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
Patients from Meridian Township, Okemos, Haslett, and Ingham County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for fellowship-trained podiatric care. This well-educated, active community — with significant MSU faculty, professional, and state government populations — expects thorough evaluations and evidence-based treatment. That’s exactly what Dr. Biernacki delivers.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Meridian Township Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot and Ankle Care for Meridian Township Patients
Plantar Fasciitis: Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and structured conservative protocols for Okemos and Haslett area patients. Running Injuries: Stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, and ankle sprains common in MSU-area active community. Ingrown Toenails: Same-week permanent matrixectomy. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual exams and wound management. Bunions & Ankle Surgery: Full range of procedures. Custom Orthotics: For sport and professional footwear.
Accessible from Meridian Township
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Meridian Township and Okemos via US-127 north to I-96 east to US-23 north, approximately 35–40 minutes. Same-week new patient appointments. All major Michigan insurance accepted. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
HOKA Clifton 9 Road Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum cushion road running shoe — popular with Okemos and MSU-area runners managing plantar fasciitis and seeking superior cushioning for high-mileage training.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended HOKA Clifton for my plantar fasciitis and the cushioning significantly reduced my heel pain on long training runs.”
Plantar fasciitis cushion, high mileage running, MSU area runners, Okemos Michigan
Neutral cushion shoe — not for significant overpronators needing stability control
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Superfeet BLUE Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Medium-arch semi-rigid insole — a versatile podiatrist-recommended OTC orthotic for Meridian Township patients beginning plantar fasciitis treatment.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended Superfeet BLUE as a bridge insole and they provided good initial relief from my heel pain.”
Plantar fasciitis OTC start, medium arch support, everyday shoes professional footwear
Custom orthotics provide superior correction for structural biomechanical issues
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 35-40 minutes from Meridian Township via US-127 and I-96
- Same-week appointments for Ingham County patients
- Fellowship-trained expertise matching the high expectations of MSU-area patients
- All major Michigan insurance accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 35-40 minute drive from Okemos required
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Okemos and Meridian Township patients are among the most research-oriented I see — they often come prepared with literature and specific questions. That’s an environment I enjoy. The 35-minute drive via US-127 and I-96 is straightforward and patients tell me the access and thoroughness of evaluation make it worthwhile compared to local alternatives.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Okemos Michigan?
Approximately 35-40 minutes via US-127 north to I-96 east to US-23 north. Same-week new patient appointments are available.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat Meridian Township patients?
Yes — Meridian Township, Haslett, and Okemos patients are welcome. The US-127 corridor provides direct access.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Ingham County insurance?
Yes — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Most Ingham County commercial plans are accepted.
Can Okemos patients get urgent foot care?
Urgent cases including fractures, infections, and acute ankle injuries are accommodated same-day or next-day when possible. Call (810) 220-5551 early in the morning.
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.
American Podiatric Medical Association: Find a Podiatrist
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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Meridian Township. You can call or book online directly. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, Priority Health, and United Healthcare. We treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Our board-certified DPM provides both conservative and surgical care. Same-week and urgent appointments are available for residents of the Meridian Township area.
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.