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 Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Lake Orion, Oxford, and northern Oakland County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for expert, fellowship-trained podiatric care. Whether you’re an Oakland University student managing a sports injury, a Rochester Hills professional with chronic heel pain, or an Auburn Hills senior seeking diabetic foot care, Dr. Biernacki offers same-week appointments and comprehensive treatment.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Rochester Hills Auburn Hills Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Conditions We Treat for Northern Oakland County
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain: Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and targeted stretching — most patients achieve resolution within 3–6 months. Sports & Athletic Injuries: Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills have active sports communities. Ankle sprains, stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, and overuse injuries managed from diagnosis through return to sport. Ingrown Toenails: Permanent matrixectomy — eliminates recurrence in a single in-office visit. Bunions & Hammertoes: Minimally invasive to Lapidus fusion. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual exams, neuropathy testing, and wound management. Ankle Instability: Broström-Gould repair for chronic lateral ankle instability after recurrent sprains.
Accessible from Northern Oakland County
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Rochester Hills (I-75 south to M-59 west to US-23 south), Auburn Hills (I-75 south to M-59 west), Lake Orion (M-24 south to M-59 west to US-23), and Oxford (M-24 south). Most major Michigan insurance plans accepted. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Why Rochester Hills Patients Choose Dr. Biernacki
Fellowship-trained surgical expertise. 45-minute new patient evaluations — thorough assessment, not rushed visits. Evidence-based protocols. All major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross, Aetna, Priority Health, and Medicare accepted. New patients seen within 3–5 business days.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Maximum cushion running shoe with rocker sole — one of the most effective footwear choices for plantar fasciitis. Popular with Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills active patients.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended these and within two weeks my morning heel pain that had been bothering me for a year dramatically improved.”
Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, maximum cushion running, standing occupations
Very cushioned and bulky — not ideal for speed work or narrow feet
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Bauerfeind Sports Ankle Support
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Knitted compression ankle brace with anatomical support — ideal for ankle sprain rehabilitation and return-to-sport ankle protection for Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills athletes.
Dr. Tom says: “Wore this for my ankle sprain recovery and it gave me the confidence to return to my recreational sports league.”
Ankle sprain rehabilitation, return to sport ankle support, chronic instability
Not a substitute for Brostrom repair in severe chronic instability
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Same-week appointments for Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills patients
- Fellowship-trained surgical expertise for complex ankle and foot reconstruction
- Oakland University student and athlete-friendly scheduling
- All major northern Oakland County insurance plans accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 25–35 minute drive from Rochester Hills — plan accordingly
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Northern Oakland County sends us a mix of very active patients — OU athletes, weekend warriors, and professionals who are on their feet all day. They appreciate evidence-based care that actually gets them back to what they love. Whether it’s a complicated ankle surgery or a heel pain protocol, we give every Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills patient the full attention their problem deserves.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Rochester Hills insurance plans?
Yes — we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Northern Oakland County commercial plans are generally accepted. Verify your specific plan before scheduling.
How quickly can Auburn Hills patients get seen?
Most new patients from Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills are seen within 3–5 business days. Urgent cases accommodated same-day or next-day. Call (810) 220-5551 early for urgent requests.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat Oakland University athletes?
Yes — OU athlete foot and ankle injuries are within Dr. Biernacki’s expertise. We understand collegiate athletic timelines and communicate with athletic trainers and team physicians when requested.
What is the drive time from Rochester Hills to Balance Foot & Ankle?
Approximately 25–35 minutes via I-75 south to M-59 west and US-23 south. We recommend calling ahead to confirm appointment availability before making the drive.
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.
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 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.