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 Montrose Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care Near Montrose, Michigan
Montrose Township, located in the heart of Genesee County just north of Flint along the Clio Road corridor, is a growing residential and agricultural community where working families need accessible, high-quality foot and ankle specialist care. Balance Foot & Ankle serves Montrose-area patients with board-certified podiatric care under Dr. Tom Biernacki — covering everything from common heel pain and nail conditions to advanced surgical reconstruction.
Your feet are the foundation of everything you do. When they hurt, your entire quality of life is affected — work, family, exercise, and independence all suffer. Dr. Biernacki’s mission is to provide Montrose and northern Genesee County residents with the same level of specialist care available in larger Michigan cities, close to home and on a schedule that works for real people with real lives.
What We Treat for Montrose Area Patients
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain: The most common foot condition in adults across every demographic. Our structured treatment approach — custom orthotics, targeted stretching, night splints, and ESWT when needed — resolves the vast majority of plantar fasciitis cases without surgery. Patients who have been suffering for months often achieve significant relief within the first few weeks of proper treatment.
Diabetic Foot Care: Diabetes is one of the most serious threats to foot health, and Genesee County’s high diabetes prevalence makes dedicated diabetic foot care a community priority. Dr. Biernacki provides annual at-risk exams, protective sensation testing, vascular assessment, callus and nail maintenance, wound management, and Medicare therapeutic footwear coordination for qualifying patients. Preventive care prevents the complications that lead to amputation.
Nail Conditions: From ingrown toenails resolved permanently with a quick in-office procedure, to fungal nails treated with the most effective evidence-based oral and topical regimens, to painful subungual hematomas drained for immediate relief — nail care is a core part of what we do. These conditions are extremely common and very treatable.
Ankle Sprains & Instability: Lateral ankle sprains are the most common sports injury in adults. When properly evaluated and treated, they heal completely. When undertreated or recurrent, they lead to chronic instability and progressive ankle arthritis. Dr. Biernacki evaluates ankle ligament integrity with clinical assessment and in-office ultrasound and provides rehabilitation protocols and surgical stabilization when needed.
Pediatric Foot Care: Children’s foot problems deserve expert attention — not a “wait and see” approach that allows preventable deformity to progress. Sever’s disease (growth plate heel pain), Kohler disease, flexible flatfoot, in-toeing, and juvenile bunions all have effective treatments that improve outcomes when addressed early.
Foot & Ankle Surgery: When conservative care has been exhausted, Dr. Biernacki performs a full range of foot and ankle surgical procedures using modern minimally invasive techniques — smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery than traditional open approaches. Procedures are performed at conveniently located outpatient surgical facilities.
Genesee County’s Northern Communities — We’re Here for You
Montrose patients share the geographic reality of many rural Michigan communities — specialist care can feel out of reach. We’ve specifically built our practice to be accessible to patients throughout northern Genesee County, with scheduling designed to minimize travel and maximize your time. Many Montrose-area patients had never seen a podiatrist before finding us — and then wonder why they waited so long.
Technology-Driven Diagnosis at Your First Visit
We don’t send you home after the first visit without answers. Our in-office capabilities — digital X-ray, musculoskeletal ultrasound, Doppler vascular studies, and computerized gait analysis — mean we can diagnose most conditions and start treatment at your very first appointment. No referral to a separate imaging facility, no waiting for results — you leave with a diagnosis and a plan.
Insurance Accepted — Medicare, Medicaid, and Major Plans
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Medicare, Medicaid/Healthy Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and many other Michigan insurance plans. Our billing team is experienced in podiatric insurance and works to ensure your care is covered appropriately. Call to verify your specific plan before your appointment.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Physix Gear Sport Compression Foot Sleeve
⭐ Highly Rated
Graduated compression sleeve providing ankle and midfoot support for plantar fasciitis, arch pain, and post-sprain recovery. Thin enough to wear in regular shoes throughout the day.
Dr. Tom says: “”I wear this under my work boots all day and it significantly reduces the arch and heel pain I used to have by 3pm. Comfortable enough to forget it’s there.””
Plantar fasciitis, arch pain, mild ankle support, daily wear
Not a substitute for rigid ankle brace in ligamentous instability
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Running Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
OTC insoles with shock absorption and arch support designed for athletic activity and active daily use. A solid starting point for mild-to-moderate arch and heel pain before custom orthotics.
Dr. Tom says: “”Good budget option for when I need something in my athletic shoes but don’t want to move my custom orthotics from my work boots.””
Athletic use, moderate arch support, everyday cushioning
OTC option — custom orthotics provide superior correction for significant biomechanical issues
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Specialist podiatric care accessible to Montrose and the northern Genesee County corridor without a major city commute
- Comprehensive diagnostics at first visit — most patients leave with a diagnosis and active treatment plan
- Full surgical capability when conservative care fails — no need for referral to a separate specialist
❌ Cons / Risks
- Some specialized surgical cases may require travel to affiliated regional facilities for operating room access
- Elective surgical procedures typically have a 2–4 week scheduling window from consultation to surgery
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Montrose is one of those communities where people tell me they didn’t even know there was a podiatrist they could get to easily. They’d been suffering with plantar fasciitis or a bad ingrown nail for years because they assumed they’d have to drive to Flint or even Ann Arbor for a specialist. I want Genesee County’s smaller communities to know that expert care is closer than they think — and that most foot problems are very fixable when treated properly.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a foot appointment near Montrose?
Call Balance Foot & Ankle directly. New patients near Montrose are typically seen within a few days, with same-week availability for urgent conditions like infected ingrown nails, diabetic foot wounds, or acute ankle injuries.
What is the best treatment for chronic heel pain?
Evidence-based treatment for plantar fasciitis includes calf and plantar fascia stretching (morning stretch before first steps is critical), custom orthotics for biomechanical correction, night splints to maintain stretch overnight, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic cases. Most patients achieve lasting relief with this approach — surgery is rarely necessary.
Can I walk on a broken foot?
It depends on the fracture. Non-displaced metatarsal fractures (except 5th metatarsal base fractures and Jones fractures) often allow weight-bearing in a protective boot. Displaced fractures, stress fractures in high-risk locations, or any fracture with instability requires non-weight-bearing. Never assume a fracture can be walked on without evaluation.
How do I know if I need a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon?
Podiatrists specialize exclusively in the foot and ankle — for these structures, a podiatric physician and surgeon often provides more focused expertise than a general orthopedic surgeon. For conditions involving the knee, hip, or spine in addition to foot/ankle issues, coordinated care between specialties may be appropriate. Dr. Biernacki works collaboratively with orthopedic and vascular surgery colleagues when needed.
Do custom orthotics really make a difference?
For appropriately selected patients, yes — significantly. Custom orthotics fabricated from computerized pressure maps and clinical examination correct pathological loading patterns that OTC insoles cannot address. Studies show custom orthotics provide superior outcomes to OTC devices for plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and other structural foot problems. Most insurance plans cover custom orthotics for qualifying diagnoses.
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)
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 Montrose. 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 Montrose 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.