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 Sterling Heights and Macomb County patients with expert foot and ankle care.
Expert Foot Care for Sterling Heights, Michigan
Sterling Heights is one of Michigan’s largest cities and home to a diverse, hardworking community. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, extends comprehensive podiatric services to patients from Sterling Heights, Utica, Shelby Township, and throughout southeastern Macomb County.
Foot & Ankle Care for Sterling Heights Patients
Sterling Heights patients present with the full range of foot and ankle conditions. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — common among the area’s automotive and manufacturing workforce who spend long hours on hard factory floors — are managed with custom orthotics, targeted stretching, and advanced injection therapy. Midfoot injuries including Lisfranc sprains — often missed initially in urgent care settings — are properly diagnosed with weight-bearing X-rays and managed with the appropriate combination of non-surgical immobilization or surgical referral. Diabetic foot care is essential for Sterling Heights’ significant diabetic patient population: routine nail debridement, wound monitoring, and custom footwear prevent limb-threatening complications. Bunions and hammertoes are managed conservatively first with surgical correction available. Sports injuries affecting Sterling Heights’ active families receive evidence-based management. Ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and fungal nail infections receive prompt in-office treatment.
Serving Macomb County with Expert Care
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans including those common in Macomb County’s industrial community. New patients are typically seen within one week. Urgent appointments for acute injuries, infections, and painful ingrown toenails are regularly available. Our clinic locations are conveniently accessible from Sterling Heights via M-59, Van Dyke, and I-696. Call today.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Dr. Martens 1460 Work Boot
⭐ Highly Rated
Classic work boot with air-cushioned sole and comfortable last — a durable choice for Sterling Heights manufacturing and industrial workers who need all-day foot support and protection on factory floors.
Dr. Tom says:“Proper work footwear with adequate support reduces plantar fasciitis and foot fatigue risk.”
✅ Best for Industrial workers, factory employees, construction workers needing durable protective footwear
⚠️ Not ideal for Healthcare workers or retail employees who need athletic-style lightweight footwear
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Bauerfeind ViscoPed Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Medical-grade silicone full-length insole with targeted cushioning columns — provides superior impact absorption for Sterling Heights workers spending 8–12 hour shifts on hard concrete and metal factory floors.
Dr. Tom says:“Silicone cushioning reduces the cumulative impact damage of hard floor work shifts.”
✅ Best for Factory workers, industrial employees, standing professionals needing maximum impact cushioning
⚠️ Not ideal for Patients with plantar fasciitis requiring arch support rather than pure cushioning
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Serving Sterling Heights, Utica, Shelby Township, and southeastern Macomb County
Weight-bearing X-ray Lisfranc injury detection — catching what urgent care misses
Industrial and occupational foot care expertise
Diabetic foot care and wound management
❌ Cons / Risks
Surgical procedures performed at licensed facilities rather than in office
Complex Lisfranc fracture-dislocations require coordination with orthopedic surgical partners
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Sterling Heights has one of the strongest manufacturing workforces in Michigan, and foot health is genuinely critical when your job puts you on your feet for 8–12 hours a day. We understand occupational foot demands and design treatments that work within your work schedule and physical requirements. Call Balance Foot & Ankle today.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle serve Sterling Heights, Michigan?
Yes — we welcome patients from Sterling Heights and all of southeastern Macomb County. Call our office for the nearest clinic location with prompt availability.
Do you treat work-related foot injuries in Sterling Heights?
Absolutely. Factory workers, automotive employees, and industrial workers represent a significant portion of our patient population. We understand occupational foot demands and coordinate workers’ compensation care when applicable.
What insurance plans do you accept for Macomb County patients?
We accept most major plans including BCBS, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Priority Health. Contact our office 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.
