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 Romulus, Inkster, and southern Wayne County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for fellowship-trained podiatric expertise. The Romulus area’s working-class community — with aviation, logistics, and automotive industry workers — has high rates of occupational foot injuries and conditions requiring practical, effective treatment compatible with physically demanding work.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Romulus Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Services for Romulus Area Patients
Plantar Fasciitis: Work boot-compatible custom orthotics and targeted treatment for standing-occupation workers. Ingrown Toenails: Same-week permanent matrixectomy. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual exams, neuropathy testing, and Medicare shoe coordination. Ankle Injuries: From acute sprains to surgical reconstruction. Bunions & Hammertoes: Full conservative and surgical range. Occupational Foot Injuries: Prompt diagnosis and treatment to minimize work disruption.
Accessible from Romulus via I-275
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Romulus via I-275 north to US-23 south — approximately 30–35 minutes. Same-week new patient appointments. All major Michigan insurance accepted. Workers’ compensation cases evaluated. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Timberland PRO Steel Toe Work Boot
⭐ Highly Rated
ASTM-rated steel toe work boot with orthotic-compatible removable insole — recommended for Romulus area aviation and logistics workers needing protective footwear that accommodates custom orthotics.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended Timberland PRO for my airport job and the custom orthotic slot accommodates my devices perfectly while meeting safety requirements.”
Airport worker plantar fasciitis, steel toe custom orthotic boot, logistics worker foot support
Steel toe boot — ensure custom orthotics fit properly before purchasing
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Thorlos Cushioned Work Socks
⭐ Highly Rated
Clinically padded work socks for standing occupations — extra heel and forefoot cushioning for Romulus area airport and logistics workers on concrete and tarmac surfaces.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended these cushioned socks for my tarmac work and they significantly reduced my foot fatigue through long shifts.”
Airport worker foot fatigue, logistics worker standing, tarmac concrete cushioning
Thicker sock may require half-size larger shoe for proper boot fit
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Understands occupational demands of aviation and logistics workers near Detroit Metro
- Workers’ compensation cases evaluated
- Same-week appointments minimize time off work for occupational injuries
- All major Michigan insurance accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 30-35 minute drive via I-275 north
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Romulus and the Metro Airport corridor have a distinct occupational profile — lots of airline workers, logistics and freight workers, and automotive plant employees. These patients are on their feet for 10-12 hour shifts, often on concrete and tarmac. Plantar fasciitis in this population is really occupational plantar fasciitis — and the treatment plan needs to account for the shoe requirements of the job, whether that’s a steel-toe boot, an airline uniform shoe, or a forklift operator’s work boot. We build orthotics around the occupational footwear, not the other way around.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Romulus Michigan?
Approximately 30-35 minutes via I-275 north to US-23 south. The I-275 corridor provides direct access from Romulus and the Metro Airport area to our Howell/Howell clinic.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept workers’ compensation cases from Romulus?
Yes — workplace foot and ankle injuries and workers’ compensation cases are evaluated. Bring your workers’ compensation claim information and employer contact to your appointment.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Romulus Michigan insurance?
Yes — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Most southern Wayne County commercial plans accepted.
Can Romulus patients get same-week appointments?
Yes — same-week new patient appointments are typically available. Call (810) 220-5551 to schedule. Urgent occupational injuries are accommodated same-day when possible.
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.
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📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Romulus. 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 Romulus 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.