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 St. Clair Shores and Macomb County patients with expert podiatric care.
Expert Foot Care for St. Clair Shores, Michigan
St. Clair Shores is one of southeast Michigan’s most desirable lakefront communities — known for its active recreational scene, active residents, and strong community identity. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, extends comprehensive podiatric services to patients from St. Clair Shores, East Pointe, Roseville, and eastern Macomb County.
Foot & Ankle Care for St. Clair Shores Patients
St. Clair Shores patients present with the full range of foot and ankle conditions managed by Dr. Biernacki. Achilles tendon injuries — from tendinopathy through complete rupture — affect the lake community’s active recreational population and are expertly evaluated with clinical examination and ultrasound, with non-surgical or surgical management recommendations based on injury severity and patient goals. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain are extremely common and respond well to custom orthotics, stretching, and advanced therapies. Diabetic foot care is essential for preventing the limb-threatening complications of neuropathy and vascular disease in high-risk patients. Ankle sprains and chronic instability — common in recreational sports around the lake — receive evidence-based management. Bunions, hammertoes, and structural deformities are managed conservatively or surgically. Ingrown toenails are permanently cured with in-office matrixectomy. Nail fungal infections and plantar warts receive prompt treatment.
Serving the St. Clair Shores Community
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans and offers flexible scheduling for St. Clair Shores patients. New patients are typically seen within one week. Urgent appointments are regularly available. Our clinic locations are accessible from St. Clair Shores via Gratiot Avenue, Harper Avenue, and I-94. Call today for expert podiatric care close to home.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Darn Tough Vermont Merino Wool Ankle Sock
⭐ Highly Rated
Premium merino wool athletic socks with seamless toe and anatomical fit — moisture-wicking, blister-preventing, and long-lasting. Ideal for St. Clair Shores active adults who need high-performance socks for running, hiking, or boating.
Dr. Tom says:“Quality athletic socks significantly reduce blister and foot skin friction problems.”
✅ Best for Active adults and athletes wanting high-performance, durable, blister-resistant socks
⚠️ Not ideal for Diabetic patients who require non-binding, seamless diabetic-specific socks
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
ProFoot Vita-Felt Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Comfortable felt and foam orthotic insoles providing arch support and heel cushioning — a practical everyday insole for St. Clair Shores residents with mild plantar fasciitis or general foot fatigue who spend active time outdoors.
Dr. Tom says:“Felt orthotics provide good arch support with natural moisture-wicking properties.”
✅ Best for Mild plantar fasciitis, general arch fatigue, casual everyday shoe use
⚠️ Not ideal for Patients with complex deformity or severe plantar fasciitis requiring custom orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Serving St. Clair Shores, East Pointe, Roseville, and eastern Macomb County
Achilles tendon rupture diagnosis and non-surgical functional rehabilitation management
Diabetic foot care and wound monitoring program
Sports injury management for the active lakefront community
❌ Cons / Risks
Surgical Achilles repair coordinated with orthopedic partners
Custom orthotic fabrication requires a dedicated fitting appointment
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
St. Clair Shores has one of the most active outdoor communities in southeast Michigan, and I enjoy serving its residents. If you’re a recreational boater who injured your ankle, a runner dealing with Achilles issues, or a diabetic patient monitoring your foot health, Balance Foot & Ankle is the right partner. Call us today.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle serve St. Clair Shores, Michigan?
Yes — we welcome patients from St. Clair Shores and all of eastern Macomb County. Call our office for the nearest clinic location and earliest available appointment.
Do you treat Achilles tendon injuries in St. Clair Shores?
Absolutely — from mild tendinopathy through complete rupture, we provide comprehensive Achilles tendon evaluation and management. Dr. Biernacki uses Thompson test, ultrasound, and clinical assessment to characterize the injury and recommend appropriate treatment.
What insurance plans are accepted?
We accept most major plans including BCBS, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, United Healthcare, and others. Contact our office to verify your specific coverage.
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.
