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
Redford Township — a western Wayne County community of working families, established neighborhoods, and longtime Michigan residents — deserves podiatric care that is accessible, thorough, and focused on solving real foot problems. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive foot and ankle services for Redford Township patients, accessible via I-96 west to our Livingston County clinic.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Redford Township Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot & Ankle Services for Redford Township Residents
Dr. Biernacki evaluates and treats the complete spectrum of foot and ankle conditions affecting Redford Township patients: plantar fasciitis and heel pain, bunions and hallux valgus deformity, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, diabetic foot care and neuropathy management, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinitis, and arthritis of the foot and ankle. Custom orthotics, cortisone injections, nail procedures, and shockwave therapy are all available in-office without referral.
Diabetic and Senior Foot Care
Redford Township’s significant senior and working-class population includes many patients managing Type 2 diabetes and related foot complications. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive annual diabetic foot exams, monofilament testing, nail and callus debridement, and Medicare-covered prescription therapeutic footwear for qualifying patients. Consistent podiatric care reduces Wayne County’s high diabetic amputation rates through early detection and prevention of ulcers and infection.
Nail and Skin Conditions
Ingrown toenails, thickened fungal nails, plantar warts, and calluses are among the most frequent presenting conditions from Redford Township patients. Dr. Biernacki provides the complete spectrum of in-office nail care: conservative trimming for early ingrown nails, partial nail avulsion under local anesthesia for painful ingrown nails, and permanent matrixectomy for recurrent ingrowth with a 95% cure rate. Fungal nail infections are evaluated with culture and treated with topical or oral antifungal therapy based on severity and patient health status.
About Redford Township, Michigan
Redford Township (population approximately 48,000) is a western Wayne County community bordered by Detroit to the east, Livonia to the west, and Southfield to the north. Established as a bedroom community in the post-war housing boom, Redford Township has a mix of longtime residents and newer families drawn by affordable housing in a centrally located Wayne County location. Our Howell clinic is approximately 30-35 minutes west via I-96.
Heel Pain for Redford Township Working Adults
Plantar fasciitis disproportionately affects people who spend prolonged hours on their feet — factory workers, healthcare workers, retail employees, and warehouse workers who stand on hard concrete surfaces all day. Redford Township’s working population experiences significant plantar fasciitis burden from occupational loading. Dr. Biernacki’s occupationally-aware approach addresses both the biomechanical contributors and the practical challenge of continuing to work during treatment. Custom orthotics, anti-fatigue mat recommendations, and appropriate footwear for occupational environments are part of every treatment plan for working adults.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
KEEN Utility Detroit Steel Toe Work Boot
⭐ Highly Rated
Steel-toed work boot with anatomical arch support, cushioned footbed, and wide toe box designed for Redford Township workers in manufacturing, construction, and warehouse environments. The anatomical support reduces plantar fasciitis pain for workers who stand on hard surfaces all day.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended KEEN work boots for my plantar fasciitis — the combination of the roomy toe box and arch support made an immediate difference standing on concrete all day.””
Occupational plantar fasciitis, factory and warehouse work foot support, long-shift standing workers, steel-toe protection with comfort
Steel toe boots are heavier than standard shoes — patients with significant foot weakness or balance issues should discuss with Dr. Biernacki
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Miracle of Aloe Foot Cream
⭐ Highly Rated
Intensive moisturizing foot cream with urea and aloe vera for dry, cracked heel management. Recommended by podiatrists for patients with xerosis (excessive skin dryness), heel fissures, and callus softening between debridement appointments — particularly for diabetic patients under podiatric supervision.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended urea foot cream for my cracked heels between appointments — the skin improved dramatically within a week of nightly application.””
Dry heel fissures, callus softening, xerosis management, diabetic foot skin care under podiatric supervision
Diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy should use foot cream under podiatric guidance and inspect feet daily for signs of skin breakdown
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- No referral required — direct-access podiatric specialty care for Redford Township and western Wayne County patients
- Accessible from Redford Township via I-96 west in approximately 30-35 minutes to our Howell clinic
- Medicare and Medicaid accepted — affordable access to podiatric care for Redford Township’s senior and working-class population
- In-office nail procedures provide immediate relief for ingrown toenails without referral delays
❌ Cons / Risks
- Redford Township patients traveling to Howell will need multiple follow-up visits for surgical cases over 6-12 weeks
- Some specialized imaging may be more convenient at Wayne County facilities — referrals provided based on patient need and convenience
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Redford Township patients are working people who need practical, results-focused care. They can not afford to miss work from a poorly managed foot problem, and they need a podiatrist who respects their time and their economic reality. My job for Redford Township patients is the same as for any other patient: get the diagnosis right, explain the options honestly, and recommend the treatment that solves the problem durably and efficiently. For a factory worker with plantar fasciitis who stands on concrete 10 hours a day, that means occupationally-appropriate footwear guidance, custom orthotics to reduce fascial loading, and a realistic return-to-work plan that accounts for their actual job demands. That’s the kind of practical, patient-specific podiatric care I provide for every Redford Township patient who drives to Howell.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you serve Redford Township patients?
Yes. Our Howell-area clinic serves Redford Township and all of western Wayne County. The I-96 west drive is approximately 30-35 minutes. New patients can call (517) 482-5000 or schedule online at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Do you accept Medicaid for Redford Township patients?
Yes. Medicaid is accepted for medically necessary podiatric services. Please call to verify your specific Medicaid plan and coverage before scheduling your appointment.
Can you treat my ingrown toenail the same day?
Same-day treatment for painful ingrown toenails is frequently available for urgent appointments. Partial nail avulsion under local anesthesia provides immediate pain relief and is performed in-office in approximately 30 minutes with immediate walking afterward.
Do you help workers with occupational foot pain?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki is experienced in treating occupational foot pain from prolonged standing on hard surfaces. Treatment plans account for work environment requirements including appropriate occupational footwear recommendations, anti-fatigue insoles, and return-to-work planning that minimizes lost work time.
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.
American Podiatric Medical Association: Find a Podiatrist
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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Redford Township. 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 Township area.
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.