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.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what Port Huron / St Clair podiatry means and what actually works. Call (810) 206-1402 for a same-day appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Patients from Port Huron, St. Clair, Marysville, and the broader Blue Water Area choose Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell for subspecialty foot and ankle care that is worth the drive. The I-94 West corridor connects the eastern shore of Michigan to Howell in approximately 60–70 minutes — and for patients who want diagnostic ultrasound, same-week scheduling, and a podiatrist who delivers a plan at appointment one, that drive is worthwhile.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Port Huron St Clair Marysville Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Serving the Blue Water Area
Port Huron, St. Clair, and Marysville represent the heart of Michigan’s Blue Water Area — a region defined by its St. Clair River and Lake Huron waterfront, active boating and maritime culture, and a diverse economy ranging from petrochemical and logistics industries to healthcare and tourism. The population includes active outdoors enthusiasts, blue-collar workers in the energy and maritime sectors, and a significant retiree population with chronic foot and ankle care needs.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM at Balance Foot & Ankle brings subspecialty expertise and in-office diagnostic technology to Port Huron-area patients who want more than what general podiatric or walk-in clinic care provides. For patients managing complex conditions — chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to local treatment, bunion deformity considering surgery, or diabetic foot complications — the drive to Howell delivers a meaningful upgrade in clinical depth.
Common Foot Conditions for Blue Water Area Patients
Plantar Fasciitis & Chronic Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot condition in adults and one of the most frequently undertreated — patients often receive generic advice to “stretch and rest” without the diagnostic ultrasound to confirm diagnosis and quantify plantar fascia thickness, and without the biomechanical evaluation to identify the specific mechanical drivers. Dr. Biernacki’s protocol includes all of these, plus custom orthotics, injection therapy, and ESWT for cases that haven’t responded to initial management.
Bunion Surgery Consultations
Port Huron-area patients considering bunion surgery often seek consultations from Dr. Biernacki when they want a thorough evaluation of all surgical options — including minimally invasive techniques — and honest guidance on recovery expectations. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive standing X-ray evaluation and clear discussion of conservative versus surgical approaches, helping patients make informed decisions about timing and technique.
Industrial & Occupational Foot Injuries
The Port Huron area’s petrochemical, energy, and industrial sectors employ workers with significant occupational foot injury risk — prolonged standing on hard surfaces, heavy equipment work, and potential for crush or puncture injuries. Dr. Biernacki provides evaluation and treatment for occupational foot injuries including plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, metatarsal injuries, and ankle sprains — with documentation for workers’ compensation claims when applicable.
Diabetic Foot Care for Blue Water Area Patients
Regular podiatric preventive care for diabetic patients is essential regardless of geography. For Port Huron and St. Clair area diabetic patients who have not established a relationship with a local podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive diabetic foot evaluations, neuropathy screening, callus management, and wound care — coordinating with local primary care and endocrinology for complete diabetic foot management.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Port Huron
Balance Foot & Ankle is at 3011 E. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843. From Port Huron, I-94 West to US-23 North is approximately 60–70 minutes. From St. Clair or Marysville, similar distance via I-94 West. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Same-week appointments: (810) 588-0520.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Insoles — Blue Water Area Workers
⭐ Highly Rated
A solid OTC insole for Port Huron and Blue Water Area industrial workers with plantar fasciitis or heel pain from extended standing. The firm shell and deep heel cup provide meaningful rearfoot stabilization during long work shifts.
Dr. Tom says: “”I work 12-hour shifts at a plant near Port Huron. These insoles and a good pair of work boots completely resolved my plantar fasciitis — Dr. Biernacki’s recommendation made a huge difference.””
Best for: Industrial and blue-collar workers with plantar fasciitis, arch fatigue, or heel pain from occupational standing
Not ideal for: Complex biomechanical deformity requiring custom orthotic correction
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Silipos Gel Heel and Arch Sleeve
⭐ Highly Rated
A gel sleeve that provides both heel cushioning and arch support in a single device — fits inside work boots and athletic footwear. Convenient for Blue Water Area patients who switch footwear frequently during work shifts.
Dr. Tom says: “”I rotate between multiple pairs of boots at the plant. This gel sleeve goes in any pair quickly — more practical than repositioning adhesive pads or removable insoles multiple times a day.””
Best for: Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, mild arch fatigue; workers who frequently change footwear during shifts
Not ideal for: Narrow shoe lasts or patients needing significant rearfoot biomechanical correction
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Subspecialty podiatric care with in-office diagnostic ultrasound is not always locally available in the Blue Water Area — Balance Foot & Ankle provides these capabilities at same-week appointments
- For industrial and occupational foot injuries, Dr. Biernacki provides both clinical care and the documentation needed for workers’ compensation claims — serving the Blue Water Area industrial workforce’s specific needs
- The I-94 West corridor from Port Huron to Howell is a straightforward 60–70 minute drive with predictable travel time outside of Metro Detroit I-94 peak hours
❌ Cons / Risks
- The 60–70 minute drive from Port Huron is meaningful — patients should discuss telehealth options for initial consultation, and plan appointments for mid-morning to avoid metro I-94 traffic
- For very frequent follow-up care (weekly wound care, biweekly injections), coordination with a local provider may be more practical than repeated 60-minute drives
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
The Blue Water Area is industrial Michigan — hard workers who need their feet to do demanding jobs, often in boots on concrete or steel-grated flooring. When a patient drives 70 minutes from Port Huron to see me, they’ve made a real investment and I take that seriously. My goal is to give them a diagnosis and a specific treatment plan at the first visit, and to minimize the number of return trips they need to make. That’s how I respect their time.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Port Huron to Balance Foot & Ankle?
From Port Huron, our Howell office at 3011 E. Grand River Ave is approximately 60–70 minutes via I-94 West to US-23 North. From St. Clair or Marysville, similar travel time. We recommend checking Google Maps for real-time I-94 estimates, particularly for the Metro Detroit stretch of I-94 during peak hours.
Do you document workers’ compensation foot injuries from the Port Huron industrial sector?
Yes — Dr. Biernacki provides thorough medical documentation for workers’ compensation claims involving occupational foot injuries. This includes injury evaluation, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, work restriction documentation, and return-to-work planning. Please inform our office that your visit involves workers’ compensation when scheduling.
Can I get a telehealth consultation before driving to Howell?
Yes — for many conditions, we offer telehealth consultations that allow Port Huron area patients to discuss their case with Dr. Biernacki remotely before making the drive to Howell. Telehealth visits work well for bunion consultation and surgical discussion, second opinions on chronic conditions, and treatment planning discussions. Call (810) 588-0520 to inquire about telehealth availability.
What if my insurance doesn’t cover the drive cost to Howell?
We accept most major Michigan commercial insurance plans and Medicare. The consultation and treatment cost is covered by insurance based on services provided — there is no additional charge for distance. Some insurers do not cover travel costs; we recommend contacting your insurance company directly about transportation benefit coverage for specialty care.
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.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes only so far. The fastest path to relief is a 30-minute office visit with Dr. Biernacki — same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402 or use our online booking.
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.
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 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.