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.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
The lakefront communities of St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe — among southeastern Michigan’s most established residential areas — are home to active families, boating enthusiasts, and professional communities who expect high-quality specialist healthcare close to home. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle serves patients from St. Clair Shores, all five Grosse Pointe municipalities, and Harper Woods with board-certified podiatric medicine and surgery.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist St Clair Shores Grosse Pointe Michigan Macomb Wayne County Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot & Ankle Services for Lakefront Communities
Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive podiatric care for St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe patients including plantar fasciitis and heel pain treatment, bunion and hammertoe correction with minimally invasive options, ingrown toenail management, diabetic foot care and wound treatment, ankle sprain and instability management, Achilles tendinopathy, sports injuries, flat foot management with custom orthotics, toenail fungus treatment, and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.
Grosse Pointe’s Discerning Patient Community
Grosse Pointe patients expect the same level of specialist expertise and patient communication that characterizes their broader healthcare relationships. Dr. Biernacki’s evidence-based approach, YouTube patient education resources, and commitment to reviewing imaging and discussing all options at each appointment aligns well with the expectations of the Grosse Pointe community. Whether addressing a first-time bunion complaint or planning complex reconstructive surgery, patients from the Grosse Pointes receive the thoroughness and transparency they expect.
Call (810) 955-5700 to schedule. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, United Healthcare, and most major plans accepted.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Vionic Tide Sandal with Arch Support
⭐ Highly Rated
APMA-approved sandal with built-in orthotic arch support — perfect for lakefront casual wear and summer activities in St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe without sacrificing plantar fasciitis support.
Dr. Tom says: “I wear these around the Grosse Pointe neighborhoods in the summer — the arch support is genuinely excellent for a sandal.”
Best for: summer plantar fasciitis management; lakefront casual wear with arch support; Grosse Pointe/St. Clair Shores warm-weather footwear
Not ideal for: patients needing closed-toe protection for outdoor terrain
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Bauerfeind Sports Ankle Support
⭐ Highly Rated
Medical-grade ankle sleeve with lateral support and massage nubs — suitable for water sports and boating activities where lakefront St. Clair Shores patients need ankle support without bulk.
Dr. Tom says: “Great for wearing while sailing — provides lateral ankle support that’s thin enough for boat shoes.”
Best for: mild lateral ankle instability during St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe water sports and boating activities
Not ideal for: severe ankle instability requiring rigid bracing; post-surgical recovery
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Board-certified specialist care meeting the high expectations of St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe patients
- Minimally invasive bunion correction options with rapid recovery — important for active lakefront community patients
- Blue Cross Blue Shield and most major plans accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- Travel to Balance Foot & Ankle office locations may be required — call (810) 955-5700
- Complex surgical cases may require facility-specific coordination
- High patient volume may extend scheduling for elective cases
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
The Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores communities have patients who are very engaged with their healthcare and expect a physician who will explain things thoroughly and take time to answer questions. I enjoy those appointments. Whether it’s a Grosse Pointe Farms patient evaluating bunion surgery options or a St. Clair Shores boater with a chronic ankle sprain, they want the real clinical picture — not a rushed 5-minute visit. That’s what we try to deliver.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Biernacki serve St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe?
Yes — Balance Foot & Ankle serves lakefront communities throughout Macomb and Wayne Counties. Call (810) 955-5700.
What insurance is accepted for Grosse Pointe patients?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and most major plans are accepted. Call to verify.
Can Dr. Biernacki perform minimally invasive bunion surgery for Grosse Pointe patients?
Yes — minimally invasive bunion correction with rapid recovery is available.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat water sports injuries for St. Clair Shores boaters?
Yes — ankle sprains, tendon injuries, and foot injuries related to boating and water sports are routinely treated.
How quickly can lakefront area patients get appointments?
Urgent problems within 24–48 hours; routine appointments within 1–2 weeks. Call (810) 955-5700.
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.