Podiatrist Near Me — Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI

Quick answer: Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week podiatry appointments at two Michigan locations — Howell (Livingston County) and Bloomfield Hills (Oakland County). Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, is board-certified in foot surgery with 960K++ YouTube subscribers. No referral required. Common conditions: heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, sports injuries, diabetic foot care. Call (810) 206-1402.

Podiatrist Near Me — Howell & Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

If you’re searching for a podiatrist near me in Michigan, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists serves patients throughout Livingston County and Oakland County from two conveniently located offices in Howell and Bloomfield Hills. Our board-certified podiatrists — Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, Dr. Carl Jay DPM, and Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM — have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures, hold a 4.9-star rating across 1,123+ patient reviews, and offer same-day and next-day appointments for urgent foot pain.

Whether you are dealing with plantar fasciitis heel pain, a toenail fungus infection, a painful bunion, an ingrown toenail, diabetic foot complications, a sprained ankle, or any other foot or ankle condition, our podiatrists provide evidence-based diagnosis and treatment at both Michigan locations. We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Priority Health, HAP, Medicare, and Medicaid.

📍 Find a Podiatrist Near You — Same-Day Appointments Available

Howell: (810) 206-1402 | Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402

4.9★ | 1,123+ Reviews | 3,000+ Procedures | Board-Certified Podiatrists

Plantar Fascia Heel Spur Pain [BEST Home Treatment & Remedies!]

Our Two Michigan Locations

Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists operates two full-service podiatry offices in Michigan. Both locations offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services, digital X-ray, custom 3D orthotic fabrication, in-office laser procedures, and direct booking through the patient portal.

📍 Howell, MI Office

Address: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Phone: (810) 206-1402
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Serving: Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Hamburg Township, Genoa Township, Livingston County

Learn more about our Howell office →

📍 Bloomfield Hills, MI Office

Address: 43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Phone: (810) 206-1402
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Serving: Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Clarkston, Waterford, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Birmingham, Oakland County

Learn more about our Bloomfield Hills office →

Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat Near You

Our Michigan podiatrists diagnose and treat the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, from common everyday problems like heel pain and ingrown toenails to complex surgical cases like bunion reconstruction and Achilles tendon repair. Below is an overview of our most frequently treated conditions, each with a dedicated patient education page.

Meet Your Michigan Podiatrists

Every patient at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists is treated by a board-certified Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Our three podiatrists bring a combined depth of surgical expertise, conservative care experience, and genuine Michigan community commitment that defines our practice.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-certified podiatric surgeon with 960K++ YouTube subscribers dedicated to foot & ankle patient education. Specializes in minimally invasive bunion surgery, MLS laser therapy, and custom digital orthotics. Founder of Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. 3,000+ surgical procedures performed.

View Full Profile →

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-certified podiatric physician specializing in diabetic foot care, wound management, peripheral arterial disease, and comprehensive conservative and surgical foot care. Extensive experience in managing complex chronic foot conditions affecting Michigan’s aging and diabetic population.

View Full Profile →

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Board-certified podiatric physician with expertise in sports medicine, biomechanical analysis, and gait correction. Specializes in treating athletic foot injuries, pediatric foot conditions, and lower extremity biomechanical disorders through custom orthotic therapy and rehabilitation-focused care.

View Full Profile →

Why Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle

When you search “podiatrist near me” in Livingston or Oakland County, Michigan, you’re looking for more than just proximity — you want expertise, accessibility, transparent communication, and real results. Here’s what distinguishes Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists from other Michigan podiatry practices.

✅ Board-Certified Excellence
All three of our DPMs are board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) or the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM), representing the highest standard of professional credentialing in podiatric medicine.

✅ Same-Day Appointments
We understand that foot pain doesn’t wait. We offer same-day and next-day appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online 24/7 through our patient portal.

✅ Advanced In-Office Technology
Our offices feature digital weight-bearing X-ray, 3D digital foot scanning (accurate to 0.1mm for custom orthotic fabrication), MLS laser therapy (Class IV, FDA-cleared), EPAT shockwave therapy, and diagnostic ultrasound — eliminating the need for separate imaging referrals in most cases.

✅ 4.9 Stars | 1,123+ Verified Reviews
Our patient satisfaction scores place us among the top-rated podiatry practices in Michigan. Reviews consistently highlight Dr. Biernacki’s explanations, wait time management, and the front desk team’s professionalism. Read patient reviews →

✅ Most Insurance Accepted
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Priority Health, HAP, Humana, Blue Care Network, Medicare, and most other major plans. Our billing team verifies coverage before your first appointment. Check your insurance →

✅ Patient Education Leader
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s YouTube channel has grown to 960,000+ subscribers, making him one of the most-followed podiatrists in the world for patient education content. The same evidence-based, plain-language approach drives every in-office consultation.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists is typically 45 to 60 minutes. Here is exactly what happens from the moment you arrive to when you leave with a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.

  1. Check-In (5 minutes): Our front desk team confirms your insurance, collects your ID and insurance card, and has you complete a brief health history form. New patients can complete this online in advance through the patient portal.
  2. Vitals & Chief Complaint (5 minutes): A medical assistant records your blood pressure, height, and weight, and documents your primary complaint and symptom history.
  3. Physician Examination (20–25 minutes): Your podiatrist performs a biomechanical examination, gait analysis, and targeted clinical tests. For most new patients this includes weight-bearing digital X-rays taken in our office — no separate radiology visit required.
  4. Diagnosis & Discussion (10 minutes): Your doctor reviews the imaging with you at the point of care, explains the diagnosis in plain language, and discusses all treatment options from most conservative to most advanced. You are never rushed into a decision.
  5. Treatment Initiation or Planning (5–10 minutes): If appropriate, same-visit treatments such as cortisone injections, padding, taping, or minor procedures can be performed. Laser therapy, orthotics, or surgical consultation can be scheduled before you leave.

Bring to your appointment: photo ID, insurance card, list of current medications, prior imaging (X-ray films or CDs if available), and any footwear that may be relevant to your condition (work boots, athletic shoes, dress shoes).

Insurance We Accept

Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists accepts the following insurance plans at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations. If you don’t see your plan listed, call (810) 206-1402 and our billing team will verify your benefits before your appointment.

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
  • Aetna (HMO, PPO, Medicare Advantage)
  • United Healthcare
  • Cigna
  • Priority Health
  • HAP (Health Alliance Plan)
  • Humana
  • Blue Care Network
  • Medicare (Original Medicare Parts A & B)
  • Medicaid (Michigan Medicaid)
  • Auto PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
  • Workers’ Compensation

For patients without insurance or with high deductibles, we offer transparent self-pay pricing. Visit our insurance and costs page for full details, or call us to discuss payment options before your first appointment.

Podiatrist-Recommended Products for At-Home Foot Care

Between appointments, the right supportive products make a significant difference in recovery and prevention. Dr. Biernacki and the Balance Foot & Ankle team recommend the following products for at-home foot care. All links are to Amazon — we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, which helps support this free patient education resource.

Michigan Cities We Serve

Our two offices are positioned to provide convenient access to podiatric care for patients throughout southeast and south-central Michigan. If you’re searching for a “podiatrist near me” in any of the following communities, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists is your closest board-certified podiatry practice.

Served from Howell Office (Livingston County)

  • Howell, MI
  • Brighton, MI
  • Hartland Township, MI
  • Fowlerville, MI
  • Pinckney, MI
  • Hamburg Township, MI
  • Genoa Township, MI
  • Marion Township, MI
  • Cohoctah Township, MI
  • Livingston County, MI

Served from Bloomfield Hills Office (Oakland County)

  • Bloomfield Hills, MI
  • Troy, MI
  • Pontiac, MI
  • Auburn Hills, MI
  • Clarkston, MI
  • Waterford Township, MI
  • West Bloomfield Hills, MI
  • Farmington Hills, MI
  • Birmingham, MI
  • Rochester Hills, MI

Frequently Asked Questions — Podiatrist Near Me

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist in Michigan?

In Michigan, most patients can see a podiatrist directly without a primary care referral. If you have an HMO plan (such as Priority Health HMO, HAP HMO, or certain Medicaid plans), a referral from your primary care physician may be required by your insurance — but this is insurance-specific, not a legal requirement. PPO and most Medicare beneficiaries do not require a referral. Call your insurance’s member services number to confirm your plan’s requirements before scheduling.

How quickly can I get an appointment at a Michigan podiatrist?

Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists offers same-day and next-day appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices in most cases. Call us at (810) 206-1402 for urgent appointments. Online booking through our patient portal is available 24 hours a day. For urgent situations such as severe ankle pain after a fall, suspected fracture, or a foot wound that isn’t healing, call immediately — we prioritize urgent cases.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon for foot problems?

A podiatrist (DPM) is a physician who specializes exclusively in foot and ankle medicine and surgery after completing a four-year podiatric medical school and a three-year surgical residency. An orthopedic surgeon (MD or DO) is trained in the broader musculoskeletal system with some specializing in foot and ankle during fellowship. For most foot conditions — plantar fasciitis, bunions, toenail fungus, ingrown nails, Morton’s neuroma, diabetic foot care, flat feet, and custom orthotics — a board-certified podiatrist is the most appropriate and most specialized first choice. For complex multi-system trauma or conditions involving the hip, knee, and foot together, orthopedic referral may be appropriate.

Does Michigan Medicaid cover podiatry visits?

Michigan Medicaid covers medically necessary podiatry services. This typically includes routine nail care for diabetic patients, wound care, orthotics when medically indicated, and treatment of conditions such as ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, and foot infections. Coverage varies by plan (Medicaid HMO versus fee-for-service). Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists accepts Michigan Medicaid at both offices — call us at (810) 206-1402 to confirm your specific Medicaid plan is accepted before scheduling.

Is it worth seeing a podiatrist for heel pain or plantar fasciitis?

Absolutely. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons people search for “podiatrist near me,” and early professional evaluation dramatically improves outcomes. Without proper diagnosis, many patients try the wrong treatments for months, allowing the condition to progress from acute to chronic. A podiatrist will confirm the diagnosis, rule out calcaneal stress fracture or nerve entrapment (which can mimic plantar fasciitis), and implement a structured treatment plan. In our clinic, over 90% of plantar fasciitis cases resolve with conservative care — custom orthotics, physical therapy, cortisone injection, or MLS laser therapy — without surgery. The sooner you seek care, the shorter your recovery.

📅 Ready to See a Podiatrist Near You?

Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists — Howell & Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Board-Certified Podiatrists | Same-Day Appointments | Most Insurance Accepted

4.9★ | 1,123+ Reviews | 3,000+ Procedures

Or call: (810) 206-1402

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.

Prefer the term “foot doctor”? Visit our foot doctor near me page — same board-certified team, two Michigan offices.

Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.