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.
Taylor, Michigan and the greater Downriver community deserve access to expert podiatric care. Balance Foot & Ankle serves patients from Wayne County and the Downriver area, providing comprehensive foot and ankle treatment under Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM—board-certified podiatric surgeon with 3,000+ procedures.
Podiatric Services for Downriver Patients
We treat all major foot and ankle conditions: plantar fasciitis & heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, hammertoes, custom orthotics, diabetic foot care & wound management, ankle injuries, and sports medicine.
Working Families & Occupational Foot Care
Taylor and Downriver have strong working-class and blue-collar communities. Dr. Biernacki understands occupational foot demands: factory floor plantar fasciitis, work boot–related calluses and corns, steel-toe boot modifications, and work-related foot injuries. We provide documentation for workers’ compensation claims when appropriate.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Taylor
Taylor patients can reach our Bloomfield Hills office via I-75 north—approximately 30-35 miles, typically a 35-40 minute drive. While the drive is somewhat longer, we offer same-week appointments and efficient visits so your time is well spent. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Industrial-strength arch support for Downriver workers dealing with plantar fasciitis from concrete floors and long shifts.
Dr. Tom says: “The best OTC insole for factory and warehouse workers. Dramatically reduces plantar fasciitis from hard floor standing.”
Factory work, long shifts, concrete floor standing
Severe pathology requiring custom orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
⭐ Highly Rated
Natural end-of-shift pain relief for working patients dealing with foot and leg fatigue.
Dr. Tom says: “Working families appreciate a natural, affordable pain relief option they can use every day after work.”
Post-shift foot and leg soreness, arthritis pain
Open skin or active wounds
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Occupational foot care expertise for working families
- Workers’ compensation documentation when needed
- 4.9-star rating, 1,100+ reviews
- Same-week appointments
- Expert diabetic foot care covered by Medicare
❌ Cons / Risks
- 35-40 minute drive from Taylor to Bloomfield Hills
- Wayne County patients may face I-75 traffic
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
The Downriver community works hard and often puts foot care last. I understand that—when you’re working long shifts, a doctor’s visit seems like a luxury. But I’d argue it’s a necessity. Foot pain affects your work performance, your sleep, and your whole quality of life. We’re worth the drive.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Taylor Michigan?
Our Bloomfield Hills office is approximately 30-35 miles north of Taylor via I-75—typically 35-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Do you treat occupational foot injuries from factory work?
Yes—we treat plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and other work-related foot conditions common in manufacturing and industrial settings.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept workers’ compensation?
We work with workers’ compensation cases and provide appropriate documentation. Call us to discuss your specific situation.
Can I get same-day care for an urgent foot problem?
Call (810) 206-1402 and we’ll do our best to accommodate urgent cases, including infected ingrown toenails and acute injuries.
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.
APMA: Podiatric Medicine — Services, Conditions & Patient Resources
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.