitting and prescription, wound care, and evaluation of circulation and nerve function are all services Dr. Biernacki provides. Medicare covers many of these services for eligible patients, making comprehensive foot care accessible for Madison Heights seniors on fixed incomes.
Getting Here from Madison Heights
Balance Foot & Ankle is located in Brighton, MI — approximately 40–50 minutes from Madison Heights via I-696 West to I-96 West. Call (810) 225-6500 or visit michiganfootdoctors.com to schedule. Most major insurance plans are accepted. Same-week appointments are often available for new patients.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Dr. Scholl’s DiabetiCare Diabetic Ankle Socks
⭐ Highly Rated
Non-binding, seamless diabetic socks with soft fiber and no elastic cuff. Specifically designed to prevent pressure injury in neuropathic feet — essential daily protection for Madison Heights diabetic patients.
Dr. Tom says: “Dr. Biernacki recommends seamless diabetic socks as fundamental daily protection for all diabetic patients.”
Diabetic patients and seniors with neuropathy or circulation concerns
Patients with severe PAD — consult physician before any compression sock use
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Arch Support Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Firm arch support with deep heel cup for plantar fasciitis, heel spur pain, and general arch fatigue. A practical starting insole for Madison Heights patients waiting for a custom orthotic appointment.
Dr. Tom says: “A reliable OTC insole for managing mild to moderate foot pain before a formal evaluation.”
Plantar fasciitis, arch pain, and general foot fatigue in everyday and work shoes
Structural foot problems requiring custom prescription orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Full scope podiatric care including diabetic and senior services
- Medicare coverage for many preventive services
- On-site X-ray and ultrasound diagnostics
- Custom orthotics and therapeutic footwear prescription available
❌ Cons / Risks
- Howell location — ~40-50 minutes from Madison Heights
- Complex surgical cases may require advance scheduling
- Custom orthotics take 2–3 weeks to fabricate
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Madison Heights sends me a lot of patients who haven’t been to a podiatrist before — sometimes diabetics who’ve never had a formal foot exam. When I find early neuropathy or a Charcot foot that hasn’t been diagnosed, and we catch it before it becomes an amputation — that’s why I do this work. Prevention-focused podiatry saves lives and limbs.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Madison Heights?
About 40–50 minutes via I-696 West to I-96 West to Brighton, MI.
Does Medicare cover podiatry visits for Madison Heights seniors?
Medicare Part B covers certain podiatric services including diabetic foot exams, nail care for medically necessary conditions, and orthotics when prescribed for covered diagnoses. Call (810) 225-6500 for specifics.
Can Dr. Biernacki treat foot ulcers?
Yes — non-healing wounds and diabetic foot ulcers are treated at Balance Foot & Ankle with appropriate wound care protocols. Severe cases requiring vascular surgery are referred to appropriate specialists.
What insurance is accepted for Madison Heights patients?
Most major plans including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and others. Call (810) 225-6500 for verification.
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.
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.
APMA: Podiatric Medicine — Services, Conditions & Patient Resources
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.