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.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what Mount Clemens / Macomb podiatry means and what actually works. Call (810) 206-1402 for a same-day appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Patients from Mount Clemens, Macomb Township, and Chesterfield choose Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell for subspecialty foot and ankle care with same-week scheduling. The I-94 West to US-23 North corridor provides practical access from Macomb County to Howell in approximately 55–65 minutes — and patients consistently find the drive worthwhile for a podiatrist who provides a definitive diagnosis and starts treatment at the first appointment.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Mount Clemens Macomb Chesterfield Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Serving Macomb County Patients
Macomb County is one of Michigan’s most populous counties — home to a diverse mix of working-class communities (Mount Clemens, the county seat), rapidly growing suburban areas (Macomb Township, Chesterfield), and a strong manufacturing and military presence (Selfridge Air National Guard Base). The county’s active recreational culture, including youth athletics, adult recreational leagues, and a growing running and cycling community, creates significant demand for expert foot and ankle care.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle provides the same in-office diagnostic technology and comprehensive clinical approach that Livingston County patients enjoy. For Macomb County patients who want to avoid extended health system waits, the I-94 West drive to Howell is a practical, time-efficient alternative.
Conditions We Treat for Macomb County Patients
Bunion Surgery & Conservative Care
Bunion deformity is one of the most common reasons Macomb County patients seek podiatric specialty care. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive bunion evaluation — including standing X-ray with quantitative angle measurement — and discusses the full range of management from conservative footwear adjustment through minimally invasive surgical correction. For patients who elect surgery, Dr. Biernacki provides honest guidance on technique selection, recovery timeline, and return-to-activity expectations.
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot condition affecting active Macomb County adults. Dr. Biernacki’s evidence-based protocol — diagnostic ultrasound, biomechanical evaluation, custom orthotics, targeted injection therapy, and ESWT for refractory cases — achieves resolution in over 90% of patients. Same-week scheduling means patients don’t have to live with disabling heel pain while waiting months for a specialty appointment.
Athletic & Sports Injuries
From youth athletes at Macomb County high schools to adult recreational runners and cyclists, sports foot and ankle injuries — stress fractures, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, and peroneal tendon injuries — require accurate diagnosis and sport-specific rehabilitation planning. Dr. Biernacki uses in-office ultrasound for same-appointment soft tissue injury characterization and develops return-to-sport plans that minimize time away from activity.
Diabetic Foot Care & Wound Management
Macomb County has a significant diabetic population requiring regular podiatric preventive care. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive diabetic foot exams, neuropathy screening, callus and nail management, diabetic footwear prescription, and wound care for established ulcers — all with the systematic approach that prevents the foot complications that make diabetes such a devastating disease.
Getting Here from Mount Clemens, Macomb & Chesterfield
Balance Foot & Ankle is at 3011 E. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843. From Mount Clemens or Macomb Township, take I-94 West to US-23 North — approximately 55–65 minutes. From Chesterfield, add approximately 5–10 minutes. Check Google Maps for real-time I-94 estimates as traffic can vary during morning and afternoon peak hours.
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and most major Michigan plans. Same-week appointments available: (810) 588-0520.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Arch Support Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Dr. Biernacki’s top OTC insole recommendation for Macomb County patients with plantar fasciitis or arch fatigue before custom orthotics. The firm shell and deep heel cup provide meaningful rearfoot stabilization during daily walking and work activities.
Dr. Tom says: “”I’ve been driving from Chesterfield to see Dr. Biernacki for years. He recommended these Powerstep insoles and they’ve been a lifesaver for my plantar fasciitis between orthotic replacements.””
Best for: Plantar fasciitis, arch fatigue, rearfoot instability, occupational foot pain from standing
Not ideal for: Significant biomechanical deformity requiring custom orthotic correction
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Copper Fit Compression Ankle Sleeve
⭐ Highly Rated
Comfortable ankle compression sleeve for ankle sprain recovery, chronic ankle instability, or everyday ankle joint support during athletic activity. The copper-infused knit fabric fits inside athletic footwear without excessive bulk.
Dr. Tom says: “”After spraining my ankle at my kid’s soccer game, Dr. Biernacki recommended this sleeve for return to recreational activity. Good support and comfortable in my running shoes.””
Best for: Mild ankle sprain recovery, chronic ankle instability, athletic ankle support for Macomb County recreational athletes
Not ideal for: High-grade ankle sprains requiring rigid immobilization — those need medical evaluation and a proper ankle brace
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- I-94 West to US-23 North provides direct, practical access from Macomb County to Howell in 55–65 minutes — often faster than navigating complex health system specialist referral processes
- Same-week appointments with in-office X-ray and diagnostic ultrasound — same-appointment diagnosis for most foot and ankle conditions
- Comprehensive services from basic nail and callus care through complex ankle and calcaneus fracture management — all under one roof with Dr. Biernacki
❌ Cons / Risks
- I-94 morning and afternoon rush hour can significantly extend travel time from Macomb County — scheduling mid-morning or early afternoon appointments avoids peak congestion
- Patients from Chesterfield or St. Clair Shores should allow extra time for the I-94 drive, particularly during summer construction periods
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Macomb County has great people and a strong sense of community. When patients make the drive from Mount Clemens or Chesterfield to see me, they’re investing their time in getting the right diagnosis and the right plan — and I honor that by making sure every visit is thorough and efficient. I don’t do referral merry-go-rounds. I diagnose, explain, and treat at appointment one. That’s what Macomb County patients deserve.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Mount Clemens Michigan?
From Mount Clemens, our Howell office at 3011 E. Grand River Ave is approximately 55–65 minutes via I-94 West to US-23 North. From Macomb Township or Chesterfield, add 5–10 minutes. We recommend Google Maps for real-time I-94 traffic estimates.
Do you treat youth athletes from Macomb County?
Yes — we treat student athletes from throughout Macomb County for sports foot and ankle injuries including stress fractures, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, Sever’s disease, and plantar fasciitis. Dr. Biernacki works with families and coaches on return-to-sport planning that minimizes time away from competition.
Do you offer same-day appointments from Macomb County?
Same-day appointments are occasionally available for urgent situations. Same-week appointments are typically available for new patients from Macomb County. The fastest way to secure an appointment is to call (810) 588-0520 directly — our scheduling team will find the earliest available time.
What if I need surgery — will Dr. Biernacki perform it in Howell?
Most elective outpatient podiatric surgeries (bunions, hammertoes, neurectomy, matrixectomy) are performed at ambulatory surgery centers in the Howell or Brighton area. For Macomb County patients, Dr. Biernacki provides the surgical consultation, operative planning, and post-operative follow-up — with the surgery itself performed at a convenient local ASC. Post-operative follow-up at our Howell office is typically every 1–4 weeks depending on the procedure.
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.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes only so far. The fastest path to relief is a 30-minute office visit with Dr. Biernacki — same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402 or use our online booking.
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 Macomb. 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 Macomb 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.