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 Novi, Wixom, and western Oakland County choose Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for fellowship-trained podiatric expertise. Novi’s large, tech-industry and retail professional community — with active commuters, recreational athletes, and a diverse patient population — brings a full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions that Dr. Biernacki addresses with evidence-based, fellowship-trained care.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Novi Michigan Foot Ankle New isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Services for Novi Area Patients
Plantar Fasciitis: Custom orthotics, shockwave, PRP, and ESWT for Novi patients. Ankle Injuries: Sports ankle sprains to surgical reconstruction. Ingrown Toenails: Same-week permanent matrixectomy. Bunions & Hammertoes: Full corrective range. Custom Orthotics: Sport, professional dress, and work-specific devices. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual exams and Medicare shoe coordination.
Accessible from Novi via I-96
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Novi via I-96 west to US-23 south — approximately 25–30 minutes. Same-week new patient appointments. All major Michigan insurance accepted. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12
⭐ Highly Rated
Premium neutral cushioned running shoe — recommended for Novi area runners and active professionals managing plantar fasciitis and heel pain during training.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended New Balance 1080 for my plantar fasciitis and the cushioning made a noticeable difference in my daily running comfort.”
Neutral runner plantar fasciitis, premium daily trainer, Novi area recreational runners
Neutral shoe — not for significant overpronators
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Vionic Women’s Walker Supportive Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Podiatrist-designed orthotic walking shoe — built-in deep heel cup and arch support for Novi area patients needing comfortable daily footwear during plantar fasciitis treatment.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended Vionic walkers for my heel pain and they became my go-to everyday shoe during my plantar fasciitis treatment.”
Daily walking plantar fasciitis, built-in orthotic shoe, Novi area lifestyle footwear
Not for athletic or high-impact activities
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 25-30 minutes from Novi via I-96 west — among the shortest drives for western Oakland County
- Same-week appointments for Novi and Wixom area patients
- Full range of surgical and non-surgical foot and ankle care
- All major Michigan insurance accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 25-30 minute drive from Novi
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Novi is a fast-growing community with a diverse patient population — tech professionals, retail workers, active families, and a growing senior community. The variety keeps it interesting clinically. The I-96 access is direct and fast. Novi patients are among the most research-oriented we see — they often arrive having done significant reading about their condition. I appreciate that — an educated patient who understands the diagnosis participates more actively in recovery.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Novi Michigan?
Approximately 25-30 minutes via I-96 west to US-23 south. Novi is one of the closer western Oakland County communities to our Howell/Howell area practice.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat Wixom Michigan patients?
Yes — Wixom and western Oakland County patients are welcome. The I-96 corridor provides straightforward access in approximately 25-30 minutes.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Novi Michigan insurance?
Yes — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Most western Oakland County commercial plans accepted.
Can Novi patients get same-week appointments?
Yes — same-week new patient appointments are typically available. Call (810) 220-5551 to schedule. Urgent injuries and infections are accommodated same-day when possible.
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.
Related Conditions
American Podiatric Medical Association: Find a Podiatrist
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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 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.