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 Quincy Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quincy, Michigan: Above the Portage
Quincy is a community in Adams Township, Houghton County, situated on the hillside above the Portage Lake waterway and the city of Hancock. The area is dominated by one of the most iconic structures in the Upper Peninsula: the Quincy Mine No. 2 shaft-rockhouse, a towering industrial monument now preserved as part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park. The Quincy Mine was one of the most productive copper mines in the world during the late 19th century, and its infrastructure — including a massive steam hoist and aerial tramway — is preserved as a working museum that draws visitors from across the country.
The Quincy community sits at the intersection of industrial heritage and natural beauty that defines the Keweenaw. The hillside above Hancock commands views of Portage Lake and the surrounding forest. The Quincy Hill neighborhood is a mix of historic mining-era homes and newer residences, part of the broader Houghton-Hancock metropolitan area that anchors the peninsula’s economy and services.
Foot and Ankle Health in Adams Township
Houghton County’s population includes a mix of university community (Michigan Technological University is across Portage Lake in Houghton), mining heritage families, and service sector workers. This demographic breadth creates a range of foot and ankle health needs. Student-athlete and recreational runner foot problems — plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, ankle sprains — are common in the younger population. The working-age population in trades and services develops occupational foot conditions from prolonged standing and heavy footwear use. The older heritage population presents with arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic foot complications at rates reflecting decades of physical labor.
The extreme UP winters create ankle sprain and slip-and-fall injury risks for all residents. The Keweenaw receives over 200 inches of snow in most winters, and icy surfaces are a reality for months. Appropriate traction footwear and ankle-stabilizing footwear are practical public health tools in this environment.
Services Available
Balance Foot and Ankle provides comprehensive podiatric care for Quincy and Adams Township patients. Our services include heel pain evaluation and treatment, ankle sprain and instability management, ingrown toenail procedures, toenail fungus treatment, diabetic foot surveillance, bunion and hammertoe assessment, metatarsalgia, and custom orthotic fabrication. Complex reconstructive surgical cases are welcomed.
We accept Medicare, Medicaid, BCBS Michigan, and most major commercial insurance plans. On-site digital X-ray completes imaging at your appointment. Custom orthotics can be scanned and fabricated at your visit, then mailed to your UP address within 2–3 weeks. Telemedicine is available for appropriate cases — call (517) 545-0747 to discuss whether your condition qualifies.
Visiting from Quincy
From Quincy above Hancock, the drive south to Balance Foot and Ankle takes approximately 5.5 hours via US-41 South through Houghton, connecting through the UP to the Mackinac Bridge and south to the Howell area. We schedule efficiently and provide all diagnostic imaging at your visit to make the most of your travel time. Many Houghton County patients combine their appointment with lower-peninsula errands. Contact our office to schedule and we’ll ensure your visit is as efficient and productive as possible.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Stabilicers Maxx Traction Ice Cleats
⭐ Highly Rated
Durable rubber-molded ice traction system with hardened steel cleats for maximum grip on Keweenaw winter ice. Essential for the 5-month ice season in Houghton County that makes ankle sprains one of the most common winter injuries.
Dr. Tom says: “I slipped twice before I started using these on Quincy Hill in winter. My podiatrist told me ankle sprains from ice falls are one of his most common wintertime injuries in UP patients.”
UP residents navigating steep hillside terrain in winter, anyone at risk for ice falls
Indoor use or soft ground — these are for ice and hard-packed snow only
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Powerstep Pinnacle Plus Motion Control Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum-motion-control OTC insole for flat or overpronating feet — the most common biomechanical contributor to plantar fasciitis and tibial stress conditions in the active Houghton County population.
Dr. Tom says: “After a year of heel pain, my podiatrist recommended these as a first step before custom orthotics. They resolved my plantar fasciitis in 8 weeks of consistent use with stretching.”
Overpronation, flat arch plantar fasciitis, tibial stress issues
High arch or supinating foot types — a neutral or cushioned insole is more appropriate
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Dr. Frederick’s Original Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
⭐ Highly Rated
Dorsiflexion night splint maintains a gentle stretch of the plantar fascia and calf during sleep — highly effective for eliminating first-step morning heel pain, one of the most disabling plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Dr. Tom says: “After three months of heel pain, adding a night splint to my PT program finally resolved my morning pain. My podiatrist said it was the missing piece in my treatment. Life-changing.”
Plantar fasciitis with morning first-step pain, Achilles tightness
Severe ankle swelling or skin conditions that make splint contact uncomfortable
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Telemedicine available for Houghton County patients with appropriate conditions
- On-site X-ray and custom orthotic scanning in a single visit
- Full surgical capability for complex cases
- Accepts Michigan Medicaid, Medicare, and major commercial plans
❌ Cons / Risks
- 5.5-hour travel from Quincy/Hancock area requires full-day planning
- Not all conditions appropriate for telemedicine
- UP winter road and bridge conditions may require flexible scheduling
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Quincy Hill, looking out over Portage Lake with the old mine headframe on the hillside — that’s one of the quintessential UP views. I have a deep respect for the communities on that peninsula and the people who’ve lived there for generations. When a patient from Quincy or Hancock comes in to see me, they’ve made a real commitment, and I want to make that commitment worthwhile. I’m thorough, I communicate clearly, and I don’t rush through the diagnosis. Whether it’s a simple ingrown toenail or a complex ankle reconstruction, the patient from Houghton County gets the same attention I’d give anyone. That’s what they deserve. — Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, Balance Foot and Ankle PLLC
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Quincy, Michigan from Balance Foot and Ankle?
Quincy above Hancock in Houghton County is approximately 5.5 hours from our Howell-area clinic via US-41 South. We recommend early morning appointments for a same-day return trip.
What insurance do you accept from UP patients?
We accept Michigan Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, and most major commercial plans. Call to verify your specific plan before scheduling.
Can I get custom orthotics from your clinic as an UP resident?
Yes. We scan or cast at your visit and mail the finished orthotics to your UP address within 2–3 weeks, eliminating the need for a return trip.
What foot conditions are most common in the Houghton County area?
Plantar fasciitis from heavy boot use, ankle sprains from icy winter conditions, peripheral neuropathy in older residents, toenail fungus from damp conditions, diabetic foot complications, and stress fractures in the active student and recreational population.
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.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your ankle condition, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
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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.