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.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — serves patients here. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Patients from White Lake Township, Waterford, and northern Oakland County choose Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC for fellowship-trained podiatric expertise. White Lake’s lake community with active families, senior residents, and outdoor enthusiasts benefits from fellowship-trained foot and ankle care with convenient access via M-59 and US-23.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist White Lake Michigan Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Services for White Lake Area Patients
Plantar Fasciitis: Custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and PRP for White Lake area patients. Ingrown Toenails: Same-week permanent matrixectomy. Diabetic Foot Care: Annual exams, neuropathy testing, and Medicare services. Ankle Injuries: From acute sprains to Broström reconstruction. Bunions & Hammertoes: Full corrective surgical range. Senior Foot Care: Nail debridement, fall prevention, and Medicare annual exams for White Lake’s senior community.
Accessible from White Lake via M-59 and US-23
Balance Foot & Ankle is accessible from White Lake via M-59 east to US-23 south — approximately 20–25 minutes. Same-week new patient appointments. All major Michigan insurance accepted. Call (810) 220-5551 or book at michiganfootdoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
New Balance 928v3 Extra-Width Walking Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Extra-width stability walking shoe — recommended for White Lake area senior patients and those with wide feet managing bunions, diabetic foot conditions, and everyday walking comfort.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended New Balance 928 for my wide foot and bunion and they are the most comfortable walking shoes I’ve found for long daily walks.”
Wide foot bunion shoe, senior daily walking, White Lake northern Oakland County patients
Wide width shoe — not for narrow or average-width feet; verify sizing
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Powerstep Pinnacle Arch Support Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Full-length arch support OTC insole — recommended starting point for White Lake area patients managing plantar fasciitis and arch pain before custom orthotic evaluation.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended PowerStep and they provided good support during my plantar fasciitis treatment while my custom orthotics were being made.”
Plantar fasciitis OTC insole, arch support, White Lake Waterford northern Oakland County patients
Custom orthotics provide superior biomechanical correction for structural problems
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 20-25 minutes from White Lake via M-59 east to US-23 south
- Same-week appointments for northern Oakland County lake community patients
- Senior foot care and Medicare services for White Lake’s active senior population
- All major Michigan insurance accepted
❌ Cons / Risks
- 20-25 minute drive — no local White Lake fellowship-trained podiatrist
- Surgical procedures at partner surgical centers
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
White Lake and Waterford patients have a direct M-59 east to US-23 connection to our clinic — 20-25 minutes. The lake communities in northern Oakland County have a significant senior population that benefits from regular nail care, annual Medicare foot exams, and fall prevention evaluation. We also see a lot of active families and athletes from this area for sports injuries and custom orthotics.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from White Lake Michigan?
Approximately 20-25 minutes via M-59 east to US-23 south. White Lake Township has a direct route to our Howell/Howell clinic via the M-59 corridor.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat Waterford Michigan patients?
Yes — Waterford Township and the surrounding northern Oakland County communities are welcome. The M-59 east route connects to US-23 south for direct access.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept White Lake Michigan insurance?
Yes — Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. Most Oakland County commercial plans accepted.
Can White Lake patients get same-week appointments?
Yes — same-week new patient appointments are typically available. White Lake’s convenient M-59 route makes same-week scheduling straightforward. Call (810) 220-5551 to schedule.
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.
What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes so far. The fastest path is a 30-minute office visit. Same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402.
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.
Related Conditions
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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.