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.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what this foot or ankle issue means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Dr. Biernacki discusses foot and ankle care options for patients from northern Oakland County including Pontiac and Auburn Hills.
Expert Foot & Ankle Care for Pontiac and Oakland County
Patients from Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford Township, Lake Orion, Oxford, Clarkston, and the I-75 corridor of northern Oakland County have a high-quality podiatric option just 35–45 minutes away in Howell. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle brings board-certified podiatric surgical expertise, in-house digital X-ray, and diagnostic ultrasound to every evaluation — delivering subspecialty-level care in an efficient, patient-centered setting.
Conditions We Treat for Oakland County Patients
Oakland County patients present with the full range of foot and ankle conditions. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — especially in Auburn Hills-area auto industry workers and warehouse employees on hard surfaces — respond well to custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and targeted injections. Bunion correction with minimally invasive techniques gets active professionals and athletes back on their feet faster. Ingrown toenail surgery is performed in-office under local anesthesia for same-day resolution. Diabetic foot care is critical for Oakland County’s substantial population with type 2 diabetes — Dr. Biernacki provides preventive care, ulcer management, and coordinates with endocrinologists when needed. Sports injuries — ankle sprains, stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, peroneal tendon tears — are common in the active populations of Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Auburn Hills athletic communities.
Advanced Surgical Options
When conservative treatment is insufficient, Dr. Biernacki offers the full spectrum of foot and ankle surgery: minimally invasive bunion correction, hammertoe fusion with implants, lapidus arthrodesis for severe bunion or flatfoot, Achilles reconstruction, lateral ankle stabilization, total ankle replacement, and complex revisional surgery. All procedures are performed at accredited outpatient surgical centers with comprehensive pre- and post-operative care coordination.
Driving Directions from Pontiac to Howell
From Pontiac: Take I-96 West approximately 30 miles to US-23 North, then exit at Grand River Avenue in Howell (approximately 40 miles total, 40–45 minutes). Balance Foot & Ankle is at 1590 E. Grand River Ave, Suite 100, Howell, MI 48843. Free parking on-site, fully accessible. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, HAP, Medicare, and most major Michigan insurers. Call (517) 545-FEET.
Why Oakland County Patients Trust Balance Foot & Ankle
Oakland County patients drive to Howell for Dr. Biernacki because the combination of surgical expertise, thorough evaluation, and genuine time spent with patients is hard to find in busier metro-area practices. Every treatment plan is individualized — no one-size-fits-all protocols. Hundreds of 5-star reviews across Google and Healthgrades from patients throughout southeast Michigan attest to this commitment to outcomes and patient experience.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Semi-rigid arch support with heel cup — the most widely recommended OTC orthotic for plantar fasciitis and general biomechanical foot pain in Michigan patients.
Dr. Tom says:“”PowerStep Pinnacle is my standard OTC recommendation before custom orthotics — it’s well-built, biomechanically sound, and available immediately.” — Dr. Biernacki”
✅ Best for Plantar fasciitis, mild overpronation, everyday foot pain
⚠️ Not ideal for Very rigid high arches or severe flatfoot requiring prescription orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
35–45 minute drive from Pontiac — significantly less travel than major Detroit hospital systems for complex foot surgery.
On-site digital X-ray and diagnostic ultrasound means most conditions diagnosed at the first visit.
Same-week appointments for new patients — no months-long specialist waitlists common in the Detroit metro area.
❌ Cons / Risks
Auburn Hills patients traveling I-75 should anticipate traffic during rush hour — morning or mid-day appointments avoid delays.
Some insurance plans require a referral from primary care before specialist visits — check your plan before scheduling.
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Northern Oakland County — Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Lake Orion, Clarkston — is a community I’m proud to serve. These are hardworking, active people who take their health seriously and want real solutions, not just temporary patches. Whether it’s a college athlete with a stress fracture from Auburn Hills or a retiree in Lake Orion with progressive bunion pain, we take time to understand the whole picture and create a plan that works long-term.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept HAP (Health Alliance Plan)?
Yes — HAP and most major Michigan commercial insurance plans are accepted. Our office verifies benefits before your first visit. Call (517) 545-FEET to confirm your specific plan is in-network.
Can I get a cortisone shot at my first appointment?
Yes — if clinical evaluation indicates that a corticosteroid injection is appropriate, Dr. Biernacki can perform it at the same visit using ultrasound guidance for precision. No need to schedule a separate injection appointment.
What if I need surgery — will Dr. Biernacki operate near Pontiac?
Surgery is performed at accredited outpatient centers in the Howell/Brighton area. Dr. Biernacki can coordinate with Oakland County-based physical therapists and primary care physicians for post-operative follow-up closer to your home if preferred.
How do I get my X-rays or MRI transferred to your office?
You can have imaging CDs sent ahead of your appointment, or bring them on the day of your visit. Most imaging centers also provide digital access through patient portals that allow records transfer. Our staff can help coordinate imaging transfer when you schedule.
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.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes so far. The fastest path is a 30-minute office visit. Same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. 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.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
