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
Mount Clemens and Clinton Township anchor Macomb County’s western communities along the Clinton River corridor—a diverse region of established neighborhoods, growing residential communities, and active recreational spaces including the Clinton River Trail system. Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell, Michigan provides expert podiatric care for Macomb County patients seeking board-certified specialist evaluation at a private practice where the doctor personally handles every visit.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Mount Clemens Clinton Township Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Macomb County
From Clinton Township, the drive to Howell is approximately 55–65 minutes via I-94 West to I-96 West to M-59—a primarily freeway route that most patients find manageable for specialized care. From Mount Clemens (Macomb County seat), the route is similar via M-59 West directly to our East Highland Road office. Many Macomb County patients find that combining their appointment with a visit to the Howell area reduces the perceived distance.
For Macomb County patients who prefer a preliminary assessment before making the drive, Dr. Biernacki offers telehealth initial consultations available through MichiganFootDoctors.com. This video visit allows a preliminary diagnosis discussion, review of imaging sent ahead of the appointment, and determination of urgency and next steps.
Foot and Ankle Care for Macomb County Residents
Macomb County is one of Michigan’s most populous counties, with a mix of working-class families, active recreational communities, and a substantial population of older adults. This diversity generates broad podiatric needs:
Active adults and athletes: Clinton Township and Chesterfield Township have strong youth sports programs and adult recreational running communities using the Clinton River Trail and Lake St. Clair shoreline. Sports injuries including ankle sprains, stress fractures, tendinopathies, and overuse syndromes are common presentations. Dr. Biernacki develops sport-specific return protocols for Macomb County athletes at all levels.
Senior and diabetic populations: Macomb County has a substantial senior population with significant rates of diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Comprehensive diabetic foot care—preventive nail management, callus debridement, wound care, and patient education—is a critical service for this demographic. Regular podiatric visits are among the highest-value preventive healthcare interventions for diabetic patients with neuropathy.
Workers in trades and industry: Macomb County’s manufacturing and automotive supplier base generates occupational foot conditions including plantar fasciitis, ankle injuries, and work-related foot trauma. Dr. Biernacki designs treatment plans compatible with return to physically demanding employment.
Comprehensive Services at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Biernacki provides the full spectrum of podiatric services for Mount Clemens and Clinton Township patients:
Bunion and hammertoe correction with minimally invasive and Lapiplasty 3D surgical options. Modern techniques allow faster recovery and smaller incisions than traditional open procedures. Heel pain management for plantar fasciitis, Baxter’s nerve entrapment, and related conditions—most cases resolved without surgery using orthotics, injection, and physical therapy. Ankle instability management from conservative bracing and rehabilitation to surgical lateral ligament reconstruction for recurrent instability. Nail conditions including permanent ingrown toenail correction by phenol matrixectomy and fungal nail treatment with prescription antifungals.
Online scheduling at MichiganFootDoctors.com is available 24/7. Most Macomb County patients are seen within 1–2 weeks. For urgent presentations—acute fractures, infected wounds, or diabetic foot emergencies—call (517) 579-1881 for same-day evaluation options. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Brooks Adrenaline GTS Wide Stability Shoe
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Premium stability running shoe with wide-width options and medial support—ideal for Macomb County runners managing plantar fasciitis or overpronation.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist suggested these for my Clinton River Trail runs—my heel pain improved significantly.”
Macomb County runners and active patients with overpronation and plantar fasciitis
Patients with rigid high arches needing neutral or cushioned shoes
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Strassburg Sock Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
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Night splint for plantar fasciitis morning pain—maintains gentle stretch on the plantar fascia overnight to reduce first-step heel pain.
Dr. Tom says: “Cut my morning heel pain from an 8 to a 2 within two weeks of consistent nightly use.”
Plantar fasciitis patients with severe morning first-step pain during conservative management
Patients with active Achilles tendinopathy (different stretching protocol required)
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Superfeet GREEN Insoles for Active Patients
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High-support arch insoles for active Macomb County patients—firm heel cup and medial arch support for running, trail use, and daily wear.
Dr. Tom says: “Best over-the-counter insole for trail running—gave me real support until my custom orthotics were ready.”
Active patients and runners needing firm arch support between custom orthotic fitting
Patients needing accommodative cushioning rather than structural support
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Telehealth initial consultations available for Macomb County patients before making the 55–65 minute drive
- Dr. Biernacki personally handles every patient visit—consistent specialist care without mid-level substitution
- Same-week scheduling and same-day urgent care for acute fractures, infected wounds, and emergencies
❌ Cons / Risks
- 55–65 minute drive from Clinton Township and Mount Clemens—longer than locally available options
- Macomb County has podiatric options closer to home—Balance Foot & Ankle offers private practice specialist care as an alternative
- Multiple-visit surgical cases require multiple drives to Howell
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Macomb County patients who make the drive out to Howell are investing time to get the right care, and I deeply appreciate that. What I hear consistently from patients coming from Clinton Township and Mount Clemens is that they wanted a doctor they could actually talk to—someone who would explain what’s going on, why the treatment plan makes sense, and what to expect. That’s the core of what we offer at Balance Foot & Ankle. Whether you’re a runner dealing with a stubborn case of plantar fasciitis, a patient who’s finally ready to do something about your bunion, or someone managing a diabetic foot issue that needs specialized attention—we’re here and we’d be glad to see you.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Clinton Township, Michigan?
Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell is approximately 55–65 minutes from Clinton Township via I-94 West to I-96 West to M-59, depending on traffic conditions. Dr. Biernacki offers telehealth initial consultations for Macomb County patients who want to assess their condition before the drive.
Does Dr. Biernacki see patients from Mount Clemens and Macomb County?
Yes—Dr. Biernacki welcomes patients from Mount Clemens, Clinton Township, Chesterfield Township, Harrison Township, and the broader Macomb County area at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell, Michigan.
What insurance plans are accepted from Macomb County patients?
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, and Medicaid. Call (517) 579-1881 to verify your specific plan before scheduling.
Can I start with a telehealth consultation before driving to Howell?
Yes—Dr. Biernacki offers telehealth initial consultations for patients from Macomb County who want to discuss their condition before making the drive. Schedule at MichiganFootDoctors.com.
What is the fastest way to schedule an appointment from Macomb County?
Online scheduling at MichiganFootDoctors.com is available 24/7 and provides the fastest appointment booking. For urgent needs, call (517) 579-1881 directly for same-day urgent evaluation when clinically appropriate.
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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Mount Clemens and Clinton 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 Mount Clemens and Clinton Township area.
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.