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
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Middleville Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot & Ankle Care for Middleville, Michigan
Middleville is a community in Barry County, Michigan, situated along the M-37 corridor in the west-central lower peninsula. Known for its access to the Thornapple River and Gun Lake area, Middleville serves a recreational and rural population across Barry County’s central corridor. Residents of Middleville and surrounding communities — including Wayland, Hastings, Nashville, Woodland, and Yankee Springs — access specialized podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell, Michigan, under the care of Dr. Tom Biernacki.
Dr. Biernacki is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon who provides comprehensive specialist foot care to patients throughout rural west-central Michigan. From ingrown toenail procedures to complex ankle reconstruction, Balance Foot & Ankle delivers the full scope of podiatric medicine and surgery to Middleville and Barry County patients.
Services for Middleville-Area Patients
Heel and arch pain management is central to our practice, with plantar fasciitis being the most common presenting complaint from Barry County patients. Custom orthotics, targeted injection therapy, shockwave treatment, and surgical release for refractory cases are all available. Nail conditions — ingrown toenails in particular — are among the most frequently treated conditions. Recurrent ingrown toenails causing repeated infections are permanently cured with the in-office partial nail avulsion and phenol matrixectomy procedure under local anesthesia in approximately 20 minutes. Fungal nail infections are treated with personalized protocols combining topical and oral antifungal approaches.
Foot and ankle injuries from the Middleville area’s active outdoor community — ankle sprains from trail and terrain activities, running overuse injuries, stress fractures, and Achilles tendon conditions — are evaluated with biomechanical assessment and weight-bearing radiographs, with MRI coordination when clinically indicated. Bunions, hammertoes, and lesser toe deformities are managed with both conservative and surgical options including modern minimally invasive techniques.
Diabetic Foot Services
Diabetes is prevalent throughout Barry County’s rural population, and its foot complications require ongoing specialist attention. Annual diabetic foot exams covered by Medicare Part B include comprehensive neuropathy testing, vascular screening, and therapeutic footwear prescription. For patients with active foot wounds, Dr. Biernacki provides evidence-based wound care and coordinates with vascular surgery, infectious disease, and primary care for complex cases. Early specialist intervention — within the first two weeks of any new wound — is the most critical factor in preventing diabetic foot amputation.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Middleville
From Middleville, travel north on M-37 to M-43 East, then continue east approximately 50 miles to Howell, Michigan. The drive from Middleville is approximately 50–60 miles, typically 50–60 minutes. Patients from Yankee Springs and Gun Lake follow M-179 East to M-43 East. Call (517) 525-1747 for specific directions from your address. New patients from Middleville and throughout Barry County are always welcome at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Tuli’s 2-in-1 Heel Cup with Plantar Fasciitis Support
⭐ Highly Rated
Dual-density heel cup combining shock absorption with medial arch support for plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Removable arch support component adapts to different footwear needs.
Dr. Tom says: “I tried multiple heel cups before finding this one — the dual component design with the arch piece is the closest thing to a custom orthotic I’ve found over-the-counter.”
Plantar fasciitis; heel pain; mild arch support; interim before custom orthotics
Not adequate for severe plantar fasciitis requiring custom orthotics or injection therapy
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Dr. Scholl’s Ingrown Toenail Pain Reliever
⭐ Highly Rated
Topical softening gel for temporary relief of ingrown toenail pain while awaiting professional evaluation. Contains sodium sulfide to soften the nail edge for conservative management attempts.
Dr. Tom says: “This gel provided temporary relief for my ingrown nail while I waited for my appointment — it softened the nail edge enough to reduce the constant pressure pain.”
Mild ingrown toenail temporary relief; pre-appointment symptom management
Not appropriate for infected ingrown toenails or Stage II–III disease — requires professional evaluation
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- F
- u
- l
- l
- p
- o
- d
- i
- a
- t
- r
- i
- c
- c
- a
- r
- e
- a
- c
- c
- e
- s
- s
- i
- b
- l
- e
- f
- r
- o
- m
- M
- i
- d
- d
- l
- e
- v
- i
- l
- l
- e
- v
- i
- a
- M
- –
- 3
- 7
- /
- M
- –
- 4
- 3
- ;
- n
- a
- i
- l
- p
- r
- o
- c
- e
- d
- u
- r
- e
- s
- i
- n
- c
- l
- u
- d
- i
- n
- g
- p
- e
- r
- m
- a
- n
- e
- n
- t
- i
- n
- g
- r
- o
- w
- n
- t
- o
- e
- n
- a
- i
- l
- c
- u
- r
- e
- ;
- d
- i
- a
- b
- e
- t
- i
- c
- f
- o
- o
- t
- p
- r
- o
- g
- r
- a
- m
- ;
- M
- e
- d
- i
- c
- a
- r
- e
- a
- n
- d
- i
- n
- s
- u
- r
- a
- n
- c
- e
- a
- c
- c
- e
- p
- t
- e
- d
- ;
- n
- e
- w
- p
- a
- t
- i
- e
- n
- t
- s
- a
- l
- w
- a
- y
- s
- w
- e
- l
- c
- o
- m
- e
- .
❌ Cons / Risks
- A
- p
- p
- r
- o
- x
- i
- m
- a
- t
- e
- l
- y
- 5
- 0
- –
- m
- i
- n
- u
- t
- e
- d
- r
- i
- v
- e
- f
- r
- o
- m
- M
- i
- d
- d
- l
- e
- v
- i
- l
- l
- e
- ;
- a
- d
- v
- a
- n
- c
- e
- s
- c
- h
- e
- d
- u
- l
- i
- n
- g
- r
- e
- q
- u
- i
- r
- e
- d
- ;
- u
- r
- g
- e
- n
- t
- c
- o
- n
- d
- i
- t
- i
- o
- n
- s
- s
- h
- o
- u
- l
- d
- c
- a
- l
- l
- f
- o
- r
- p
- r
- i
- o
- r
- i
- t
- y
- s
- c
- h
- e
- d
- u
- l
- i
- n
- g
- .
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Middleville and the Gun Lake area patients have great outdoor access and an active lifestyle — and when foot or ankle problems interfere with that lifestyle, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a nagging ingrown toenail, a running injury that won’t resolve, or a diabetic foot concern, Balance Foot & Ankle provides the expert care that Barry County residents deserve.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Middleville from Balance Foot & Ankle?
Middleville is approximately 50–60 miles from our Howell office — about a 50–60 minute drive via M-37 North to M-43 East. Call (517) 525-1747 for specific directions from Middleville or surrounding Barry County communities.
Can Dr. Biernacki permanently fix my recurring ingrown toenail?
Yes. Partial nail avulsion with phenol matrixectomy achieves a 95% permanent cure rate for recurrent ingrown toenails. The 20-minute in-office procedure under local anesthesia removes the offending nail border and chemically destroys the matrix to prevent regrowth. Recovery involves 2–4 weeks of wound care, with most patients back to normal footwear the next day.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle treat patients from the Gun Lake area?
Yes. Patients from the Gun Lake area, Yankee Springs Township, and all surrounding Barry County communities are welcome at Balance Foot & Ankle. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance plans. New patients can call (517) 525-1747 to schedule.
What is the best way to treat an infected ingrown toenail at home before my appointment?
Keep the area clean with gentle soap and water, soak in warm Epsom salt or saline water for 10–15 minutes twice daily, and keep the toe dry between soaks. Do not attempt to dig out the nail or cut a V in the nail — these are myths that worsen the problem. If you see spreading redness, swelling, or pus, call for a same-week appointment as infected ingrown toenails require prompt professional treatment.
What conditions are most common in Barry County patients at your practice?
From Barry County we most commonly see plantar fasciitis and heel pain, ingrown toenails, ankle sprains from outdoor activity, running injuries, bunions and hammertoes, and diabetic foot conditions. The active outdoor lifestyle of the area drives higher rates of sports-related foot and ankle presentations than some other regions we serve.
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.
What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. Whether 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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Middleville. 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 Middleville 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.