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. Tom Biernacki serves Shelby Township and north Macomb County patients with expert foot and ankle care.
Expert Foot Care for Shelby Township, Michigan
Shelby Township is one of Macomb County’s premier communities — known for its excellent schools, active families, and strong community identity. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, extends comprehensive podiatric services to patients from Shelby Township, Utica, Bruce Township, and throughout northern Macomb County.
Foot & Ankle Care for Shelby Township Patients
Shelby Township patients receive expert care for the complete range of foot and ankle conditions. Heel pain — whether from plantar fasciitis, heel fat pad atrophy, or heel spur — is accurately diagnosed and treated with the appropriate condition-specific intervention: fascial stretching and orthotics for plantar fasciitis; maximum-cushion orthotics and cortisone-free management for fat pad atrophy. Ankle arthritis is evaluated for conservative management with bracing and injections, or for fusion and replacement candidacy in appropriately selected patients. Diabetic foot care — routine nail debridement, callus reduction, wound monitoring, and custom footwear — is a priority for Shelby Township’s significant diabetic patient population. Sports injuries including ankle sprains, stress fractures, and Achilles tendinopathy affect the township’s active families. Bunions, hammertoes, and structural deformities are managed conservatively with surgical correction available. Ingrown toenails are permanently cured with matrixectomy.
Serving Shelby Township’s Active Community
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate Shelby Township’s busy families. New patients are typically seen within one week. Urgent appointments for acute injuries and infections are regularly available. Our clinic locations are easily accessible via M-53, 23 Mile Road, and Van Dyke. Call today for expert podiatric care.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
⭐ Highly Rated
Classic Birkenstock sandal with deep heel cup, arch support, and cork-latex footbed — provides natural arch support and heel containment for Shelby Township patients recovering from plantar fasciitis or managing mild arch pain.
Dr. Tom says:“Birkenstocks provide exceptional arch support and heel cupping in casual footwear.”
✅ Best for Plantar fasciitis recovery, mild arch pain, patients wanting supportive casual sandal footwear
⚠️ Not ideal for Patients with heel fat pad atrophy who need maximum cushioning rather than support
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Serving Shelby Township, Utica, Bruce Township, and north Macomb County
Accurate heel pain diagnosis distinguishing fat pad syndrome from plantar fasciitis
Diabetic foot care and wound management program
Sports injury management for active families
❌ 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
Shelby Township has a great community spirit and active families who take health seriously. If you’re dealing with stubborn heel pain, an ankle injury, or a diabetic foot concern, Balance Foot & Ankle provides the expert care you need close to home. Call us today.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle serve Shelby Township, Michigan?
Yes — we welcome patients from Shelby Township and all of northern Macomb County. Call our office for the nearest clinic location and earliest available appointment.
How do I know if my heel pain is plantar fasciitis or fat pad syndrome?
Plantar fasciitis causes pain at the medial heel at the fascial attachment, worst with first morning steps. Fat pad syndrome causes central heel pad pain that worsens with prolonged walking. Clinical examination and ultrasound imaging definitively distinguish the two — Dr. Biernacki will diagnose your specific condition at your appointment.
What insurance plans are accepted for Shelby Township patients?
We accept most major plans including BCBS, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, 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.
