Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer: Balance Foot & Ankle serves Northville and Novi patients from our Howell, Michigan podiatric office. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive foot and ankle care—plantar fasciitis, bunions, sports injuries, and surgical consultation. Northville and Novi patients are approximately 40–45 minutes from Howell via I-96 west. Call (517) 579-1881 or visit MichiganFootDoctors.com.

Northville and Novi are among metro Detroit’s most desirable communities—known for excellent schools, high-achieving professional populations, and vibrant athletic cultures. When residents of these Wayne and Oakland County communities need expert foot and ankle care, Balance Foot & Ankle’s Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive podiatric services accessible from Northville and Novi via I-96 west to our Howell office—approximately 40–45 minutes.
Northville: Historic Downtown and Athletic Community
Northville’s charming historic downtown, walkable neighborhoods, and outstanding school system attract active families who prioritize physical fitness. Northville Downs (now redeveloped) gave way to new residential communities, while the existing Northville population maintains active trail, cycling, and organized sports participation. Northville High School’s cross-country, track, and soccer programs produce competitive athletes. Runners on the Lower Rouge River trail system and cyclists on area roads represent active adults managing foot and ankle overuse injuries.
Novi: Technology Hub and Diverse Athletic Population
Novi hosts the Suburban Collection Showplace, dozens of technology and automotive supplier firms, and a diverse professional community. Novi’s competitive school system and affluent demographic create high demand for sports medicine services. Novi High School athletics—particularly soccer, cross-country, and lacrosse—are perennially competitive statewide. Novi’s growing South Asian professional community includes populations with elevated rates of diabetes and related foot conditions, making diabetic foot monitoring an important service for this community.
Services for Northville and Novi Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle provides the full spectrum of podiatric care for Northville, Novi, and the I-96 corridor communities including: plantar fasciitis and heel pain, bunion correction (traditional and minimally invasive), hammertoe repair, ankle instability treatment, Achilles tendinopathy, sports injury management, diabetic foot monitoring, custom orthotics, ingrown toenail treatment, and surgical consultation. Telehealth appointments serve busy Northville and Novi professionals for initial assessment and follow-up care.
Schedule Your Northville or Novi Appointment
Northville and Novi patients are welcome at Balance Foot & Ankle for comprehensive podiatric evaluation and care. I-96 west provides a straightforward route to our Howell office. Telehealth initial consultations are available for busy professionals who prefer remote assessment before scheduling an in-person visit. Call (517) 579-1881 or visit MichiganFootDoctors.com to book online.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Vionic Women’s Tide Toe Post Sandal with Support
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Supportive sandal with built-in orthotic footbed—an excellent option for Northville and Novi professional women managing plantar fasciitis during Michigan summers.
Dr. Tom says: “Northville mom with plantar fasciitis here—finally a sandal that doesn’t make my heel pain worse. Beautiful and functional.”
Active women managing plantar fasciitis in warmer months, casual professional footwear
Athletic training or high-impact sports activities requiring full-coverage athletic shoe
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
New Balance 1080v13 Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Premium neutral cushioned trainer with Fresh Foam midsole. Ideal for Northville and Novi recreational runners managing heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy, or high training volume.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended a high-cushion neutral trainer for my plantar fasciitis. The 1080 is the best running shoe I’ve owned.”
High mileage recreational runners, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, heel pain prevention
Severe overpronators requiring motion control or stability shoe category
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- I-96 west provides direct highway access from Northville and Novi to Howell in 40–45 minutes
- Telehealth available for busy tech and automotive professionals in the Novi corridor
- Diabetic foot care program serves Novi’s diverse community with elevated diabetes prevalence
❌ Cons / Risks
- 40–45 minute drive from Northville/Novi is significant—best suited for surgical cases, second opinions, or complex conditions
- Local Northville and Novi podiatrists may be more convenient for routine and maintenance care
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Northville and Novi patients are discerning—they research providers carefully and have high expectations, which I appreciate and strive to meet. Novi’s tech community brings an analytical mindset to medical decisions; they want data and evidence, not just reassurance. Northville’s athletic community wants clear return-to-sport guidance. Both groups respond well to transparent, evidence-based communication. The I-96 drive is straightforward and most patients tell me the extra 20–30 minutes beyond their local options is worthwhile for the level of care.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Northville from Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell?
Northville to our Howell office is approximately 40 minutes via I-96 west—a direct highway route. Novi is approximately 40–45 minutes via the same corridor. We recommend telehealth for initial assessments to help Northville and Novi patients determine whether an in-person visit is needed.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat Novi High School athletes?
Yes. We welcome Novi Wildcat student-athletes experiencing foot and ankle injuries. Ankle sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and Sever’s disease are common presentations. Return-to-sport timelines and communication with athletic trainers are part of our sports injury protocol.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle provide diabetic foot care for Novi patients?
Yes. Diabetic foot care including neuropathy testing, annual foot exams, ulcer prevention, wound care, and custom diabetic footwear is available. Novi’s diverse community includes populations at elevated diabetic risk, and we actively serve these patients with comprehensive preventive and acute diabetic foot management.
Are telehealth appointments available for Northville and Novi patients?
Yes. HIPAA-compliant telehealth is available for initial consultations, imaging review, medication management, and follow-up care. Northville and Novi professionals who prefer remote first contact before driving to Howell find this option especially useful. Schedule at MichiganFootDoctors.com.
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 →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.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)