Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, 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.
Podiatrist Wyandotte Michigan Downriver Wayne County Balance Foot Ankle treatment | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Dr. Biernacki discusses comprehensive foot and ankle care options for downriver Michigan and Wayne County patients.
Podiatric Care for the Downriver Community
The downriver communities — Wyandotte, Trenton, Riverview, Southgate, Woodhaven, Allen Park, Lincoln Park — have a significant population of working adults, seniors, and athletes who need reliable foot and ankle care. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell offers subspecialty-level podiatric expertise with efficient scheduling, in-network insurance acceptance, and a genuine commitment to long-term results.
Comprehensive Foot Care for Wyandotte-Area Patients
Downriver patients visit Balance Foot & Ankle for conditions including heel pain and plantar fasciitis — treated with custom orthotics, physical therapy, shockwave, and surgical release when needed; bunion correction using minimally invasive osteotomy or lapidus procedures; ingrown toenail removal with permanent nail matrixectomy (in-office, same-day); diabetic foot care — nail care, callus reduction, neuropathy evaluation, and ulcer prevention for Wayne County’s large diabetic population; ankle sprains and instability — from acute rehabilitation through surgical stabilization (Brostrom-Gould); and Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures, peroneal tendon injuries, and sports-related conditions. Dr. Biernacki evaluates each patient individually and presents all treatment options — conservative and surgical — so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Surgical Expertise Available
For downriver patients requiring surgery, Dr. Biernacki performs minimally invasive bunion correction, hammertoe fusion, Achilles tendon repair, ankle arthroscopy, total ankle replacement for end-stage arthritis, flatfoot reconstruction, and complex revisional foot surgery. Procedures are performed at accredited outpatient centers with full anesthesia support and comprehensive post-operative care.
Getting to Our Howell Office from Wyandotte
From Wyandotte: Take I-75 North to I-96 West, then take US-23 North to the Grand River Avenue exit in Howell (approximately 50 miles, 55 minutes). Balance Foot & Ankle is at 1590 E. Grand River Ave, Suite 100, Howell, MI 48843. Free parking on-site. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, Medicare, and most major Michigan insurance. Call (517) 545-FEET.
Patients from Wyandotte and the downriver area find Balance Foot & Ankle through word of mouth, online reviews, and referrals from primary care doctors who trust Dr. Biernacki’s judgment and surgical outcomes. The practice stands out for taking time with each patient, explaining every diagnosis and treatment option thoroughly, and operating only when conservative care has been genuinely exhausted. This approach earns consistent 5-star reviews and long-term patient loyalty across southeast Michigan.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Dr. Scholl’s® Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Affordable, widely available insoles with gel cushioning for everyday foot fatigue and mild heel pain — a good bridge solution while awaiting a podiatry appointment.
Dr. Tom says:“”Dr. Scholl’s gel insoles won’t fix a structural problem, but they provide meaningful comfort relief for patients waiting for their first appointment and needing immediate relief.” — Dr. Biernacki”
✅ Best for Everyday foot fatigue, mild heel cushioning, work boots
⚠️ Not ideal for Significant biomechanical issues requiring prescription orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Subspecialty-level podiatric surgery accessible without navigating large Detroit hospital systems.
Minimally invasive techniques mean smaller scars, less pain, and faster return to work for busy downriver residents.
Same-week appointments typically available — critical for acute injuries and urgent foot problems.
❌ Cons / Risks
Drive time of approximately 55 minutes from Wyandotte — consolidate appointments and errands when possible.
Post-surgical patients may need a nearby driver for the first follow-up visit; plan accordingly.
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
The downriver communities have a hardworking population — factory workers, tradespeople, nurses — who are on their feet all day and can’t afford to be sidelined by foot problems. We work hard to get them back on their feet as fast as possible with solutions that actually hold up over time. That means accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and not recommending surgery until it’s truly necessary.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept Medicare?
Yes — we accept Medicare Part B for medically necessary podiatric services including treatment of plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot care, ankle injuries, and foot surgery. Medicare Advantage plans from most major carriers are also accepted.
What’s the fastest appointment I can get?
We typically have same-week availability for new patients. Urgent cases (acute fractures, infected ingrown toenails, diabetic foot wounds) are seen within 24–48 hours. Call (517) 545-FEET to check current availability.
Do you treat work-related foot injuries?
Yes — we work with workers’ compensation carriers and can see patients with work-related foot and ankle injuries. Documentation for work comp claims is handled through our office. Call to discuss your specific situation.
Is Balance Foot & Ankle affiliated with any downriver hospitals?
Our surgical procedures are performed at accredited outpatient centers in the Howell/Brighton area. Dr. Biernacki can coordinate care with downriver primary care physicians and specialists as needed for complex cases.
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.
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.
