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 Mount Pleasant, Clare, Isabella County, and Central Michigan — including Central Michigan University students, faculty, and the surrounding community — have access to fellowship-trained foot and ankle care through Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC. Telemedicine consultations minimize the drive to Brighton/Howell while providing access to subspecialty expertise not available locally.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Mount Pleasant Central Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Conditions Treated for Central Michigan Patients
Athletic Injuries (CMU Student Athletes): Ankle sprains, stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy — common in college athletes. Telemedicine evaluation and coordinated care with CMU athletic trainers. Plantar Fasciitis: Custom orthotic prescription and stretching protocols via telemedicine. Diabetic Foot Care: Remote management and coordination with local Isabella County providers. Ingrown Toenails: Telemedicine evaluation; in-person matrixectomy when needed. Bunions & Hammertoes: Surgical consultation via telemedicine with efficient in-person pre-operative visit.
Getting Care from Central Michigan
For Mount Pleasant and Clare patients, telemedicine is the recommended first step — Dr. Biernacki reviews imaging, prescribes orthotics, and plans care before the approximately 75-minute drive to Brighton/Howell. Michigan insurance accepted including Blue Cross, Priority Health, Aetna, and Medicare. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 Running Shoe
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Premium neutral max-cushion running shoe — recommended for plantar fasciitis and high-mileage runners. Popular with Central Michigan University students and athletes managing foot pain.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended the Nimbus for my plantar fasciitis during cross country season and it was a significant improvement.”
Neutral running, plantar fasciitis high cushion, high mileage training shoe, college athlete foot care
Not for overpronators — choose stability shoe with significant arch collapse
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
KT Tape Pro Athletic Kinesiology Tape
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Kinesiology tape for plantar fasciitis and ankle support — commonly used by college athletes for symptomatic management between podiatry visits. Effective adjunct to orthotic and stretching protocols.
Dr. Tom says: “My athletic trainer and podiatrist both showed me how to tape my plantar fascia and it helps significantly during practice.”
Plantar fasciitis taping, ankle support, athletic symptom management, adjunct to orthotics
Taping is a bridge measure — does not correct underlying biomechanics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Telemedicine available for CMU students and Central Michigan community
- Coordination with athletic trainers for college athlete management
- Fellowship-trained surgical expertise for complex ankle and foot surgery
- Michigan insurance including student health plans accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 75-minute drive from Mount Pleasant for in-person care
- Physical examination and injection require in-person visits
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Central Michigan has a large student athlete population and a surrounding community with limited local subspecialty options. Telemedicine works very well for this patient population — students can start care remotely, get orthotic prescriptions, and plan care around their academic schedules. When in-person care is needed, we schedule efficiently.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Biernacki treat CMU student athletes?
Yes — ankle sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy are common in college athletes. We can coordinate with CMU athletic trainers via telemedicine for initial management and provide specialist consultation for complex injuries requiring surgical evaluation.
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Mount Pleasant?
Approximately 75 minutes via US-127 south and US-23 south to Brighton/Howell. Telemedicine handles the majority of initial evaluation and management without the drive.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept CMU student health insurance?
We accept most major Michigan commercial plans. CMU student health plans vary — call (810) 220-5551 to verify your specific plan before scheduling.
Can Central Michigan patients start care via telemedicine?
Yes — telemedicine is the recommended first step. Dr. Biernacki reviews imaging, prescribes orthotics, manages medications, and plans care via secure video visit. Michigan’s telehealth parity law ensures most commercial plans and Medicare cover telemedicine at standard rates.
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 get relief? Book an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle or call (810) 206-1402. Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI.
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.