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 Monroe, LaSalle, Temperance, Dundee, Petersburg, Monroe County, and the greater Southeast Michigan border region receive expert podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC. Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-certified podiatrist providing comprehensive foot and ankle evaluation and treatment for patients from Monroe County who deserve high-quality, accessible specialty care without traveling to a major metropolitan center.
Monroe County’s communities include agricultural workers, automotive assembly workers at the Monroe facilities, healthcare employees at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, and active families and retirees who enjoy the Lake Erie waterfront, Sterling State Park, and the area’s outdoor recreational resources. Foot health is essential to all of these lifestyles — and Dr. Biernacki provides individualized care that fits each patient’s specific occupational and recreational demands.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Monroe Lasalle Temperance Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Services for Monroe County Patients
Monroe County patients seek care at Balance Foot & Ankle for a broad range of podiatric conditions. Plantar fasciitis is extremely common among the area’s workers who stand on hard concrete and tile floors for extended periods. Dr. Biernacki’s comprehensive approach — custom orthotics, stretching protocols, corticosteroid injections, and shockwave therapy — addresses the root biomechanical cause and achieves durable relief in most patients without surgery.
Diabetic foot care is a priority service given the significant diabetic population throughout Southeast Michigan. Preventive nail and skin care, wound monitoring, diabetic shoe prescriptions covered by Medicare, and ulcer management are all available for Monroe County patients managing diabetes. Dr. Biernacki works with patients’ primary care physicians to ensure coordinated, comprehensive foot health monitoring.
Ingrown toenails, fungal nails, bunions, hammertoes, ankle sprains, and tendon injuries are managed with evidence-based conservative and surgical approaches. The practice’s in-house capabilities — digital X-ray, custom orthotic fabrication, and in-office procedures — make it possible to complete evaluation and begin treatment in a single visit, reducing the total number of trips required for Monroe County patients.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Monroe County
The Howell clinic is accessible from Monroe via US-23 North, approximately 55–65 minutes depending on starting point and traffic. From LaSalle and Temperance, driving time via US-23 North is approximately 50–60 minutes. Morning appointments avoid peak commuter traffic on US-23 for the most comfortable drive.
To schedule, Monroe County patients can call (517) 315-6969 or visit MichiganFootDoctors.com for online appointment booking. Most major insurance plans are accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Free parking is available at the Howell clinic.
Dr. Tom’s Product Recommendations
Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Comfortable walking shoe with truTECH shock absorption — ideal for Monroe County workers and residents who walk or stand for extended periods.
Dr. Tom says: “These shoes helped my plantar fasciitis more than anything else I tried before seeing my podiatrist.”
Workers and active adults from Monroe County needing durable daily footwear with heel cushioning
Patients requiring prescription custom orthotics or specialty diabetic footwear
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Zinc-Oxide Athletic Tape for Taping
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Rigid zinc-oxide tape for plantar fascia taping, ankle support, and turf toe protection — a conservative tool taught during Dr. Biernacki’s rehabilitation protocols.
Dr. Tom says: “My PT showed me how to tape my arch and it cuts my morning heel pain in half.”
Patients using arch or ankle taping as directed by their podiatrist during conservative management
Patients with skin sensitivity to rigid tape — hypoallergenic alternatives should be discussed with the podiatrist
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Comprehensive podiatric care for Monroe, LaSalle, Temperance, and all Monroe County communities
- Priority diabetic foot care with Medicare-covered services
- Same-week new patient appointments with board-certified podiatrist
- Accessible via US-23 North — approximately 55–65 minutes from Monroe
❌ Cons / Risks
- Clinic is in Howell — Monroe County patients should budget 60–70 minutes including parking and check-in
- Some specialized tertiary procedures may require referral to larger academic medical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Monroe County is a community that takes care of each other, and I always feel that when patients come in from that area — they come in recommended by neighbors, family, or coworkers, and they arrive with a baseline of trust that I appreciate. My job is to honor that trust with a thorough evaluation, an honest assessment, and a treatment plan that actually makes sense for their lifestyle. I never recommend surgery for a Monroe County farmer or factory worker lightly — I know what that recovery means for their livelihood.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Monroe Michigan?
The Howell clinic is approximately 55–65 minutes from downtown Monroe via US-23 North. From the northern Monroe County communities like LaSalle and Temperance, the drive is closer to 50–60 minutes. Mid-morning appointments typically avoid the heaviest traffic on US-23.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat agricultural workers from Monroe County?
Yes — farmers and agricultural workers often have specific foot health challenges including heavy boot use, standing on uneven terrain, and limited time for medical care. Dr. Biernacki understands these demands and works to minimize time away from work while providing effective treatment.
What insurance is accepted for Monroe County patients?
Most major commercial plans are accepted including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Patients are encouraged to call the office to verify their specific plan participation before scheduling.
Can I get custom orthotics without multiple trips?
Yes — orthotic casting is performed at the initial appointment. The devices are typically ready within 1–2 weeks. For Monroe County patients, the casting and delivery can often be arranged to minimize the total number of trips to Howell.
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.
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 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.