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
Patients from Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Utica, Washington Township, and northern Macomb County trust Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for expert podiatric care. With same-week appointments, fellowship-trained surgical expertise, and all major Michigan insurance plans accepted, Dr. Biernacki provides the full spectrum of foot and ankle treatment for northern Macomb County communities.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Sterling Heights Shelby Township Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Conditions We Treat
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain: Michigan’s most common foot complaint — custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and stretching protocols achieve resolution in most patients within 3–6 months. Ingrown Toenails: Permanent in-office matrixectomy with very high success rate. Bunion Surgery: Lapiplasty, Lapidus fusion, and minimally invasive options for all deformity severities. Ankle Instability: Broström-Gould ligament repair for chronic lateral ankle instability. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual exams, neuropathy assessment, and wound management. Morton’s Neuroma: Ultrasound-guided injections and alcohol sclerotherapy before considering surgical excision.
Serving Northern Macomb County
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Sterling Heights (M-59 west to US-23 south), Shelby Township (M-59 west), Utica (M-59 west to US-23), and Washington Township (M-53 south to M-59 west). Most major Michigan insurance plans accepted. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Why Northern Macomb Patients Choose Dr. Biernacki
Fellowship-trained surgical expertise. Comprehensive 45-minute new patient evaluations. Evidence-based protocols — conservative first, surgical when warranted. All major Michigan insurance plans including Blue Cross, Aetna, Priority Health, and Medicare accepted. New patients seen within 3–5 business days.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Saucony Echelon 9 Wide Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Extra wide stability running shoe — excellent for Macomb County patients with bunions, Morton’s neuroma, or wide feet needing a comfortable everyday athletic shoe.
Dr. Tom says: “These wide-toe shoes from my podiatrist’s recommendation finally let me run without the burning between my toes.”
Wide foot, Morton’s neuroma footwear, bunion comfort, stability running
Not recommended for narrow feet or high-arch neutral runners
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Keen Newport H2 Sandal
⭐ Highly Rated
Closed-toe sandal with wide toe box and arch support — one of the top podiatrist-recommended summer sandals for patients with bunions, neuromas, or wide feet.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist approved these as the only summer sandal that didn’t aggravate my bunion and neuroma.”
Bunion summer footwear, Morton’s neuroma sandal, wide toe box outdoor shoe
Athletic/outdoor sandal style — not appropriate for formal occasions
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Same-week appointments for Sterling Heights and Shelby Township patients
- Fellowship-trained surgical expertise for complex foot and ankle reconstruction
- All major northern Macomb County insurance plans accepted
- Evidence-based approach — surgery only when conservative care is exhausted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 30–40 minute drive from northern Macomb County — plan accordingly
- Surgical cases require partner surgical center scheduling
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Sterling Heights and Shelby Township patients tend to be active, health-conscious, and they come in having done their research. They appreciate a thorough explanation of what’s happening and a clear evidence-based treatment plan. Whether it’s a straightforward heel pain case or a complex reconstructive consultation, we give every patient the time and expertise their problem deserves.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Sterling Heights and Shelby Township insurance?
Yes — we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Northern Macomb County commercial plans are generally accepted. Verify your specific plan with our office before scheduling.
How quickly can Sterling Heights patients get an appointment?
Most new patients from Sterling Heights and Shelby Township are seen within 3–5 business days. Urgent cases are accommodated same-day or next-day when possible. Call (810) 220-5551 for urgent same-day requests.
Does Dr. Biernacki perform Lapiplasty bunion surgery for Shelby Township patients?
Yes — Dr. Biernacki performs the full spectrum of bunion surgery including Lapiplasty (3D Lapidus correction), traditional Lapidus fusion, Austin/Chevron osteotomy, and minimally invasive MICA procedures. The appropriate procedure is selected based on deformity severity, bone quality, activity level, and patient goals during a thorough surgical consultation.
What is the best treatment for Morton’s neuroma in the Sterling Heights area?
First-line: wide-toe-box footwear and metatarsal pad placement — many patients achieve significant relief from footwear changes alone. Second-line: ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection (2–3 maximum). Third-line: alcohol sclerotherapy series (4–7 injections, 70–85% success). Surgical excision: for refractory cases failing all conservative measures. Dr. Biernacki walks through this progression in detail at your appointment.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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 double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.
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.