Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer: Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC serves patients from South Lyon, Novi, Wixom, New Hudson, and surrounding western Oakland County communities at our Brighton Michigan location. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides heel pain treatment, bunion evaluation, sports injury management, diabetic foot care, and custom orthotics. South Lyon patients are approximately 15–20 minutes from our Brighton clinic via M-14 East or I-96. Novi and Wixom patients are approximately 20–30 minutes via I-96 West. We accept most Michigan insurance plans.
Patients from South Lyon, Novi, Wixom, New Hudson, and western Oakland County are among the closest communities to Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC in Brighton. South Lyon is literally next door — just 15–20 minutes via M-14 East or I-96 East — making our Brighton clinic one of the most accessible specialty foot and ankle practices for the greater South Lyon area. Novi and Wixom patients reach us in 20–30 minutes via I-96 West.
South Lyon: A Natural Neighbor Community
South Lyon and Brighton share not just a proximity — they share a community culture. South Lyon families regularly shop, eat, and access services in Brighton, and Balance Foot & Ankle fits naturally into that pattern. Dr. Biernacki has built strong relationships with the South Lyon community through years of serving patients from the area — from youth athletes at South Lyon East and South Lyon High School to working adults and retirees throughout the South Lyon and Green Oak Township area.
Novi and Wixom: 20–30 Minutes West on I-96
Novi and Wixom are western Oakland County communities with convenient I-96 access to our Brighton clinic. Novi patients — including the large technology, automotive, and professional community centered around the Twelve Oaks and Fountain Walk areas — find the 25-minute drive west on I-96 to Brighton a manageable commute for specialty care they can’t always access locally. Wixom patients take I-96 West or M-5 West to reach our clinic in approximately 25–30 minutes.
Common Conditions for South Lyon and Novi Patients
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — the most common presenting complaint from South Lyon, Novi, and Wixom patients. Whether you’re a South Lyon parent on your feet all day, a Novi technology worker who stands during presentations, or an athlete with training-related heel pain, in-office diagnostic ultrasound confirms the diagnosis and guides targeted treatment at your first appointment.
Sports injuries for youth and adult athletes — South Lyon’s active youth sports community (South Lyon school district athletics, Green Oak Township recreation leagues) generates ankle sprains, stress fractures, Achilles tendinopathy, and Sever’s disease in growing athletes. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive sports injury evaluation with same-day imaging for athletes needing rapid diagnosis and return-to-sport timelines.
Bunion evaluation — Novi and South Lyon patients considering bunion correction receive thorough evaluation including X-ray deformity measurement and discussion of both minimally invasive and traditional surgical options before any recommendation.
Ingrown toenails — same-day permanent in-office correction. South Lyon and Novi patients who’ve had repeated temporary ingrown nail treatments find permanent resolution at our clinic in a single visit.
Custom orthotics — prescription devices crafted from 3D foot scanning for runners, athletes, and workers needing biomechanically precise support. Novi’s active running community around the Novi Athletic Club and competitive runners in Green Oak Township consistently find custom orthotics the solution to chronic overuse injuries.
Getting Here from South Lyon, Novi, and Wixom
From South Lyon: Take M-14 East to US-23 South to Brighton Road, or take Grand River Avenue (M-96) East toward Brighton. Total: approximately 15–20 minutes.
From Novi: Take I-96 West approximately 15 miles to Brighton Road or continue to US-23 toward Howell. Total: approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
From Wixom: Take I-96 West to Brighton Road, or take M-5 West to I-96 West. Total: approximately 25–35 minutes.
Insurance and Scheduling
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major Michigan insurance plans. Novi-area patients on employer-sponsored BCBSM, Aetna, Priority Health, or United Healthcare plans are welcome — we verify coverage before your appointment. Same-week and often same-day appointments are available for urgent concerns. Call our Brighton office or book online to secure your spot.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Top-rated OTC insole for plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and arch support — recommended for South Lyon, Novi, and Wixom patients between appointments and while custom orthotics are being evaluated.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist in Brighton recommended these for my South Lyon coworker with heel pain. Noticeable improvement within a week.””
Best for: Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, general arch support for daily and athletic footwear
Not ideal for: Very low-volume fashion shoes
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
CURREX RUNPRO Dynamic Arch Support Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Performance running insole for South Lyon and Novi runners. Available in low, medium, and high arch profiles to match your foot type for responsive, precise support during training.
Dr. Tom says: “”I run with a Novi running group and several of us use CURREX on our podiatrist’s recommendation. Much better than generic insoles for marathon training.””
Best for: Runners, cyclists, and active adults in South Lyon and Novi
Not ideal for: Thick work boots or footwear needing heavy cushioning
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Foot & Leg
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Topical arnica and menthol gel for daily pain management between visits. Fast-absorbing, clean application, no oral medication needed.
Dr. Tom says: “”I apply this to my heel after runs. Keeps the soreness manageable without taking ibuprofen every day.””
Best for: Daily topical pain relief for heel and ankle conditions
Not ideal for: Open wounds or broken skin
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- South Lyon patients are just 15–20 minutes from our Brighton clinic — closer than many local urgent care options
- Novi and Wixom patients have a direct I-96 West route — 20–30 minutes with no complicated routing
- Sports injury expertise well-matched to South Lyon school district athletes and Novi’s active running community
❌ Cons / Risks
- Novi patients during rush-hour I-96 traffic may face 35–45 minute drives — morning appointments are fastest
- West Oakland County patients may find local Novi/Northville podiatry more convenient for routine care
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
South Lyon is practically our backyard — I have a significant community of patients from South Lyon, Green Oak Township, and New Hudson who treat our Brighton clinic as their neighborhood podiatrist. For Novi and Wixom patients, the I-96 drive is genuinely quick and direct. What I offer that draws the western Oakland County community to us is the diagnostic depth: in-office ultrasound for same-day imaging, precise injection therapies, custom orthotic fabrication, and a thorough biomechanical evaluation that doesn’t rush the appointment.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is South Lyon to Balance Foot & Ankle?
South Lyon is approximately 15–20 minutes from our Brighton location via M-14 East or Grand River Avenue East toward Brighton Road. It’s one of the closest communities to our clinic, and many South Lyon patients treat us as their regular podiatrist rather than traveling farther afield for specialty care.
Do you serve South Lyon school district athletes?
Yes. We regularly evaluate and treat foot and ankle injuries in youth and high school athletes from the South Lyon community, including South Lyon East and South Lyon High School student-athletes. Common presentations include ankle sprains, Sever’s disease, stress fractures, and shin splints. Dr. Biernacki provides return-to-sport timelines compatible with academic athletic scheduling.
Is there traffic from Novi to Balance Foot & Ankle?
The I-96 West route from Novi to Brighton is generally fast and direct — approximately 20–25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Rush hour on I-96 heading west in the late afternoon can extend drive times to 30–40 minutes. Morning and midday appointments are typically fastest for Novi patients. I-96 itself is all freeway with no stoplights.
What insurance do you accept for Novi patients?
We accept most major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Priority Health, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Many Novi-area employer plans are in-network with our Brighton clinic. Please call our office with your insurance card information for specific coverage verification before your appointment.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
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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.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)