Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: Podiatrist Southgate Michigan Balance Foot Ankle is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Southgate Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Balance Foot & Ankle is proud to serve patients from Southgate, Michigan seeking expert podiatric care. Dr. Tom Biernacki and his team provide hands-on exam plus imaging when needed and treatment for every foot and ankle condition — from routine nail care and heel pain to complex surgical cases. We bring the same high standard of care to every patient, regardless of the complexity of their condition.
Southgate patients come to us with a wide variety of conditions. We regularly treat plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and heel spurs; bunions and lesser toe deformities; ingrown toenails and nail infections; Morton’s neuroma; Achilles tendinitis and ruptures; ankle sprains, fractures, and chronic instability; diabetic foot wounds and neuropathy; flat feet and overpronation; toenail fungus; and sports injuries. We also care for pediatric patients with growing pains, flat feet, and warts.
Heel pain — most commonly from plantar fasciitis — is the single most common reason patients visit a podiatrist. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we use a comprehensive approach that goes beyond a simple cortisone shot. We identify and address the root biomechanical causes of heel pain through custom orthotics, targeted stretching programs, footwear modification, and when needed, minimally invasive procedures like Tenex (ultrasound-guided tissue debridement) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for chronic cases.
Southgate has a significant diabetic patient population, and Dr. Biernacki understands the critical importance of regular podiatric care for people with diabetes. We provide comprehensive annual diabetic foot exams, wound care management, diabetic shoe and insole prescriptions through Medicare, and proactive preventive care. Annual podiatric evaluations for diabetic patients dramatically reduce the risk of serious complications including ulcers, infections, and amputations.
Southgate patients can easily schedule at Balance Foot & Ankle online at michiganfootdoctors.com or by calling our office. We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, and Cigna. We look forward to helping you find relief and get back to living comfortably.
⭐ Highly Rated
Excellent shock-absorbing heel cups for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs — one of the most popular OTC options.
Dr. Tom says: “These cups gave me immediate cushioning relief from my heel pain while I awaited my orthotics.”
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
⭐ Highly Rated
Lightweight ankle compression sleeve for daily support and pain management in ankle tendinitis and mild instability.
Dr. Tom says: “I wear this all day at my job and my ankle pain is so much more manageable.”
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
⭐ Highly Rated
Moisturizing foot cream specially formulated for diabetic skin — prevents cracking and protects from breakdown.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended this and my feet stay much better moisturized with daily use.”
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Southgate and the Downriver area send us some of our most motivated patients — people who are serious about getting their foot problems properly resolved and are willing to make the drive to get expert care. We always do our best to make that investment worthwhile.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Southgate is approximately 50 minutes from our Howell, Michigan office via I-75 North and I-96 West. Many Downriver patients find the specialty care worthwhile for the drive.
Plantar fasciitis can be permanently resolved with proper treatment in the majority of patients. Addressing the root causes — equinus contracture, overpronation, inappropriate footwear — through custom orthotics, stretching, and when needed, minimally invasive procedures leads to lasting relief.
Yes — wound care for diabetic foot ulcers is an important part of our practice. We use advanced wound care techniques including offloading, debridement, and appropriate dressings to promote healing and prevent serious complications.
Most insurance plans do not require a referral for podiatric care. We recommend checking your specific plan’s requirements — our front office team is happy to assist with this verification before your appointment.
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.
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Find a Board-Certified Podiatrist (American Podiatric Medical Association)
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.