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 most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Sterling Heights Michigan Macomb County Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Expert Podiatric Care for Sterling Heights & Macomb County
Sterling Heights is Michigan’s fourth-largest city and home to a diverse, active population — from UAW autoworkers on their feet for long shifts to families chasing kids around sports fields to seniors managing chronic conditions. Whatever brings you to our office, Balance Foot & Ankle provides the full spectrum of foot and ankle care that Sterling Heights and Macomb County patients need.
Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-certified podiatric surgeon with specialized training in foot and ankle reconstruction. He brings a conservative-first philosophy to clinical practice: most foot problems respond well to non-surgical treatment, and surgery is recommended only when conservative care has been appropriately tried and has failed. When surgery is needed, Dr. Biernacki employs modern minimally invasive techniques that minimize tissue disruption and recovery time.
Conditions We Treat for Macomb County Patients
Heel pain and plantar fasciitis — the most common foot complaint in Sterling Heights affects the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. Dr. Biernacki’s protocol combines targeted stretching, anti-inflammatory management, custom orthotics, and for persistent cases, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection or extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Most patients achieve significant relief within 3 months.
Bunions (hallux valgus) — Sterling Heights patients with painful bunion deformities have options ranging from wider footwear and orthotics to modern minimally invasive bunionectomy. Dr. Biernacki’s MICA (Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin) technique corrects bunions through tiny percutaneous incisions with faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
Sports and overuse injuries — from ankle sprains on the basketball court to stress fractures from repetitive impact, Macomb County athletes trust Dr. Biernacki’s sports medicine expertise. Accurate diagnosis with in-office digital X-rays plus MRI coordination ensures the right diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Diabetic foot care — Sterling Heights has a significant diabetic population deserving comprehensive preventive and wound care. Annual diabetic exams, monofilament sensation testing, therapeutic footwear, and wound management are available at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Ingrown toenails — Sterling Heights patients get same-visit relief with our in-office partial nail avulsion and permanent matrixectomy procedure, performed under local anesthesia with immediate walking.
Custom orthotics — prescription foot orthotics crafted from a 3D cast of your foot provide biomechanical correction that OTC insoles cannot match. We fabricate functional and accommodative orthotics for a many conditions.
Serving Sterling Heights, Warren & Greater Macomb County
From our Howell, Michigan location, Balance Foot & Ankle serves patients across Macomb County including Sterling Heights, Warren, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Utica, Chesterfield Township, St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe, Roseville, Fraser, and Macomb Township. The drive from Sterling Heights to Howell typically takes 50–60 minutes via I-94 West to M-59 or I-96.
We accept major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Priority Health, HAP, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, McLaren, and Medicare. Our staff verifies coverage before appointments to ensure transparency.
Schedule Your Sterling Heights Area Appointment
Don’t let foot or ankle pain limit your Macomb County lifestyle. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (517) 579-FOOT or request an appointment online. Dr. Biernacki’s team prioritizes urgent concerns — infected ingrown toenails, acute ankle fractures, and diabetic foot wounds receive same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep ProTech Full Length Orthotic
⭐ Highly Rated
Semi-rigid arch support with heel cup — a strong OTC option for Sterling Heights patients managing plantar fasciitis between podiatry appointments.
Dr. Tom says: “Best OTC orthotic for heel pain and arch support”
Adults with moderate plantar fasciitis or flat arches
Custom orthotics needed for significant biomechanical issues
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Theragun Mini Massage Device
⭐ Highly Rated
Percussive therapy for plantar fascia and calf muscle tension — helps Sterling Heights patients maintain mobility between office visits and stretching routines.
Dr. Tom says: “Best percussive therapy for foot and calf pain”
Patients with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tightness
Not a treatment for structural foot problems
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
New Balance 990v6 Motion Control
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum stability and motion control footwear recommended for Macomb County patients with flat feet, overpronation, and plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Tom says: “Best motion control shoe for flat feet”
Overpronators, flat foot patients, plantar fasciitis
Not ideal for high-arched or supinating foot types
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Full spectrum foot and ankle care from ingrown toenails to complex reconstruction
- Minimally invasive bunion surgery with faster recovery than traditional techniques
- Same-day urgent appointments for infected ingrown nails, acute injuries, and diabetic wounds
- Major Michigan insurance including BCBS, Priority Health, Aetna, and Medicare accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- Drive from Sterling Heights to Howell is approximately 50–60 minutes
- High-complexity reconstructive surgery may require multiple pre-operative evaluations
- Elective procedures have variable wait times based on scheduling demand
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Sterling Heights and Macomb County patients often tell me they’ve been putting up with foot pain for years before finally seeking care. The autoworkers standing 10-hour shifts, the parents coaching youth sports, the seniors with diabetic neuropathy — foot pain quietly erodes quality of life. I want Macomb County to know that most of what we treat is very fixable, and that there’s no reason to keep suffering.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you see patients from Sterling Heights and Macomb County?
Yes — we serve Sterling Heights, Warren, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, and patients from across Macomb County at our Howell, Michigan location. The drive is approximately 50–60 minutes via I-94 West.
What insurance plans do you accept for Macomb County patients?
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Priority Health, HAP, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, McLaren, and Medicare. Call us at (517) 579-FOOT and our team will verify your specific coverage.
How quickly can I get an appointment for urgent foot pain?
We prioritize urgent concerns. Infected ingrown toenails, acute ankle fractures, and diabetic foot wounds typically receive same-day or next-day appointments. Elective consultations are usually scheduled within 1–2 weeks.
Do you perform bunion surgery with a short recovery time?
Yes — Dr. Biernacki performs MICA (Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin) bunionectomy, which uses small percutaneous incisions and produces significantly faster recovery than traditional open bunionectomy. Most patients are walking the same day in a surgical shoe and returning to regular footwear in 6–8 weeks.
Can you treat neuropathy from diabetes?
We manage diabetic peripheral neuropathy comprehensively — from annual monofilament testing to detect early neuropathy, to therapeutic footwear to prevent pressure ulcers, to wound care for established ulcers. We coordinate with your endocrinologist and primary care physician for comprehensive diabetic foot care.
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.