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.
Dr. Biernacki welcomes patients from Saline, Michigan to Balance Foot & Ankle.
Foot & Ankle Care for Saline, Michigan Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle is pleased to serve patients from Saline, Michigan seeking expert podiatric care. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides thorough, individualized evaluation and treatment for all foot and ankle conditions — from common problems like heel pain and ingrown toenails to complex surgical and sports medicine cases. Saline patients benefit from the same high standard of care we provide throughout the region.
Conditions Treated for Saline Patients
We treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions for Saline patients: plantar fasciitis and heel pain, bunions and lesser toe deformities, ingrown toenails, Morton’s neuroma, Achilles tendinitis, ankle sprains and instability, diabetic foot care and wound management, flat feet and arch disorders, toenail fungus, sports injuries including stress fractures and tendon injuries, and pediatric foot conditions.
Sports Medicine Podiatry for Saline Patients
Saline is home to active athletes at all levels — from Saline High School athletes to adult recreational runners, cyclists, and weekend warriors. Dr. Biernacki’s sports medicine podiatry expertise includes managing stress fractures, ankle sprains and chronic instability, Achilles tendinopathy, running-related overuse injuries, and athletic footwear optimization. We understand that keeping athletes competing safely requires accurate diagnosis, smart treatment, and realistic return-to-sport timelines.
Custom Orthotics for Saline Athletes and Patients
Custom foot orthotics — prescribed after comprehensive biomechanical evaluation and gait analysis — are one of our most effective tools for both treating current injuries and preventing future ones. For Saline patients with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, overpronation, high arches, or recurring sports injuries, custom orthotics often provide the long-term solution that OTC insoles couldn’t achieve. We fabricate orthotics for everyday shoes, running shoes, cycling shoes, and cleats.
Schedule Your Appointment
Saline patients can book at Balance Foot & Ankle online at michiganfootdoctors.com or by calling our office. We are convenient to Saline via US-23 North and accept most major insurance. We look forward to helping you achieve comfortable, active living.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
CURREX RunPro Athletic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Performance insoles in multiple arch profiles for runners — excellent for Saline area athletes managing plantar fasciitis or overuse injuries.
Dr. Tom says:“These insoles made a real difference in my running comfort and reduced my foot pain significantly.”
✅ Best for Active runners and athletes seeking high-quality OTC insole support
⚠️ Not ideal for Those with complex biomechanical issues requiring full custom orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Sports medicine expertise for athletes of all levels
Custom orthotics for both treatment and injury prevention
Full-spectrum podiatric care
Convenient location for Saline patients via US-23
❌ Cons / Risks
Drive from Saline to Howell approximately 35-40 minutes
Custom orthotics require fitting appointment
Complex surgical cases may have wait time
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Saline sends us a wonderful mix of patients — Saline High School athletes, adult runners, and families who want to take care of their foot health proactively. We love that community and we put the same level of care into every patient, whether they’re coming in for a first-time ingrown toenail or a complex stress fracture.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Saline, Michigan from Balance Foot & Ankle?
Saline is approximately 35–40 minutes from our Howell, Michigan office via US-23 North. It’s one of the closer Washtenaw County communities to our office.
Do you treat high school athletes from Saline?
Yes — we regularly see student athletes from the Saline area dealing with ankle sprains, stress fractures, Sever’s disease, and overuse injuries. Getting young athletes evaluated promptly and treated appropriately helps them return to their sport safely and avoid injury progression.
Can I prevent running injuries with custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent running injuries by correcting biomechanical factors — overpronation, leg length discrepancy, high arches — that predispose runners to injury. They work best as part of a comprehensive approach that also includes appropriate training progression and footwear.
What’s the difference between an orthotic and an insole?
OTC insoles provide generic arch support and cushioning based on typical foot shapes. Custom orthotics are precisely fabricated from a cast of your specific foot, based on a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation, and address your individual structural issues. Custom orthotics are significantly more effective for specific biomechanical diagnoses.
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.
