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 Redford Township, Livonia, and northwest Wayne County choose Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for fellowship-trained podiatric expertise. The Redford and Livonia area’s diverse community — with working families, long-established senior residents, and active adults — presents the full range of foot and ankle conditions that Dr. Biernacki addresses with comprehensive, evidence-based care.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Redford 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 Redford Area Patients
Plantar Fasciitis: Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and PRP for persistent cases. Ingrown Toenails: Same-week permanent matrixectomy. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual exams, neuropathy testing, and Medicare shoe coordination. Ankle Injuries: From acute sprains to surgical reconstruction. Bunions & Hammertoes: Full conservative and surgical range. Pediatric Foot Care: Flatfoot evaluation, orthotics for children, and ingrown toenails.
Accessible from Redford via I-96
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Redford Township via I-96 west to US-23 south — approximately 30–35 minutes. Same-week new patient appointments. All major Michigan insurance accepted. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Skechers GOwalk Arch Fit Shoes
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Podiatrist-designed arch support walking shoe — comfortable daily footwear for Redford and Livonia area patients managing plantar fasciitis and foot pain during everyday activities.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended Skechers Arch Fit for my heel pain and they became my go-to daily shoe for managing my plantar fasciitis.”
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Not for athletic or high-impact activities
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Powerstep Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles
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Full-length arch support insole — a recommended OTC orthotic for Redford and Livonia patients managing plantar fasciitis and arch pain as a starting point before custom orthotic evaluation.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended PowerStep insoles for my plantar fasciitis and they provided reliable arch support during my working day.”
Plantar fasciitis OTC, arch pain everyday footwear, working adult insole starting point
Custom orthotics provide superior biomechanical correction for structural problems
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 30-35 minutes from Redford via I-96 west — direct route
- Same-week appointments for northwest Wayne County patients
- Pediatric and adult foot care expertise
- All major Michigan insurance accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 30-35 minute drive from Redford Township
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Redford and Livonia patients come from an established community with a mix of long-time residents and younger families. We see a good range from pediatric flatfoot evaluations to senior diabetic foot care. The I-96 corridor is straightforward and the 30-35 minute drive is worth it for fellowship-trained care with same-week access. We make the visit worthwhile by giving thorough evaluations and clear answers.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Redford Township Michigan?
Approximately 30-35 minutes via I-96 west to US-23 south. The I-96 corridor provides direct access from Redford and Livonia to our Howell/Howell area clinic.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat pediatric patients from Redford?
Yes — pediatric foot evaluations including flatfoot assessment, ingrown toenails, and sports-related foot injuries for children are performed. Bring prior X-rays if available.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Redford Michigan insurance?
Yes — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Most northwest Wayne County commercial plans accepted.
Can Redford 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
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Redford. 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 Redford area.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.