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
Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region—Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City—represents a tri-county population of over 400,000 residents with significant foot and ankle healthcare needs. From Midland’s Dow Chemical-connected professional community to Saginaw’s manufacturing workforce and Bay City’s diverse waterfront community, Balance Foot & Ankle’s Dr. Tom Biernacki offers specialist-level podiatric care for Tri-Cities patients willing to make the approximately 65–70-minute drive south to our Howell office via US-23.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Saginaw Midland 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.
Why Tri-Cities Patients Seek Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City have local podiatric practices, but patients seeking complex surgical consultation, second opinions on treatment recommendations, or specialty subspecialty-level care for conditions like Charcot foot reconstruction, ankle replacement evaluation, or Lapidus bunion surgery frequently travel south for care. Dr. Biernacki’s combination of surgical expertise, evidence-based conservative protocols, and dedicated podiatric focus (rather than general orthopedic practice) makes the drive worthwhile for patients with appropriate needs.
Saginaw: Industrial Community and Diabetic Foot Priority
Saginaw County has significant rates of chronic disease including diabetes, making diabetic foot care a healthcare priority. Manufacturing workers at General Motors and supplier facilities experience occupational foot health concerns including plantar fasciitis from concrete floor standing, work boot-related heel pain, and ankle sprains from industrial environments. Dr. Biernacki’s comprehensive diabetic foot program and occupational foot health expertise are directly relevant to the Saginaw patient community.
Midland: Professional Community and Precision Health
Midland’s Dow Chemical and Dow Corning (now DuPont) heritage creates a well-educated professional community with sophisticated healthcare expectations. Midland Country Club golfers and Bay City Country Club members represent older active adults managing foot and ankle conditions including hallux rigidus, plantar fasciitis, and bunion discomfort. Northwood University athletes add a college sports injury dimension to the Midland patient profile.
Services and Scheduling
Telehealth initial consultations allow Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City patients to have a complete foot and ankle assessment remotely before deciding whether the drive to Howell is warranted for in-person evaluation, procedures, or surgical consultation. This efficiency is especially valuable for Tri-Cities patients considering complex surgical care. Call (517) 579-1881 or schedule at MichiganFootDoctors.com.
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Occupational foot pain, manufacturing workers, concrete floor standing, plantar fasciitis in boots
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✅ Pros / Benefits
- Telehealth initial consultations allow Tri-Cities patients to assess care needs remotely before committing to 65–70 minute drive
- Complex surgical consultation (Charcot reconstruction, ankle replacement, Lapidus) available for patients requiring subspecialty expertise
- Diabetic foot care program directly relevant to elevated diabetic burden in Saginaw County
❌ Cons / Risks
- 65–70 minute drive from Saginaw is significant—most appropriate for complex surgical cases and second opinions, not routine maintenance care
- Local Saginaw and Bay City podiatric practices may better serve routine care needs with shorter travel
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Tri-Cities patients who drive an hour-plus to see me are making a real investment in their healthcare—and I take that seriously. These patients typically come because they have a complex condition that needs subspecialty-level attention: Charcot reconstruction, failed prior bunion surgery, a diabetic wound that isn’t healing, or an ankle replacement evaluation. I do my best to make the first visit comprehensive enough that follow-up visits are minimal unless truly necessary.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Saginaw from Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell?
Approximately 65–70 minutes via US-23 south from Saginaw. Midland is approximately 75–80 minutes; Bay City is approximately 80 minutes. We strongly recommend telehealth initial consultations for Tri-Cities patients to determine whether an in-person visit is warranted before making the drive.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat diabetic foot conditions for Saginaw patients?
Yes. Diabetic foot care including neuropathy assessment, wound management, Charcot foot evaluation, and custom therapeutic footwear is available. Saginaw County’s elevated diabetic burden makes this a particularly important service for the community. Medicare covers annual diabetic foot exams for qualifying patients.
Can Midland patients get telehealth consultations?
Yes. HIPAA-compliant telehealth is available for all Tri-Cities patients. Midland, Saginaw, and Bay City patients can complete initial consultations, imaging reviews, and follow-up care remotely. This is particularly valuable for the 65–80 minute drive distance. Schedule at MichiganFootDoctors.com or call (517) 579-1881.
What complex foot conditions bring Tri-Cities patients to Balance Foot & Ankle?
Common complex referral presentations from Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City include: Charcot foot evaluation and bracing, complex bunion correction (Lapidus fusion), ankle instability with Broström reconstruction, insertional Achilles calcific tendinopathy, diabetic foot ulcers not healing with local wound care, and total ankle replacement evaluation for end-stage ankle arthritis.
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.
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 is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.