Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI Last reviewed: May 2026
MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT
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.
Dr. Biernacki welcomes Utica Michigan patients to Balance Foot & Ankle for comprehensive expert podiatric care.
Podiatric Care for Utica, Michigan Patients
Utica residents seeking expert podiatric care have a trusted partner in Balance Foot & Ankle. Dr. Tom Biernacki brings fellowship-trained expertise to the full range of foot and ankle conditions affecting Macomb County communities. If you’re dealing with a lingering sports injury, a diabetic foot complication, or chronic heel pain that’s been holding you back, Dr. Biernacki’s team delivers diagnosis and treatment at the highest level—with same-week availability so you don’t have to wait.
What Conditions Does Dr. Biernacki Treat for Utica Patients?
From Utica and the surrounding Macomb County area, Dr. Biernacki treats heel and arch pain from plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails and nail infections, fungal toenail laser therapy, sports injuries including stress fractures and ankle sprains, tendinitis of the Achilles and peroneal tendons, bunions and hammertoe deformities, Morton’s neuroma forefoot pain, diabetic foot care including wound management, Charcot foot surveillance, and custom orthotic fabrication and fitting.
In-Office Technology for Faster Diagnosis
Balance Foot & Ankle’s in-office digital X-ray and musculoskeletal ultrasound allow most Utica patients to receive their diagnosis and an initial treatment plan at the first appointment. Ultrasound-guided injections for plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and neuromas are performed with real-time imaging guidance for precision that office-based injections without imaging simply cannot match. MRI referrals are coordinated efficiently when soft-tissue pathology requires further evaluation.
Surgical Capabilities for Utica Patients
When conservative care is not sufficient, Dr. Biernacki offers a full spectrum of podiatric surgical procedures including bunion correction (lapidus and chevron osteotomy), hammertoe repair, ingrown toenail matrixectomy, plantar fascia release, Achilles tendon repair, ankle ligament reconstruction, and fracture fixation. Most outpatient procedures are performed at accredited surgical centers with same-day discharge. Dr. Biernacki’s surgical outcomes reflect his commitment to technique, patient selection, and thorough post-operative follow-up.
Getting an Appointment from Utica
Booking an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle is straightforward. Most Utica-area patients secure an appointment within the same week of calling. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Call (810) 206-1402 or visit MichiganFootDoctors.com to schedule online. Urgent cases are accommodated as quickly as possible—don’t let foot or ankle pain limit your daily life.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Powerstep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Structured arch support and heel cradle for Utica patients managing plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or general arch fatigue—a great complement to custom orthotics.
Dr. Tom says:“A reliable over-the-counter insole for Utica patients while custom orthotics are being fabricated.”
✅ Best for Utica patients with heel or arch pain seeking daily support
⚠️ Not ideal for Patients with complex biomechanical needs requiring custom prescription orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Strassburg Sock Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
⭐ Highly Rated
Maintains the plantar fascia in a lengthened position overnight, reducing morning pain—a first-line home treatment for Utica plantar fasciitis patients.
Dr. Tom says:“Night splints are one of the most underused yet highly effective tools for plantar fasciitis. The Strassburg Sock is comfortable enough that patients actually wear it.”
✅ Best for Utica patients with morning heel pain from plantar fasciitis
⚠️ Not ideal for Those with acute ankle injuries or swelling where dorsiflexion is contraindicated
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
The Utica and Macomb County community is one I’m proud to serve. If you’re a factory worker on your feet all day, a high school athlete pushing hard, or a senior managing diabetes—I tailor treatment to your life, not a textbook algorithm. Give us a call and we’ll find a time that works for your schedule.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle take Blue Cross Blue Shield for Utica patients?
Yes, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and most other major insurance plans. Call our office and we’ll verify your specific plan before your visit.
Can I see Dr. Biernacki for a second opinion from another podiatrist?
Absolutely. Second opinions are welcome. Bring any prior imaging, records, and treatment summaries so Dr. Biernacki can provide a thorough independent evaluation.
How quickly can Utica patients get an appointment?
Most new patients from Utica and Macomb County are seen within one week. Urgent or acute injuries are prioritized—call and describe your situation.
Does the clinic handle ankle fractures for Utica patients?
Yes. Dr. Biernacki manages ankle fractures both non-surgically with casting and bracing, and surgically with ORIF when alignment or stability requires fixation.
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.
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.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
