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
Novi — one of the fastest-growing cities in metropolitan Detroit, known for its Twelve Oaks Mall, Somerset Collection proximity, thriving business corridor, and excellent residential communities — is home to a health-conscious, active population that values quality specialist medical care. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive foot and ankle care for Novi patients, with convenient access via I-96 west from Novi to our Livingston County clinic.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Novi Michigan Foot Ankle Care isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot & Ankle Services for Novi Residents
Dr. Biernacki evaluates and treats the complete spectrum of foot and ankle conditions affecting Novi patients: plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome, bunions and hallux valgus deformity, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, diabetic foot care, ankle sprains and chronic instability, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, Morton’s neuroma, forefoot pain, and arthritis. Custom orthotics, cortisone injections, nail procedures, and shockwave therapy for chronic heel pain are all performed in-office.
Novi’s Active Community Foot Care Needs
Novi’s diverse, active population — including a large technology industry professional community, families with youth athletes, and active retirees — creates consistent demand for sports medicine podiatric care. Dr. Biernacki manages running injuries from Novi’s active running community, ankle injuries from youth soccer and lacrosse programs, and overuse conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and stress fractures from active lifestyle activities. Return-to-sport guidance and athletic footwear recommendations are individualized at each visit.
About Novi, Michigan
Novi (population approximately 60,000) is located along I-96 at the I-275 interchange in western Oakland County, approximately 28 miles northwest of downtown Detroit. Known for its diverse demographics, Twelve Oaks Mall, extensive commercial corridor along Grand River Avenue and Twelve Mile Road, and well-regarded Novi Community School District, Novi represents one of metropolitan Detroit’s premier suburban communities. Our Howell clinic is approximately 20-25 minutes west via I-96 from Novi.
Custom Orthotics and Biomechanical Care
Biomechanical foot problems — overpronation, supination, forefoot varus, and leg length discrepancy — are among the most common underlying causes of foot, knee, and lower back pain in Novi’s active population. Dr. Biernacki performs comprehensive biomechanical gait analysis and casts custom functional foot orthotics in-office. These medical-grade devices are distinct from pharmacy insoles: they are fabricated to precise cast measurements and biomechanical prescription parameters. Most insurance plans including Medicare cover custom orthotics when medically indicated.
Heel Pain Solutions for Novi Runners and Athletes
Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy are the most common running-related injuries seen from Novi’s active community. Dr. Biernacki’s evidence-based approach to heel pain identifies the specific structural contributors in each patient — including training error analysis, footwear assessment, Achilles flexibility evaluation, and biomechanical gait analysis — and creates a treatment plan targeting the actual cause rather than managing symptoms. Over 90% of plantar fasciitis cases resolve without surgery.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
On Running Cloudstratus Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Swiss-engineered stability running shoe with CloudTec cushioning system providing responsive cushioning with medial support. Popular among Novi’s technology-industry running community for plantar fasciitis management, daily training, and general foot comfort during long work days in business-casual environments.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended On Running shoes for my heel pain — the cushioning and light stability reduced my plantar fasciitis symptoms significantly within two weeks.””
Plantar fasciitis management, Novi running community daily training, mild overpronation support, work-to-workout versatility
Not for significant overpronators who may need a higher-stability platform or custom orthotics for full biomechanical correction
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
KT Tape Kinesiology Therapeutic Sports Tape
⭐ Highly Rated
Elastic therapeutic tape used for plantar fasciitis taping, Achilles tendon support, and ankle sprain rehabilitation. Podiatrists use KT Tape as an adjunct to conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis — the plantar fascia taping technique reduces fascia tension during walking and provides immediate pain relief in many patients.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist showed me the plantar fascia KT Tape technique for my heel pain — it reduced my walking pain by about half and let me stay active during treatment.””
Plantar fasciitis pain relief, Achilles tendon support, ankle sprain rehabilitation support, activity modification during foot injury treatment
Taping technique is critical — incorrect application reduces effectiveness; follow Dr. Biernacki’s or physical therapy instruction for proper application
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- No referral required — direct-access podiatric specialty care for Novi and western Oakland County residents
- Approximately 20-25 minutes west of Novi via I-96 to our Howell clinic — one of the closest western Oakland County access points
- Full spectrum from conservative management through surgical correction within one specialized practice
- Most major Michigan insurance plans accepted including Medicare and Medicaid
❌ Cons / Risks
- Novi patients traveling to Howell for surgical care will need multiple follow-up visits over 6-12 weeks post-operatively
- Some specialized imaging centers are available closer to Novi in Oakland County — referrals provided as convenient to the patient
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Novi is one of the most convenient western Oakland County communities to serve from our Howell clinic — the I-96 direct corridor means Novi patients can be at our office in 20-25 minutes without complex navigation. The Novi patient base includes a lot of tech industry professionals who are precise, data-oriented, and want evidence-based treatment explanations. I appreciate that — I can speak to the published literature on treatment outcomes, help them understand the probability of conservative care success for their specific presentation, and give them a timeline-based treatment plan rather than an open-ended ‘let’s try this and see.’ Whether you’re a Novi runner dealing with plantar fasciitis, a youth athlete with an ankle sprain, or an executive who needs their foot problem solved efficiently — we’re the right practice for you.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is your office from Novi?
Our Howell clinic is approximately 20-25 minutes west of Novi via I-96 — one of the most direct and traffic-free drives from western Oakland County. Exit I-96 at M-59/Howell and follow to our clinic. Detailed directions are available at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Is a referral required?
No referral is needed. Balance Foot & Ankle is a direct-access specialty practice accepting new Novi patients by phone at (517) 482-5000 or by online scheduling.
Do you accept BCBS Priority Health PPO plans common among Novi technology employers?
Yes. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and HMO plans, Priority Health, and most other major Michigan insurance plans. Please call to verify your specific plan and coverage before your first appointment.
Can you treat foot and ankle injuries in my children from Novi Community Schools athletics?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki treats youth athletes from Novi with foot and ankle sports injuries including ankle sprains, stress fractures, Sever’s disease, Jones fractures, and turf toe. Return-to-play clearance and athletic trainer coordination are available.
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.
What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
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.
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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.