Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI Last reviewed: May 2026
MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT
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.
Podiatrist Novi Michigan Balance Foot Ankle Care treatment | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Dr. Tom Biernacki provides expert podiatric care to Novi and western Oakland County patients.
Expert Foot & Ankle Care for Novi, Michigan
Novi is one of Oakland County’s most dynamic cities, home to a large professional population and a health-conscious community. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, extends comprehensive podiatric services to patients from Novi, Northville, Walled Lake, and the surrounding western Oakland County communities.
Podiatric Care for Novi’s Active Community
Novi-area patients present with the full range of foot and ankle conditions reflecting the community’s active, professional lifestyle. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — ubiquitous among Novi’s workforce and active residents — are effectively managed with custom orthotics, targeted physical therapy, and advanced injection therapy. Sesamoid injuries beneath the big toe — common in runners, dancers, and individuals spending significant time in minimalist or high-heeled footwear — are accurately diagnosed with MRI and treated with sesamoid-specific offloading orthotics or surgical excision for established avascular necrosis. Diabetic foot care for Novi’s diabetic patients prevents the progression of neuropathic changes to foot ulcers and infection. Sports injuries including ankle sprains, stress fractures, and Achilles tendinopathy are expertly managed with evidence-based protocols. Structural deformities including bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas benefit from conservative-first management with surgical options when needed. Ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and nail fungal infections receive prompt effective treatment.
Convenient Access from Novi
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans including those common in Oakland County’s professional population. New patients from Novi are typically seen within days. Our clinic locations are easily accessible via I-96, M-5, and Novi Road. Call today for expert foot and ankle care close to home.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
On Running Cloudflow 4 Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Performance neutral running shoe with CloudTec cushioning pods and Speedboard — excellent for Novi runners with forefoot loading patterns or those recovering from sesamoid injuries who need forefoot cushioning with responsive energy return.
Dr. Tom says:“CloudTec pods provide forefoot cushioning that reduces sesamoid bone loading.”
✅ Best for Neutral to high-arch runners needing forefoot cushioning, recovering sesamoid injuries
⚠️ Not ideal for Flat-footed runners with overpronation who need stability or motion control
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Theragun Mini Percussive Therapy Device
⭐ Highly Rated
Compact percussion massage device for calf, plantar fascia, and posterior leg self-treatment — popular with Novi’s active professional population for managing plantar fasciitis tightness and calf muscle recovery between clinic visits.
Dr. Tom says:“Percussive therapy between office visits accelerates tissue recovery and pain control.”
✅ Best for Plantar fasciitis, calf tightness, Achilles tendinopathy, general muscle recovery between runs
⚠️ Not ideal for Direct application over inflamed sesamoid, acute bursitis, or open wounds
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Serving Novi, Northville, Walled Lake, and western Oakland County
MRI diagnosis of sesamoid fracture, avascular necrosis, and bone marrow edema
Custom sesamoid offloading orthotics and dancer’s pad accommodation
Diabetic foot care and custom footwear programs
❌ Cons / Risks
Surgical procedures performed at licensed facilities rather than in office
Complex orthotic fabrication requires a dedicated cast impression appointment
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Novi has a great community of professionals and athletes who understand why we keeping their bodies in good working order. If you’re a runner with forefoot pain, a professional standing all day in the wrong shoes, or managing a chronic foot condition, Balance Foot & Ankle is your partner in foot health. Call us today.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle serve Novi, Michigan patients?
Yes — we welcome new patients from Novi and all western Oakland County communities. Call our office for the nearest clinic location with prompt availability.
Do you treat sesamoid injuries in dancers and runners in Novi?
Absolutely. Sesamoid injuries are common in dancers, runners, and athletes spending time on the forefoot. Dr. Biernacki has extensive experience with sesamoid-specific orthotic management and surgical sesamoidectomy for refractory cases.
What insurance plans are accepted in Novi?
We accept most major plans including BCBS, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Priority Health. Contact our office to verify your specific coverage.
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.
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.
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.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.