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 Pontiac, Waterford Township, and northern Oakland County choose Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for fellowship-trained podiatric expertise. Pontiac — a major Oakland County city at the I-75/M-59 corridor — reaches our clinic via I-75 south to US-23 south in approximately 40-50 minutes for same-week fellowship-trained foot and ankle care.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Pontiac Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Services for Pontiac Area Patients
Plantar Fasciitis: Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and PRP for Pontiac area patients. Ingrown Toenails: Same-week permanent matrixectomy. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual exams, neuropathy testing, wound care, and Medicare services for Oakland County diabetic patients. Ankle Injuries: From acute sprains to surgical reconstruction. Bunions & Hammertoes: Full corrective surgical range. Custom Orthotics: Work, sport, and daily wear devices for Pontiac and Waterford Township patients.
Accessible from Pontiac via I-75 and US-23
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Pontiac via I-75 south to US-23 south — approximately 40–50 minutes. The I-75 corridor provides Pontiac and northern Oakland County patients a direct interstate route to our Howell/Howell area clinic. Same-week new patient appointments. All major Michigan insurance accepted. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Hoka Bondi Maximum Cushion Walking Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum cushion daily walking shoe — recommended for Pontiac area patients managing plantar fasciitis and heel pain with daily urban walking and active lifestyles.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended Hoka Bondi for my plantar fasciitis and the cushioning made a dramatic difference in my daily walking comfort.”
Plantar fasciitis maximum cushion, everyday walking shoe, Pontiac Waterford Township patients
Maximum cushion shoe — not for patients requiring stability and motion control correction
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Powerstep Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Full-length arch support OTC insole — recommended starting point for Pontiac area patients managing plantar fasciitis and arch pain before custom orthotic evaluation.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended PowerStep Pinnacle and they provided good arch support during my plantar fasciitis treatment.”
Plantar fasciitis OTC insole, arch support, Pontiac Oakland County starting point
Custom orthotics provide superior biomechanical correction for structural foot problems
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 40-50 minutes from Pontiac via I-75 south to US-23 south — direct interstate route
- Same-week appointments for Waterford Township and Oakland County patients
- Full range of foot and ankle surgical and non-surgical care
- All major Michigan insurance accepted including Medicare
❌ Cons / Risks
- 40-50 minute drive from Pontiac — interstate drive to Livingston County
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Pontiac and Waterford Township represent a large and diverse patient population — we see everything from active younger patients with sports injuries to older patients with diabetic foot complications and complex wound care needs. The I-75 south to US-23 route is all highway and takes about 40-50 minutes. Same-week access and fellowship-trained surgical expertise is what brings Oakland County patients to us.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Pontiac Michigan?
Approximately 40-50 minutes via I-75 south to US-23 south. Pontiac has direct interstate access to our Howell/Howell area clinic via the I-75 corridor.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat Waterford Township Michigan patients?
Yes — Waterford Township and surrounding northern Oakland County communities are welcome at our clinic.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Pontiac Michigan insurance?
Yes — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Most Oakland County commercial plans accepted.
Can Pontiac patients get same-week appointments?
Yes — same-week new patient appointments are typically available. Call (810) 220-5551 to schedule.
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.