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
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Owosso Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care Near Owosso, Michigan
Owosso, Shiawassee County’s largest city and commercial hub, is a community with a proud manufacturing and agricultural heritage where working adults and families deserve convenient access to specialist foot and ankle care. Balance Foot & Ankle, with board-certified podiatric physician and surgeon Dr. Tom Biernacki, provides comprehensive podiatric services for Owosso and all of Shiawassee County.
Foot problems affect work capacity, family life, and independence at every stage of life. Dr. Biernacki’s goal for every Owosso-area patient is the same: accurate diagnosis on the first visit, effective treatment started that day, and a realistic plan for complete recovery.
Conditions We Treat Near Owosso
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis: The most common foot complaint nationwide. Owosso’s working population suffers significant heel pain from hard-surface standing and industrial work. Our evidence-based protocol — custom orthotics, stretching, night splints, shockwave therapy — resolves the vast majority of cases. Surgery is almost never necessary.
Diabetic Foot Care: Shiawassee County’s significant diabetes prevalence makes comprehensive diabetic foot care a community health priority. Dr. Biernacki’s preventive program includes annual at-risk exams, monofilament testing, Doppler vascular assessment, nail and callus care, wound management, and Medicare therapeutic footwear for qualifying patients. Annual foot exams are the most effective amputation prevention tool available.
Ingrown & Fungal Toenails: Ingrown nails permanently resolved in-office in 15 minutes. Fungal nails treated with evidence-based oral and topical agents. These are among the most common — and most reliably treatable — conditions in all of podiatric medicine.
Ankle Injuries & Chronic Instability: From acute ankle sprains evaluated with same-day X-ray and ultrasound to chronic instability requiring surgical Broström stabilization, Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive ankle care. Athletes and active adults from Owosso benefit from sport-specific rehabilitation protocols that prioritize safe, efficient return to activity.
Bunions & Hammertoes: Progressive toe deformities managed with orthotics and footwear modification for mild cases; corrected surgically with minimally invasive techniques when pain and function limitations are significant. Modern minimally invasive options provide better outcomes with smaller incisions and faster recovery than traditional approaches.
Warts (Plantar Verrucae): Plantar warts on the bottom of the foot are painful, contagious, and often treatment-resistant with OTC products. Dr. Biernacki provides effective in-office treatment including topical acids, cantharidin application, and Swift microwave therapy for stubborn cases.
Flat Feet: Flexible flatfoot with pain and arch fatigue treated with custom orthotics and supportive footwear. Progressive adult-acquired flatfoot with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction — a more serious condition — evaluated for appropriate surgical reconstruction.
Shiawassee County’s Commercial Center
Owosso is central to Shiawassee County’s geography, making it an accessible base for patients from throughout the county. We serve Owosso, Corunna, Durand, Perry, Chesaning, and all surrounding Shiawassee County communities. The drive from outlying areas to Owosso is far shorter than to Flint, Lansing, or Saginaw — making specialist access realistic for the first time for many rural patients.
On-Site Diagnostics — Start Treatment at Visit One
Digital X-ray, musculoskeletal ultrasound, Doppler vascular studies, and computerized pressure mapping for custom orthotics — all available at your appointment. No waiting for results, no separate imaging facility trips. Most patients get their diagnosis and begin treatment at the first visit.
Insurance & Scheduling for Owosso Patients
We accept McLaren Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, Aetna, Medicare, and Medicaid/Healthy Michigan. Same-week appointments available for urgent concerns. New patients typically seen within a few days of calling.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
New Balance 1080v13 Maximum Cushion Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum cushion running shoe with FreshFoam X midsole providing exceptional impact absorption. Excellent for Shiawassee County runners and workers managing plantar fasciitis or post-injury return to activity.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended maximum cushion shoes while recovering from plantar fasciitis. These New Balance shoes significantly reduced my heel pain during daily walks and helped me gradually return to running.””
Plantar fasciitis recovery, maximum cushion walking/running, daily activity
Higher stack height — brief gait adaptation period normal
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Kinesio Tex Classic Tape for Plantar Fasciitis
⭐ Highly Rated
Professional-grade kinesiology tape used for plantar fascia taping techniques. When applied correctly (as instructed by Dr. Biernacki), provides significant mechanical support for plantar fasciitis between office visits.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist showed me how to tape my arch and it makes a huge difference in my morning pain. This tape holds well even with sweating and can last 2-3 days.””
Plantar fasciitis arch support, adjunct to orthotics and treatment
Requires instruction on proper taping technique — ask Dr. Biernacki at your appointment
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Central Shiawassee County location makes specialist podiatric care accessible for all county residents
- Accepts McLaren Health Plan — the most common insurer in this region
- Same-week appointments for urgent concerns eliminate the extended waits that have historically characterized specialist access in this area
❌ Cons / Risks
- Some outlying Shiawassee County communities will still have a 20–30 minute commute
- Surgical procedures performed at affiliated regional outpatient facilities
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Owosso is a real working city — GM Heritage Center, manufacturing heritage, agricultural roots. The patients I see from Shiawassee County are often dealing with foot problems that have been limiting their ability to work and enjoy life for years. The good news is that most of these problems are genuinely fixable — not just managed, actually fixed. An ingrown nail that’s been there for two years. Plantar fasciitis that responds dramatically to proper orthotics and stretching. I love being able to make that kind of difference for working Michigan communities.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a podiatrist that accepts McLaren Health Plan near Owosso?
Yes. Balance Foot & Ankle is in-network with McLaren Health Plan. Call our office to verify your specific coverage and available benefits for podiatric services.
What causes pain in the arch of the foot?
Arch pain most commonly results from plantar fasciitis (strain of the plantar fascia ligament), flatfoot deformity (excessive pronation stressing the arch), posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (progressive arch collapse), or a navicular stress fracture in active patients. Less commonly, arch pain can indicate tarsal coalition, accessory navicular problems, or nerve entrapment. Accurate diagnosis guides effective treatment.
How do I find out if I have flat feet?
The simplest screening test is the wet footprint test — wet the bottom of your foot and stand on a piece of paper. A normal footprint shows a curve along the inner arch. A flat foot shows the entire sole. However, functional flatfoot assessment requires weight-bearing X-rays and clinical examination to evaluate arch collapse, hindfoot alignment, and associated pathology. Dr. Biernacki performs comprehensive flatfoot evaluation at the first visit.
Can podiatrists help with neuropathy pain?
Podiatrists evaluate peripheral neuropathy’s effect on the feet — protective sensation testing, vascular assessment, and identifying complications before they develop. For neuropathic pain management (burning, tingling, numbness), coordination with the primary care physician or neurologist for pharmacotherapy (gabapentin, duloxetine, pregabalin, topical treatments) is important. Dr. Biernacki provides the foot-specific surveillance and management while coordinating with the managing physician for systemic neuropathy treatment.
Do you treat corns and calluses in Owosso?
Yes. Corns (heloma dura) and calluses (tyloma) are caused by focal pressure and friction. Professional debridement removes painful tissue immediately. Silicone padding, custom orthotics, and footwear modification address the underlying pressure that causes recurrence. Corns and calluses that keep coming back despite debridement need a mechanical solution — not just repeated trimming.
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. Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Find a Board-Certified Podiatrist (American Podiatric Medical Association)
Ready to Get Relief?
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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Owosso. You can call or book online directly. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, Priority Health, and United Healthcare. We treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Our board-certified DPM provides both conservative and surgical care. Same-week and urgent appointments are available for residents of the Owosso area.
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.