Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, 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
Sturgis, Three Rivers, Centreville, and communities throughout St. Joseph County have access to expert podiatric foot and ankle care at Balance Foot & Ankle with Dr. Tom Biernacki. Southwest Michigan’s agricultural community, manufacturing workforce, and active outdoor population all benefit from specialized podiatric expertise.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Sturgis St Joseph County 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 Treated
Dr. Biernacki treats the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions for Sturgis-area patients: heel pain and plantar fasciitis with custom orthotics and shockwave therapy; ingrown toenails with in-office painless procedures; fungal toenail infections with oral, topical, and laser options; bunion and hammertoe surgery for patients who have failed conservative care; ankle sprains and instability with bracing, therapy, and surgical reconstruction; diabetic foot care including annual exams, shoe program, and wound care. Southwest Michigan’s agricultural workforce frequently presents with occupational injuries from farm machinery, heavy lifting, and prolonged standing that Dr. Biernacki evaluates and treats comprehensively.
Access from Southwest Michigan
Balance Foot & Ankle is approximately 2 hours from Sturgis via I-94 east to I-96. Many Sturgis-area patients combine their appointment with shopping or other errands in the Lansing, Brighton, or Oakland County area. Telehealth follow-up visits are available for established patients to minimize travel after initial evaluation and treatment. New patient appointments can often be scheduled within 1–2 weeks. Call our office or book online.
Insurance and Scheduling
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and many Medicaid plans. St. Joseph County patients on Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and other major carriers are typically covered. Call to verify your specific plan and coverage before your first appointment. Same-week appointments are available for most conditions; urgent cases are seen within 24–48 hours.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Firm arch support OTC orthotic for Sturgis-area workers and active adults managing heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Compatible with work boots, casual shoes, and athletic footwear.
Dr. Tom says: “”St. Joseph County agricultural worker — PowerStep insoles in my work boots eliminated the heel pain I’d had for 2 years.””
Agricultural workers and active adults in southwest Michigan with heel pain and arch fatigue
Severe structural problems requiring custom prescription orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Diabetic Non-Binding Socks for Daily Protection
⭐ Highly Rated
Seamless, non-binding diabetic socks for daily foot protection. Essential for St. Joseph County’s diabetic farming and manufacturing workforce — prevents skin breakdown from friction and pressure.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist recommended these for my diabetic feet. Works well under work boots on the farm all day.””
Diabetic patients in the Sturgis area needing daily protective footwear
Active wounds requiring wound dressings rather than socks
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Full-scope podiatric care for St. Joseph County’s agricultural, industrial, and active populations
- Telehealth follow-up options minimize travel for established patients from southwest Michigan
- Same-week appointments with comprehensive scope including surgical options
❌ Cons / Risks
- Approximately 2-hour drive from Sturgis for in-person visits
- Local options in the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek corridor may serve some patients more conveniently
- Insurance verification recommended before first visit
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Southwest Michigan is a hardworking part of the state, and patients from Sturgis and St. Joseph County who make the drive out to see me are almost always dealing with something that’s been bothering them for a long time. Foot pain that’s been ‘dealt with’ for years, a diabetic foot that hasn’t been checked since diagnosis, a bunion that’s gotten to the point where footwear is impossible. My approach with these patients is always to give them a comprehensive evaluation that justifies the drive — leave with a complete picture and a real plan.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a closer podiatrist to Sturgis than Balance Foot & Ankle?
There may be local podiatry options in Kalamazoo or Battle Creek that are closer. We’d encourage patients to seek the most appropriate care for their specific condition. For complex cases — surgical consultations, second opinions, advanced wound care, Charcot management — Balance Foot & Ankle’s specialized expertise is worth the drive.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept Medicare for Sturgis patients?
Yes — Medicare Part B is accepted for covered podiatric services. Annual diabetic foot exams, therapeutic shoe program, and medically necessary procedures are among the covered benefits. Call to verify your specific coverage.
What’s the best way to prepare for a first appointment if I’m driving from Sturgis?
Bring your insurance card, medication list, and any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI). Wear the shoes you wear most often. If you have diabetes, bring your most recent A1C result if available. Give yourself buffer time for the drive — we’ll make the appointment thorough and efficient to respect your travel.
Can I get a telemedicine appointment as a new patient from Sturgis?
We offer telehealth pre-consultations for some new patients from distant locations to review history and imaging before scheduling an in-person visit. Call our office to determine if a telehealth pre-consultation is appropriate for your specific condition.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Township
📞 (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 Township. 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 Township, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Sturgis and St. Joseph County. You can call or book online directly. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, Priority Health, and United Healthcare. We treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Our board-certified DPM provides both conservative and surgical care. Same-week and urgent appointments are available for residents of the Sturgis and St. Joseph County area.
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.
More questions patients ask
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist near Sturgis and St. Joseph County?
No referral is needed. You can call or book online directly. Most insurance accepted including Blue Cross, Medicare, and Aetna.
What foot conditions are treated near Sturgis and St. Joseph County?
We treat plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, ankle sprains, and sports injuries.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.