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
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Rockwood Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot and Ankle Care for Rockwood, Michigan
Rockwood is a small city in southern Wayne County along the Huron River delta and Lake Erie shoreline. Its residents include fishing and boating enthusiasts, families, and workers in the greater downriver industrial corridor. Whether you’re on your feet all day at work, enjoy the Erie Metro Park trails, or are managing a chronic foot condition like diabetes or arthritis, Balance Foot & Ankle brings specialist-level podiatric care within reach of the Rockwood community.
About Dr. Biernacki and Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-certified podiatric surgeon with extensive training in foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine, and diabetic wound care. He founded Balance Foot & Ankle with a single principle: every patient deserves the same thoughtful, expert care regardless of the complexity of their problem. From a simple ingrown toenail to complex reconstructive ankle surgery, Dr. Biernacki and his team apply the same attention to detail and commitment to getting you back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible.
Services Available to Rockwood Patients
Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing heel pain, typically worst with the first morning steps. Dr. Biernacki’s treatment protocol — combining custom orthotics, night splints, targeted stretching, and where indicated shockwave therapy — resolves the majority of cases without surgery within 6–10 weeks.
Ankle Sprains and Chronic Instability: Repeated ankle sprains that don’t fully heal lead to chronic instability — a feeling the ankle “gives way.” Dr. Biernacki evaluates the lateral ankle ligaments with ultrasound and, for chronic cases, performs the Brostrom-Gould reconstruction to restore anatomic stability and prevent arthritic degeneration.
Diabetic Foot Management: Southern Wayne and Monroe County communities have high rates of type 2 diabetes. Dr. Biernacki provides complete diabetic foot evaluations, monofilament neuropathy testing, vascular assessment coordination, and prescription diabetic footwear with custom molded insoles. Proactive care prevents the ulcerations and amputations that result from neglected diabetic feet.
Nail and Skin Conditions: Ingrown toenails, thickened fungal nails, plantar warts, corns, and calluses are common and treatable. Permanent nail procedures for chronically ingrown nails eliminate the problem once and for all.
Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle: Osteoarthritis of the big toe joint (hallux rigidus), subtalar joint, and ankle joint causes progressive stiffness and pain. Dr. Biernacki offers a full spectrum of treatment from corticosteroid injections and custom orthotics to surgical joint-sparing procedures and, when necessary, fusion or replacement.
Pediatric Podiatry: Children from Rockwood and Gibraltar area families are welcome. Dr. Biernacki treats Sever’s disease (heel pain in growing athletes), flat feet, in-toeing, and toe-walking with conservative approaches, including pediatric custom orthotics.
Directions to Balance Foot & Ankle from Rockwood
From Rockwood, take I-275 North to I-96 West toward Brighton/Howell. The drive is approximately 35–40 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Our Howell office is located on Grand River Avenue with free parking directly adjacent to the building. For patients traveling during rush hour, early morning and Saturday appointments are available to minimize commute time.
Serving the Greater Downriver and Monroe County Border Area
Balance Foot & Ankle serves patients from Rockwood, South Rockwood, Newport, Carleton, Flat Rock, and the Estral Beach/Lake Erie Metropark communities. We also welcome patients from northern Monroe County seeking specialist podiatric care without traveling to larger urban centers. Our practice accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross, Aetna, and United Healthcare.
Book Your Appointment
Call (810) 588-0579 or visit michiganfootdoctors.com to schedule your appointment. We offer online scheduling 24 hours a day, and our staff is available during business hours to answer questions about your coverage, appointment preparation, and what to expect during your first visit.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
⭐ Highly Rated
Dorsiflexion night splint maintains the ankle at 90 degrees during sleep, preventing plantar fascia contracture and reducing morning first-step pain.
Dr. Tom says: “After two weeks of wearing this splint every night, my morning heel pain dropped dramatically. Wish I’d started sooner.”
Plantar fasciitis morning pain, Achilles insertional tightness, chronic heel pain
Patients with active Achilles tendon tears or extreme ankle swelling
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Copper Compression Diabetic Socks
⭐ Highly Rated
Non-binding diabetic crew socks with seamless toe box and moisture-wicking copper-infused fabric. Reduces pressure points and infection risk for neuropathic feet.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended these for my diabetic feet — they’re comfortable all day and my skin is much healthier.”
Type 1 and 2 diabetics, peripheral neuropathy patients, anyone needing non-binding foot protection
Active wounds or ulcerations (wound-specific dressings and footwear required — consult Dr. Biernacki)
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 35-40 minute drive from Rockwood via I-275 North to Howell office
- Accepts Medicare and most major insurances common in downriver Wayne/Monroe County
- In-office ultrasound and X-ray minimize separate imaging facility visits
❌ Cons / Risks
- No physical office location in Rockwood — travel to Howell required
- Rush-hour I-275 traffic can extend travel time — early morning slots recommended
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Rockwood and the Lake Erie shoreline communities are often underserved for specialist foot care — people drive far, wait long, or just put up with the pain. We’ve worked hard to make the trip worth it: efficient appointments, same-day imaging when needed, and a genuine focus on getting you better in as few visits as possible. For our diabetic patients especially, getting that annual foot exam done properly can be the difference between keeping your feet and losing them.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept Medicare for Rockwood patients?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki is a Medicare provider. Foot care visits, diabetic shoe programs, and covered surgical procedures are billed directly to Medicare. Our billing team will verify your specific coverage prior to your first appointment.
What if I have an emergency foot problem in Rockwood?
Call our office at (810) 588-0579. We triage urgent problems and often accommodate same-day or next-business-day appointments for acute issues like severe ankle sprains, infected ingrown toenails, or suspected fractures.
Can I get X-rays at your Howell office, or do I need to go to a hospital?
We have digital X-ray in-office and perform foot and ankle X-rays during the appointment. You won’t need to visit a separate radiology facility for standard imaging.
Do you treat children from the Rockwood area?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki treats pediatric foot conditions including Sever’s disease, flat feet, in-toeing gait, and toe-walking. He works with your child’s pediatrician to coordinate care when needed.
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.
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, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Rockwood. 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 Rockwood 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.