Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: Podiatrist Riverview Michigan Balance Foot Ankle is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Riverview Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Balance Foot & Ankle welcomes patients from Riverview, Michigan and surrounding Downriver communities for comprehensive podiatric care. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides expert evaluation and treatment for all foot and ankle conditions — from common everyday problems to complex surgical cases requiring specialized expertise. Our commitment to getting you the right diagnosis and the most effective treatment drives everything we do.
Riverview patients come to us with a wide variety of concerns. We treat plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and heel spurs; bunions and lesser toe deformities including hammertoes; ingrown toenails and nail infections; Morton’s neuroma and forefoot pain; Achilles tendinitis; ankle sprains, fractures, and chronic instability; diabetic foot wounds and neuropathy; flat feet and arch disorders; toenail fungus; plantar warts; and sports injuries of all kinds. Pediatric foot conditions are also within our scope of practice.
Heel pain from plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons Riverview patients seek podiatric care. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we go beyond simple cortisone injections to identify and correct the root biomechanical causes of heel pain. Our comprehensive treatment approach includes custom orthotics, calf stretching programs, night splints, and for recalcitrant cases, Tenex ultrasound-guided tissue debridement or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy. Most patients achieve lasting relief with our evidence-based protocol.
Riverview is home to many patients with diabetes who require regular podiatric monitoring. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive diabetic foot evaluations including vascular and neurological assessment, wound care for diabetic ulcers, diabetic shoe and insole prescriptions, and proactive education about foot care. Regular podiatric care for diabetic patients dramatically reduces the risk of complications including infections, Charcot foot, and amputation.
Riverview patients can easily book at Balance Foot & Ankle online at michiganfootdoctors.com or by calling our office. We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. We look forward to providing you with expert podiatric care.
⭐ Highly Rated
One of the most effective calf and Achilles stretching devices — essential for plantar fasciitis home treatment program.
Dr. Tom says: “This stretcher has dramatically improved my calf tightness and reduced my heel pain.”
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
⭐ Highly Rated
Gel cushion that reduces bunion friction in footwear — effective conservative daily management for bunion pain.
Dr. Tom says: “These pads make such a difference at work — my bunion barely bothers me during my shift.”
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
⭐ Highly Rated
Firm, biomechanically supportive insoles for flat feet and plantar fasciitis — one of the best OTC options.
Dr. Tom says: “Finally found an insole that provides real arch support — my heel pain improved significantly.”
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Riverview and Downriver area has a wonderful community of patients who really invest in their health. We’re grateful for the patients who make the trip to see us and we always aim to make that investment worthwhile with thorough, effective care that produces lasting results.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Riverview is approximately 50 minutes from our Howell, Michigan office via I-75 North and I-96 West. Many Downriver residents find our level of specialized podiatric care worth the drive.
In most cases, yes — Dr. Biernacki can evaluate your heel pain and administer a corticosteroid injection at the first appointment if clinically appropriate. He will also discuss the comprehensive treatment approach beyond injection therapy to address the root cause.
Yes, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and most other major insurance plans. Please call our office to verify your specific plan’s coverage for podiatric care before your appointment.
Both treat foot and ankle conditions. Podiatrists specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower leg — it is our sole focus. Orthopedic surgeons treat the entire musculoskeletal system. For most foot and ankle conditions, a podiatrist offers highly specialized expertise and is the appropriate first choice.
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.
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Find a Board-Certified Podiatrist (American Podiatric Medical Association)
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.