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 Muskegon, Norton Shores, Muskegon Heights, Fruitport, Whitehall, and the West Michigan lakeshore trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for expert podiatric care. Dr. Biernacki is a board-certified podiatric physician and surgeon with fellowship training — offering the full spectrum of foot and ankle treatment for Muskegon County and surrounding West Michigan communities.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Muskegon Norton Shores Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis: Michigan’s most common foot complaint — especially prevalent among Muskegon’s active beachgoing and outdoor community. Custom orthotics and shockwave therapy achieve resolution in most patients. Ankle Sprains & Athletic Injuries: Acute and chronic ankle ligament injuries managed conservatively and surgically. Broström repair for recurrent instability. Bunion Surgery: Lapidus and Lapiplasty procedures for moderate-to-severe bunion deformity. Diabetic Foot Care: Comprehensive annual exams, neuropathy testing, and wound care for Muskegon County’s diabetic population. Ingrown Toenails: Permanent in-office matrixectomy. Hammertoes & Forefoot Deformities: Surgical correction for painful, progressive toe deformities.
Serving West Michigan Lakeshore Communities
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Muskegon (US-31 south to I-96 east to US-23 south), Norton Shores (US-31 south), Whitehall/Montague (US-31 south), and Fremont (M-82 east to US-131 south). Most major Michigan insurance plans accepted. Telemedicine consultations available before making the drive.
Schedule Your Appointment
New patients from the Muskegon area are seen within 3–5 business days. Urgent cases accommodated same-day when possible. Call (810) 220-5551 or book 24/7 at michiganfootdoctors.com. Telemedicine consultations available as a convenient first step.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Birkenstock Arizona Sandal
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Deep footbed sandal with arch support and heel cup — one of the most podiatrist-recommended sandals for plantar fasciitis and arch pain. Popular with West Michigan beach communities.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist finally approved a sandal I could wear at the beach without wrecking my plantar fasciitis — these were it.”
Plantar fasciitis sandal, beach and casual arch support, heel pain prevention
Not for walking long distances on hard pavement — use athletic shoes for extended activity
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Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Orthotics
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OTC heel cup and arch support orthotic specifically for plantar fasciitis — a reasonable first-line OTC option for mild-to-moderate heel pain before custom orthotic evaluation.
Dr. Tom says: “These provided enough relief to get me through my work day while I waited for my custom orthotics appointment.”
Mild plantar fasciitis, OTC heel pain relief, work shoes
OTC device — custom orthotics from Dr. Biernacki provide superior biomechanical control
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Fellowship-trained surgical expertise accessible to Muskegon County patients
- Same-week appointments with telemedicine pre-screening option
- All major Michigan insurance plans accepted
- Complete care from routine nail treatment to complex ankle reconstruction
❌ Cons / Risks
- 1.5–2 hour drive from Muskegon — plan for a half-day trip
- Telemedicine recommended first to assess whether in-person visit is necessary
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
West Michigan lakeshore communities are active — lots of walking on sand, beach activities, running, water sports. These put real demands on feet and ankles. We see a lot of plantar fasciitis from barefoot beach walking and ankle sprains from uneven terrain. We understand what the active Muskegon patient needs and build treatment plans around getting them back to what they love.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Biernacki treat Muskegon County patients?
Yes — Balance Foot & Ankle actively serves patients from Muskegon, Norton Shores, Muskegon Heights, Fruitport, Whitehall, and surrounding West Michigan communities. We accept all major Michigan insurance plans and offer telemedicine for West Michigan patients.
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Muskegon?
Approximately 1.5–2 hours via US-31 south to I-96 east or US-131 south to US-23 south depending on your specific location in Muskegon County. We recommend telemedicine as a first step to ensure the in-person visit is as productive as possible.
Is telemedicine available for Muskegon and Norton Shores patients?
Yes — telemedicine consultations allow West Michigan patients to discuss their condition, review imaging, and determine whether an in-person visit is necessary before making the drive. Available through our website or by calling (810) 220-5551.
What foot problems are most common in the Muskegon beachgoing community?
Plantar fasciitis from barefoot beach walking is extremely common — the combination of uneven sand surfaces, lack of arch support, and increased walking distance causes significant plantar fascia stress. Ankle sprains from beach volleyball and water sports are also common. We see a lot of Muskegon patients with both conditions together.
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.