Podiatrist Royal Oak MI 2026 | Balance Foot & Ankle
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI Last reviewed: May 2026
MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT
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.
Podiatrist Royal Oak Michigan Balance Foot Ankle Care treatment | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Dr. Tom Biernacki provides expert podiatric care to Royal Oak and southeastern Oakland County patients.
Expert Foot & Ankle Care for Royal Oak, Michigan
Royal Oak is one of southeast Michigan’s most active and youthful cities, home to an active, health-conscious community. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, extends comprehensive podiatric services to patients from Royal Oak, Berkley, Ferndale, and southeastern Oakland County.
Podiatric Care for Royal Oak’s Active Community
Royal Oak patients present with the full range of foot and ankle conditions reflecting an active urban lifestyle. Ingrown toenails — extremely common in Royal Oak’s active population — are permanently cured with in-office phenol matrixectomy under local anesthesia in a single 30-minute visit. Bunions are evaluated for conservative management with orthotics and appropriate footwear, with surgical correction available when progressive deformity limits activity and shoe options. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — common among Royal Oak’s runners, cyclists, and active professionals — respond well to evidence-based protocols including custom orthotics and advanced therapies. Sports ankle injuries including sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, and peroneal tendon injuries are expertly managed with imaging and individualized recovery plans. Diabetic foot care and peripheral neuropathy management protect at-risk patients from the complications of reduced sensation. Nail fungal infections, plantar warts, and athlete’s foot receive prescription-strength treatment.
Accessible Care in Southeastern Oakland County
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate Royal Oak’s busy active community. New patients are typically seen within one week. Urgent appointments for ingrown toenails, ankle injuries, and acute infections are regularly available within 24–48 hours. Call today for expert podiatric care close to home.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Altra Torin 6 Neutral Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Zero-drop, wide toe-box neutral running shoe with balanced cushioning — ideal for Royal Oak runners with bunions, neuromas, or wide forefoot who need natural toe splay and impact absorption without cramping the forefoot.
Dr. Tom says:“Wide toe box prevents bunion and neuroma aggravation common with traditional narrow running shoes.”
✅ Best for Royal Oak runners with bunions, neuromas, wide forefoot, neutral gait mechanics
⚠️ Not ideal for Runners with significant overpronation requiring motion control or stability shoes
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tea Tree Oil Antifungal Nail Brush
⭐ Highly Rated
Antifungal nail and foot scrub brush with tea tree oil — excellent hygiene tool for Royal Oak active adults managing nail fungal infections and athlete’s foot between professional antifungal treatment sessions.
Dr. Tom says:“Regular mechanical scrubbing reduces fungal load between professional treatments.”
✅ Best for Toenail fungus patients, athlete’s foot, foot hygiene maintenance during antifungal treatment
⚠️ Not ideal for Patients with active skin wounds, fragile diabetic skin, or neuropathy — gentle care needed
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Serving Royal Oak, Berkley, Ferndale, and southeastern Oakland County
Permanent ingrown toenail matrixectomy in a single office visit
Bunion evaluation, conservative management, and surgical correction
Sports injury management for Royal Oak’s active community
❌ Cons / Risks
Surgical procedures performed at licensed facilities rather than in office
Custom orthotic fabrication requires a dedicated fitting appointment
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Royal Oak has a fantastic energy and a community that takes care of themselves. If you’re a runner dealing with recurring heel pain, an active adult whose bunion is limiting your shoe choices, or someone who just wants that ingrown toenail permanently fixed, Balance Foot & Ankle is the right choice. Call us — we’ll take care of you.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle serve Royal Oak, Michigan patients?
Yes — we welcome new patients from Royal Oak and all of southeastern Oakland County. Call our office for the nearest clinic location with prompt availability.
Can I get my ingrown toenail permanently treated in one visit?
Yes — phenol matrixectomy is performed in a single 30-minute office visit under local anesthesia. The procedure permanently eliminates the offending nail border with a 95%+ success rate.
What insurance plans do you accept in Royal Oak?
We accept most major plans including BCBS, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, HAP, and Priority Health. Call to verify your specific plan.
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.
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.
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.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
