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 Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, Frankenmuth, and the Great Lakes Bay Region seeking specialty-level foot and ankle care make the drive south to Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC. While the drive from Saginaw is approximately 65–75 minutes via US-23 South, patients consistently tell us that what they find at Balance Foot & Ankle — in-office diagnostic ultrasound, comprehensive diabetic foot evaluation, precision injection therapies, and custom orthotic fabrication — is worth the trip.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Saginaw Bay City Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Diabetic Foot Care: A Priority for the Great Lakes Bay Region
The Saginaw and Bay City communities carry significantly elevated rates of Type 2 diabetes relative to statewide averages — driven by a combination of demographic, economic, and lifestyle factors affecting the region. Diabetic foot complications, including peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and foot wounds, represent a major health burden in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Dr. Biernacki’s diabetic foot care program provides annual comprehensive evaluations including monofilament neuropathy testing, Semmes-Weinstein pressure assessment, Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) vascular screening, wound evaluation and staging, and Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program prescription for qualifying patients. For patients with active wounds, aggressive offloading, debridement, and vascular surgery coordination when needed are cornerstones of our wound care protocol.
Common Conditions for Saginaw and Bay City Patients
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — the most common reason patients from the Great Lakes Bay Region make the drive. Manufacturing workers, healthcare workers at Covenant and Ascension hospitals, and agricultural and automotive industry workers with long on-feet shifts develop chronic heel conditions that respond well to the diagnostic precision and targeted treatment available at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers — advanced wound care with debridement, total contact casting, and offloading protocols. Preventing amputation in high-risk diabetic patients is one of our highest-priority services. Patients with Charcot foot, active ulcers, or recurrent wounds benefit from Dr. Biernacki’s comprehensive evaluation and close monitoring.
Bunions and hammertoes — both conservative and surgical management discussions. Bay City and Saginaw patients considering bunion correction receive a thorough evaluation including bunion angle measurement and discussion of all applicable correction techniques.
Ingrown toenails — permanent in-office correction with phenol matrixectomy. Patients from the Saginaw area who’ve had recurrent ingrown toenail problems at local facilities find permanent resolution at our office in a single visit.
Fungal toenail infections — comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning including topical medications, oral antifungals when appropriate, and laser therapy discussion. For Saginaw-area patients frustrated with ineffective topical treatments, we offer a complete evaluation and evidence-based treatment pathway.
Getting Here from Saginaw and Bay City
From Saginaw: Take US-23 South approximately 65 miles directly to our Howell location. The majority of the drive is freeway — exit at M-59 (Highland Road) for Howell. Total drive time: approximately 65–75 minutes.
From Bay City: Take I-75 South to US-23 South toward Howell, or take M-13 South toward Saginaw then US-23 South. Total drive time from Bay City: approximately 75–90 minutes.
From Midland: Take US-10 West to US-27 South to US-23 South toward Howell, or via M-20 to M-46 to US-23. Total drive: approximately 80–90 minutes.
From Frankenmuth: Take M-83 South to I-75 South to US-23 South, or take M-83 to M-57 to US-23 South. Total drive: approximately 70–80 minutes.
Making the Most of Your Drive
We understand that patients from Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland are making a meaningful trip. Our scheduling team prioritizes comprehensive first appointments — gathering imaging history, conducting in-office ultrasound, and establishing a clear treatment plan at the initial visit — to minimize the number of return trips required. Many patients from the Great Lakes Bay Region complete a full diagnostic workup, treatment plan, and prescription at their very first appointment.
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major Michigan insurance plans and same-week appointments are available for urgent foot concerns. Call our office or submit an online request to schedule your evaluation.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Top-rated OTC insole for plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and general arch support — the most common presenting concern for Saginaw and Bay City patients. Works in work boots, athletic shoes, and casual footwear.
Dr. Tom says: “”I drove from Saginaw to see Dr. Biernacki and he recommended these while my orthotics were being made. My heel pain improved significantly within days.””
Best for: Occupational heel pain, plantar fasciitis, work footwear support
Not ideal for: Low-volume footwear or steel-toed boots with minimal interior space
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Diabetic Socks — Non-Binding Extra Wide Cushioned
⭐ Highly Rated
Non-binding, seamless diabetic socks — essential daily foot protection for Saginaw-area patients managing diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. Prevents friction, blisters, and pressure points that lead to wounds.
Dr. Tom says: “”My doctor at Balance Foot & Ankle stressed diabetic sock compliance every visit. These are the best I’ve tried — no pressure marks and cushioned all day.””
Best for: Diabetic neuropathy, foot wound prevention, high-risk foot patients
Not ideal for: Patients needing graduated compression for venous insufficiency
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Foot & Leg
⭐ Highly Rated
Topical arnica and menthol gel for daily pain management between visits. Ideal for Saginaw-area patients who need effective between-appointment relief without oral medication side effects.
Dr. Tom says: “”I apply this before my shift at the plant and again when I get home. My foot doesn’t bother me nearly as much as it used to.””
Best for: Daily topical heel and ankle pain relief, occupational foot soreness
Not ideal for: Open wounds, diabetic ulcers, or broken skin
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- US-23 South direct freeway access from Saginaw — straightforward drive with no complicated routing
- Comprehensive first-appointment approach minimizes return trips for Great Lakes Bay Region patients
- Diabetic foot care expertise critical for Saginaw-area patients with elevated diabetes prevalence
❌ Cons / Risks
- 65–90 minute drive depending on exact starting location — a meaningful time commitment
- Bay City and Midland patients face the longest drives — plan for a half-day appointment commitment
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Patients from Saginaw and Bay City who make the drive to see us are motivated — they’ve tried local options and haven’t gotten answers. The most common pattern I see is a diabetic patient with foot numbness who’s been told their feet are ‘fine’ at a basic nail-care appointment, but nobody has done a proper ABI, monofilament neuropathy screen, or wound risk stratification. For that patient, a comprehensive evaluation that actually catches early neuropathy or arterial insufficiency before a wound develops can literally be the difference between keeping their foot and losing it. That’s the stakes — and that’s why I take the full picture seriously at every visit.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the drive from Saginaw to Balance Foot & Ankle worth it?
Patients from Saginaw consistently tell us yes. The most common feedback is that they received a more thorough evaluation — with in-office diagnostic ultrasound, comprehensive diabetic foot assessment, and a concrete treatment plan — at their first Balance Foot & Ankle appointment than they had in years of local care. If you have an ongoing foot problem without a clear diagnosis or effective treatment, the drive may deliver the answers you need.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle treat diabetic foot wounds for Saginaw patients?
Yes. Diabetic foot wound care is a high-priority service at our clinic. We provide debridement, wound staging, offloading (total contact casting, removable cast walkers), and coordination with vascular surgery when arterial circulation is compromised. We also evaluate for Charcot foot — an often misdiagnosed complication of diabetic neuropathy that can lead to permanent structural collapse if not caught and treated early.
What insurance does Balance Foot & Ankle accept for Bay City patients?
We accept most major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Priority Health, Aetna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Michigan Medicaid managed care plans. Please call our office with your insurance details and we’ll verify coverage for the specific services you need before your appointment.
Can I get custom orthotics on my first visit from Saginaw?
In many cases, yes. We perform a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation and, if custom orthotics are clinically indicated, the casting or scanning process can typically be completed at your first appointment. Fabrication takes approximately 2–4 weeks, after which your orthotics can be mailed to you rather than requiring a return trip for pickup.
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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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 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.