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
Troy and Sterling Heights are among southeast Michigan’s largest and most economically significant communities—Troy as an Oakland County business hub with a dense professional and corporate population, Sterling Heights as Macomb County’s largest city with a thriving automotive and manufacturing workforce alongside active residential communities. Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell, Michigan serves patients from both cities who are seeking expert podiatric care in a private practice setting where the doctor is personally involved in every clinical decision.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Troy Sterling Heights Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Troy and Sterling Heights
From Troy, the drive to Howell is approximately 55–65 minutes via I-75 North to M-59 West—a direct freeway route through western Oakland County. From Sterling Heights, the route is similar: M-59 West directly from the Sterling Heights/Utica area to Howell, or alternatively via I-94 West to I-96 West. For Troy’s business community, many patients schedule early morning or lunchtime appointments that fit efficiently around work schedules.
Telehealth initial consultations are available for Troy and Sterling Heights patients who want to discuss their condition and review imaging before committing to the drive to Howell. Schedule at MichiganFootDoctors.com—available 24/7.
Podiatric Needs of the Troy and Sterling Heights Communities
Troy’s professional population—corporate executives, engineers, healthcare professionals, and business owners—presents with conditions that reflect their active and high-demand lifestyles. Bunion and hammertoe correction with minimal downtime appeals to patients who cannot afford extended recovery periods. Sports injuries from Troy’s competitive recreational sports communities—including golf at the numerous Oakland County courses, tennis, and running—generate consistent orthopedic foot and ankle needs. Custom orthotics for professional footwear (dress shoes for business settings) is a frequent request.
Sterling Heights’ diverse workforce—including a substantial automotive and manufacturing sector—produces occupational foot conditions: plantar fasciitis from prolonged standing, ankle injuries from workplace activity, and diabetic foot care for the city’s significant population managing Type 2 diabetes. Sterling Heights is also one of Michigan’s most diverse communities, with a substantial Arab American and Middle Eastern population whose dietary and cultural practices may affect foot health (prolonged floor sitting, specific footwear preferences, dietary patterns affecting metabolic foot conditions).
Expert Foot and Ankle Services for Oakland and Macomb County Patients
Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive podiatric services for Troy and Sterling Heights patients:
Bunion and hammertoe surgery: Minimally invasive MICA technique and Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction—with modern recovery timelines that allow Troy professionals to return to regular shoes at 4–6 weeks after minimally invasive procedures. Sports and running injuries: Plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, peroneal tendinopathy, ankle instability, and return-to-sport protocols for golfers, runners, and tennis players. Custom orthotics: Precision biomechanical analysis and custom orthotic fabrication for dress shoes, athletic footwear, and work boots. Diabetic foot care: Comprehensive preventive nail and skin care, wound management, and neuropathy monitoring for patients managing diabetes. Surgical correction: Ankle stabilization, tendon repair, fracture fixation, and complex reconstruction for deformity and arthritis.
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, and Medicaid. Most Troy and Sterling Heights patients are seen within 1–2 weeks of scheduling online at MichiganFootDoctors.com. For urgent presentations, call (517) 579-1881 for same-day evaluation options.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Superfeet CARBON Slim Dress Shoe Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Ultra-slim carbon fiber insoles that fit in dress shoes without adding bulk—ideal for Troy’s professional population with forefoot or arch pain.
Dr. Tom says: “Work in corporate environments and had heel pain all day—these fit in my dress shoes and made a real difference.”
Professionals needing supportive insoles in dress and business footwear
Patients needing maximum cushioning rather than structural arch support
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 Running Shoes
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Maximum cushion neutral running shoe for heel and arch pain management—excellent for Oakland County runners managing plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended these for my Oakland County trail runs—heel pain reduced within a week.”
Neutral-gait runners with plantar fasciitis and heel pain needing maximum cushioning
Overpronators who need stability and motion-control shoe design
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
KEEN Utility Detroit XT Work Boots
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Wide-toe-box steel-toe work boots with heel support—recommended for Sterling Heights manufacturing workers with plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Tom says: “Switched to these from my old boots on my podiatrist’s advice—my heel pain at the plant went from constant to manageable.”
Manufacturing and trades workers in Sterling Heights needing safety footwear with foot support
Office and corporate professionals who need dress or casual footwear
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- M-59 corridor provides relatively direct freeway access from Sterling Heights and Troy to Howell
- Telehealth initial consultations available for Oakland and Macomb County patients before making the drive
- Experience serving both professional white-collar and trades/manufacturing blue-collar foot and ankle conditions
❌ Cons / Risks
- 55–65 minute drive from Troy and Sterling Heights is a significant commute for routine follow-up visits
- Both Troy and Sterling Heights have major health system podiatric options locally—Balance Foot & Ankle offers private practice specialist care as an alternative
- Surgical cases requiring multiple follow-up visits add up commute time for Oakland/Macomb County patients
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
I see patients from Troy and Sterling Heights who’ve specifically sought out private practice care after experiences with large clinic volume settings. The consistent feedback is that they wanted a doctor who would spend time with them, explain the diagnosis clearly, and be personally responsible for their care through the entire treatment course. That’s exactly what we offer. Whether you’re a Troy executive managing a bunion that’s been a problem for years, or a Sterling Heights auto plant worker dealing with occupational plantar fasciitis, we have the expertise and the time to get you the right diagnosis and treatment plan. The drive to Howell is worth it for the level of care you’ll receive.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Troy, Michigan?
Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell is approximately 55–65 minutes from Troy via I-75 North to M-59 West, depending on traffic. Telehealth initial consultations are available for Troy patients who want to discuss their condition before the drive.
Does Dr. Biernacki see patients from Sterling Heights?
Yes—Dr. Biernacki welcomes patients from Sterling Heights, Warren, Clinton Township, and the broader Macomb County area. The drive from Sterling Heights to Howell via M-59 West is approximately 55–65 minutes.
What insurance is accepted from Troy and Sterling Heights patients?
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, Medicare, and Medicaid. Call (517) 579-1881 to verify your specific plan.
Is a telehealth consultation available for Oakland County patients?
Yes—Dr. Biernacki offers telehealth initial consultations for patients from Troy, Sterling Heights, and the broader Oakland and Macomb County area. Schedule at MichiganFootDoctors.com.
What is the fastest way for a Troy patient to get an appointment?
Online scheduling at MichiganFootDoctors.com is available 24/7 and provides the fastest booking. Most new patients from Troy are seen within 1–2 weeks. For urgent needs, call (517) 579-1881 for same-day evaluation options.
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 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.