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
Rochester Hills — one of Oakland County’s most prosperous and active communities — sends patients to Balance Foot and Ankle in Howell for specialist podiatric care that combines advanced training with personalized service. Dr. Tom Biernacki’s office is approximately 40-45 minutes from Rochester Hills via M-59 West, offering Rochester Hills patients expert foot and ankle care without metropolitan hospital wait times or impersonal large-system experiences.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Rochester Hills Michigan Oakland County Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot Care for Rochester Hills’ Active Community
Rochester Hills is home to a highly active, health-conscious population. The city’s extensive trail systems, active recreational leagues, and strong school sports programs generate a significant volume of sports-related foot and ankle injuries — ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis are the most common athletic presentations from this community. Older Rochester Hills residents present with bunion deformity, arthritic ankle pain, and diabetic foot complications that benefit from specialist management. Dr. Biernacki’s training and experience spans the full spectrum from youth sports injuries to complex reconstructive procedures for the adult and aging population.
Conditions Treated for Rochester Hills Patients
Plantar fasciitis is the single most common condition from Rochester Hills — particularly in the community’s active running population. Dr. Biernacki’s evidence-based protocol — custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and PRP injection — resolves even chronic heel pain in the vast majority of patients without surgery. Bunion correction using Lapiplasty 3D technique is highly sought by Rochester Hills women who want a permanent, durable correction. Diabetic foot care — annual evaluations, wound management, and therapeutic footwear — protects older Rochester Hills patients from serious complications. Custom orthotics fabricated in-office correct the biomechanical root causes driving virtually every overuse foot injury in this active community.
Getting to Balance Foot and Ankle from Rochester Hills
Rochester Hills patients take M-59 West to I-96 West into Livingston County — approximately 40-45 minutes depending on traffic. The Balance Foot and Ankle office provides free parking and is accessible from multiple Oakland County routes. Online booking is available 24/7 at MichiganFootDoctors.com, or call (517) 545-FEET. Same-week appointments are regularly available for Rochester Hills patients.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
CURREX RunPro Performance Insole
⭐ Highly Rated
Dynamic performance insole favored by Dr. Biernacki for Rochester Hills runners and active adults. Provides dynamic arch support and forefoot cushioning for plantar fasciitis and overuse injury prevention.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended CURREX insoles for my Rochester Hills running group and multiple members have eliminated their plantar fasciitis symptoms.”
Rochester Hills runners, cyclists, and active adults with plantar fasciitis, arch pain, or metatarsalgia needing dynamic support in performance and athletic footwear
Not designed for dress or casual footwear — CURREX Run version is sport-specific. Professional evaluation determines which patients need custom orthotics vs. OTC solutions.
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Lapiplasty Recovery Shoe Wide Toe Box
⭐ Highly Rated
Extra-wide post-surgical walking shoe accommodating bunion correction recovery. Provides protected weight-bearing and big toe protection during the first weeks after bunion surgery.
Dr. Tom says: “After my Lapiplasty bunion surgery Dr. Biernacki fitted me with a wide post-op shoe and I was walking carefully from day one of recovery.”
Rochester Hills patients recovering from bunion surgery (Lapiplasty or traditional) needing protective post-operative footwear during the initial weight-bearing phase
Post-surgical footwear must be approved by Dr. Biernacki — transitioning to regular shoes too early risks disrupting surgical correction
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Anti-Fatigue Standing Mat Premium
⭐ Highly Rated
Commercial-grade anti-fatigue mat for standing desks and kitchen use. Dr. Biernacki recommends these for Rochester Hills professionals who stand for extended periods and develop plantar fasciitis or arch fatigue.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended an anti-fatigue mat for my standing desk and combined with my orthotics my plantar fasciitis has not returned in a year.”
Rochester Hills professionals with standing desks, kitchen workers, and anyone with plantar fasciitis related to prolonged standing on hard floors
Anti-fatigue mats reduce but do not eliminate standing fatigue — proper footwear with arch support and regular movement breaks are equally important
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Specialist podiatric care without metropolitan hospital wait times for Rochester Hills patients
- 40-45 minute convenient drive via M-59 from Rochester Hills
- Same-week appointments regularly available for the active Oakland County community
❌ Cons / Risks
- M-59 rush-hour congestion can extend drive times — early morning appointments recommended
- Rochester Hills patients requiring inpatient hospital care are coordinated with local Oakland County hospital facilities
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Rochester Hills patients are exactly the type of patients who get the most out of what we do — active, motivated, and willing to follow through on treatment plans. When I see a Rochester Hills runner with heel pain, I know they are going to do the stretching, wear the orthotics, and commit to the protocol. That compliance is what separates the patients who get better in 6 weeks from those who struggle for months.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Rochester Hills from Balance Foot and Ankle?
Rochester Hills is approximately 40-45 minutes from our Howell office via M-59 West and I-96. Same-week appointments make the drive worthwhile for most patients seeking specialist-level care.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Rochester Hills insurance?
Yes. All major Michigan insurance plans are accepted including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare.
What are the most common foot conditions for Rochester Hills athletes?
Plantar fasciitis in runners, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures, and shin splints are the most common athletic presentations from the Rochester Hills community.
Does Dr. Biernacki perform Lapiplasty bunion surgery?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki offers Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction for Rochester Hills patients seeking a modern, stable, minimally invasive bunion fix.
Are same-week appointments available from Rochester Hills?
Yes. Same-week and often next-day appointments are regularly available. Acute injuries and urgent concerns receive priority scheduling.
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.
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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.