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
Westland and Ypsilanti sit at the western edge of the metro Detroit area—communities with active residents, diverse populations, and a genuine need for accessible, high-quality podiatric care. Balance Foot & Ankle, led by Dr. Tom Biernacki, provides expert foot and ankle medicine and surgery for patients throughout western Wayne County and eastern Washtenaw County. Same-week appointments are available for new patients.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Westland Ypsilanti Michigan Wayne Washtenaw County Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Services for Westland & Ypsilanti Patients
Dr. Biernacki’s practice provides comprehensive foot and ankle care: heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions and hammertoes, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains and fractures, ingrown and fungal toenails, diabetic foot exams and wound care, flat feet and custom orthotics, sports injuries, nerve entrapments, corns, calluses, and warts, and foot and ankle surgery. Every patient receives individualized evaluation and a care plan matched to their specific condition, lifestyle, and goals.
Sports Podiatry for Ypsilanti Athletes
Ypsilanti is home to Eastern Michigan University and a active athletic community—from EMU varsity athletes to recreational runners and youth sports participants. Dr. Biernacki provides sports-specific biomechanical evaluation, gait analysis, and athletic injury management for Ypsilanti athletes. Common presentations include: plantar fasciitis in distance runners, ankle sprains in court sports players, metatarsal stress fractures in EMU track athletes, Achilles tendinopathy in cyclists and swimmers, and sesamoiditis in sprinters and dancers. Return-to-sport protocols are individualized to each athlete’s sport and competitive timeline.
Diabetic & Senior Foot Care for Westland
Westland’s diverse population includes significant numbers of older adults and diabetic patients who need expert foot surveillance and nail care. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive annual diabetic foot exams, monofilament testing, vascular screening, wound care, and Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program enrollment for Westland patients. Senior nail care—professional debridement of thickened or ingrown toenails—is covered by Medicare when medically necessary and available at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Custom Orthotics for Wayne & Washtenaw County Residents
Custom foot orthotics are among the most impactful tools in podiatric medicine—when properly prescribed and fabricated. Dr. Biernacki performs a thorough biomechanical examination, gait analysis, and 3D foot scan to create orthotics specific to the patient’s foot structure and activity demands. Westland and Ypsilanti patients receive orthotics for heel pain, flat feet, sports injury prevention, bunion management, and diabetic foot offloading. Most insurance plans covering Wayne and Washtenaw County patients include orthotic benefits with appropriate documentation.
Scheduling for Westland & Ypsilanti Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from Westland via I-96 and Wayne Road, and from Ypsilanti via I-94 and Michigan Avenue. Same-week appointments are available for urgent concerns. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, HAP, Aetna, Cigna, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and most commercial plans. Book online or call—our team makes scheduling straightforward and confirms insurance coverage before your visit.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 — Maximum Cushion Running
⭐ Highly Rated
New Balance 1080 provides ultra-plush Fresh Foam midsole cushioning with a wide toe box and stable ride—one of the top-rated podiatrist-recommended running shoes for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. Available in multiple widths including 2E. Excellent for Ypsilanti runners returning from injury needing maximum shock absorption.
Dr. Tom says: “As an EMU track athlete returning from plantar fasciitis, my podiatrist prescribed these shoes. They cushion every stride and my symptoms stayed away through the whole indoor season.”
Best for: Runners with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, or metatarsalgia needing maximum cushion and wide options
Not ideal for: Racers needing minimal stack height; patients requiring strong motion control
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Foot Roller — Plantar Fascia Massage Tool
⭐ Highly Rated
Hard plastic foot roller with raised nodules provides self-myofascial release for the plantar fascia, reducing tension at the calcaneal insertion. Used before first morning steps and after activity, it reduces plantar fascia tightness and improves tissue extensibility. A standard recommendation in Dr. Biernacki’s home plantar fasciitis program.
Dr. Tom says: “Rolling my foot for five minutes before I get out of bed every morning changed my first steps from agony to manageable. Simple but really effective.”
Best for: Plantar fasciitis self-treatment adjunct; daily plantar fascia mobility maintenance
Not ideal for: Active plantar fascia tear or severe acute inflammation; patients who cannot bear plantar pressure
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Same-week appointments for Westland and Ypsilanti patients with urgent heel pain or nail concerns
- Sports podiatry expertise for Eastern Michigan University and Ypsilanti community athletes
- Diabetic foot surveillance and Medicare shoe enrollment for Westland senior and diabetic patients
❌ Cons / Risks
- Custom orthotics require casting/scanning and 2–3 week fabrication before delivery
- Complex diabetic wounds may require co-management with vascular surgery and wound care centers
- Surgical procedures require 2–4 week outpatient facility scheduling
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Westland and Ypsilanti are two very different communities that both value accessible, quality care. EMU athletes from Ypsilanti want to get back to training as fast as safely possible—and we respect that timeline and build the treatment plan around it. Westland patients often need more comprehensive chronic disease management for their feet. We do both equally well. If you’re from either community and your feet are giving you trouble, we’d love to help.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you treat student athletes from Eastern Michigan University?
Yes. We see EMU varsity and club athletes for a full range of sports-related foot and ankle injuries. We understand the academic calendar and competitive schedule and build return-to-sport plans around athletic commitments when possible. Stress fractures, ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles issues are among the most common EMU athlete presentations.
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Westland?
Our office is conveniently accessible from Westland via I-96 and Wayne Road—most Westland patients reach us in approximately 15–20 minutes. Call our office for specific directions from your location in Westland or western Wayne County.
Does Medicare cover diabetic foot exams for Westland seniors?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers one comprehensive diabetic foot exam per year for patients with diabetes, with appropriate documentation from Dr. Biernacki. This exam includes neurological screening, vascular assessment, skin and nail evaluation, and footwear review—all documented in a format that satisfies Medicare’s coverage requirements. We also enroll qualifying patients in the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program for diabetic shoes and inserts.
Can you treat a high school athlete from Westland with a stress fracture?
Yes. Metatarsal and tibial stress fractures are common in young athletes, particularly those in cross-country, track, and soccer. We evaluate with clinical examination and X-ray (bone scan or MRI if X-ray is negative), determine fracture grade, and prescribe appropriate management—from activity modification and bone stimulator to boot immobilization depending on fracture severity and location.
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 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.