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.
For a podiatrist near Saline or Milan, MI — Balance Foot & Ankle’s Bloomfield Hills location is a short drive offering same-day appointments with most major insurance accepted.
You’re in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what a podiatrist near Saline and Milan, MI means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Saline Milan Michigan Washtenaw County Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Close to Home Foot Care for Saline & Milan Residents
Saline, Milan, Manchester, and Chelsea residents are among the closest to Balance Foot & Ankle of any community in Michigan — just 25–35 minutes via US-23 North. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides board-certified podiatric expertise for the full range of foot and ankle conditions, with same-week appointments and thorough, individualized care for every patient.
Podiatric Conditions Treated for Washtenaw South Patients
Southern Washtenaw County patients see Dr. Biernacki for all common and complex foot conditions. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — very common among active Saline and Milan residents — is treated with custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and injections. Bunion correction with minimally invasive technique reduces downtime for busy working adults and student athletes. Ingrown toenail surgery provides same-day permanent resolution in-office. Diabetic foot care — nail care, callus reduction, neuropathy screening, ulcer prevention — is available for the diabetic population of southern Washtenaw County. Ankle sprains, tendinopathy, stress fractures, and sports injuries are managed from acute care through surgical reconstruction as needed. Dr. Biernacki also treats pediatric foot conditions including Sever’s disease, flatfoot, and juvenile bunions common in the youth athletic population of the Saline and Milan area.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Saline
From Saline: Take US-23 North approximately 22 miles to the Grand River Avenue exit in Howell (approximately 25 minutes). From Milan: Take US-23 North approximately 30 miles to Grand River Avenue (approximately 32 minutes). Balance Foot & Ankle is at 1590 E. Grand River Ave, Suite 100, Howell, MI 48843. Free parking. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, Medicare, and most major Michigan insurance plans. Call (517) 545-FEET.
Why Southern Washtenaw County Patients Choose Dr. Biernacki
Saline and Milan are communities with educated, health-conscious residents who do their research before choosing a specialist. Dr. Biernacki consistently earns 5-star reviews for thorough diagnosis, clear communication, and excellent surgical outcomes. Patients who’ve seen multiple providers for chronic conditions often find their first definitive answers at Balance Foot & Ankle — and the short drive from southern Washtenaw County makes it one of the most accessible options for high-quality podiatric care in the region.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
New Balance 990v5 Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Premium stability running shoe with excellent motion control and cushioning — one of the most recommended footwear choices for Saline-area runners with plantar fasciitis or overpronation.
Dr. Tom says: “”New Balance 990 is my top footwear recommendation for active patients with plantar fasciitis — the medial post and wide toe box provide excellent biomechanical support without sacrificing comfort or performance.” — Dr. Biernacki”
Plantar fasciitis, overpronation, daily walking and running
Neutral gait runners who don’t need motion control
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- One of the shortest drives for any Michigan community to Balance Foot & Ankle — just 25–35 minutes from Saline or Milan.
- Youth sports coverage for Saline and Milan student athletes with pediatric foot and ankle conditions.
- Minimally invasive procedures mean many patients can return to work within 1–2 weeks of foot surgery.
❌ Cons / Risks
- Ann Arbor is even closer for some Saline residents — compare both options for your specific condition.
- Parking at the Howell office is free and plentiful, but the US-23 commute can have slowdowns during peak hours.
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Saline and Milan are great communities full of active, health-focused families — youth athletes, competitive adult runners, hikers, and golfers. When they have a foot problem that’s keeping them from doing what they love, they want answers quickly and treatment that actually works. Being just 25–30 minutes away means we can often see them within a day or two, get to the root of the problem, and get them back in their sport or activity faster than a longer referral process would allow.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you treat student athletes from Saline High School?
Yes — we frequently treat student athletes from Saline, Milan, Manchester, and Chelsea high schools for conditions including stress fractures, Sever’s disease, ankle sprains, turf toe, and shin splints. Same-week appointments help minimize time away from sport.
Can I bring X-rays from another provider?
Yes — bring any prior imaging on CD or in digital format to your appointment. This helps Dr. Biernacki build on prior evaluations and avoid repeat imaging when possible.
Do you have early morning or evening appointments?
We offer early morning appointments starting at 8 AM. Call our scheduling team at (517) 545-FEET to check current availability for times that work best for your schedule.
What’s the best parking at your office?
Free parking is available directly in front of the building at 1590 E. Grand River Ave, Suite 100, Howell. The lot is never full, and the entrance is at ground level — no stairs required.
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 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.