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.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what Ypsilanti / Belleville podiatry means and what actually works. Call (810) 206-1402 for a same-day appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Dr. Biernacki discusses podiatric care for patients from Ypsilanti, Belleville, and the southern Washtenaw County communities.
Foot & Ankle Care for Ypsilanti and Belleville
Ypsilanti, Belleville, Van Buren Township, and the surrounding communities at the Washtenaw-Wayne County border have convenient access to subspecialty podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell — approximately 30–40 minutes north via US-23 North. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides board-certified foot and ankle surgery and comprehensive conservative care with same-week appointments typically available.
Comprehensive Conditions Treated
Ypsilanti-area patients come to Balance Foot & Ankle for all podiatric needs. Plantar fasciitis — prevalent in Eastern Michigan University’s active population and the area’s manufacturing workforce — is addressed with custom orthotics, shockwave, and targeted injections. Bunion and hammertoe correction with minimally invasive techniques. Ingrown toenail surgery with permanent in-office resolution. Diabetic foot care for Washtenaw-Wayne County’s diabetic population — nail care, callus debridement, wound management, and Medicare therapeutic footwear. Sports injuries, ankle instability, Achilles tendinopathy, and conditions common in the EMU athlete population and area recreational sports community. Dr. Biernacki provides the full surgical spectrum when conservative care is insufficient.
Directions from Ypsilanti to Our Howell Office
From Ypsilanti: Take US-23 North approximately 25 miles to the Grand River Avenue exit in Howell (approximately 28 miles, 30 minutes). From Belleville: Take I-94 West to US-23 North, then Grand River Avenue exit (approximately 33 miles, 35 minutes). Balance Foot & Ankle is at 1590 E. Grand River Ave, Suite 100, Howell, MI 48843. Free parking. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, HAP, Medicare, Medicaid, and most major Michigan plans. Call (517) 545-FEET.
Serving the Ypsilanti and EMU Community
Eastern Michigan University students, faculty, staff, and athletes represent a significant portion of the Ypsilanti-area community seeking podiatric care. Dr. Biernacki is familiar with the demands of collegiate athletics — managing stress fractures during the season, treating Achilles tendinopathy in cross-country runners, and evaluating acute ankle injuries with the urgency that student-athlete schedules demand. EMU community members with foot and ankle conditions are welcome to schedule at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Patients from the Ypsilanti area consistently report that the drive to Howell is worth it for access to a podiatrist who takes time, explains things clearly, and delivers treatment plans that work. In an area with strong healthcare options nearby in Ann Arbor, Balance Foot & Ankle still draws patients who prefer the combination of subspecialty expertise and personalized attention that smaller specialized practices provide.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v13
⭐ Highly Rated
Premium cushioned neutral running shoe — ideal for Ypsilanti-area runners and EMU athletes with plantar fasciitis or general foot fatigue needing maximum cushion.
Dr. Tom says:“”New Balance 1080 is my go-to neutral cushion shoe recommendation for runners who need maximum shock absorption — it pairs well with custom orthotics for overpronation control in a maximalist platform.” — Dr. Biernacki”
✅ Best for Neutral runners with plantar fasciitis, maximum cushion, high mileage
⚠️ Not ideal for Overpronators requiring stability features — use with a supportive orthotic
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Just 30 minutes from Ypsilanti via US-23 — among the most accessible Michigan communities to Balance Foot & Ankle.
Same-week appointments for EMU students and staff — minimal disruption to academic and athletic schedules.
Full surgical capabilities when conservative care is insufficient — no separate referral needed for complex cases.
❌ Cons / Risks
Ann Arbor has several podiatric options closer to Ypsilanti — Balance Foot & Ankle is a strong alternative for patients who prioritize subspecialty surgery expertise.
Post-surgical patients from Ypsilanti will need a driver for day-of-surgery and first follow-up; plan transportation accordingly.
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Ypsilanti has a active, diverse community — students, academics, auto workers, young families. When they have a foot problem, they deserve to see a specialist who engages with them fully and gives them the best possible care. The 30-minute drive on US-23 is one of the easiest commutes to our office from any southeast Michigan community.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you treat college athletes from Eastern Michigan University?
Yes — we see student athletes from EMU and other area universities for sports-related foot and ankle conditions. We work with athletic trainers to provide timely evaluation and return-to-sport guidance. Call (517) 545-FEET for urgent athletic injury appointments.
Is Balance Foot & Ankle in-network with University of Michigan health plans?
We accept most major commercial insurance plans. University of Michigan employee health plans through BCBSM or other major carriers are typically accepted. Call our office to verify your specific plan before scheduling.
What’s the earliest appointment I can typically get from Ypsilanti?
Same-week appointments are typically available for new patients from Ypsilanti. For urgent conditions, same-day or next-day appointments are often possible. Call early in the morning for the best same-day availability.
Do you offer telemedicine follow-up to avoid the drive for established patients?
Yes — for straightforward follow-up needs (reviewing imaging, adjusting treatment plans, refill management), telemedicine visits are available for established patients. This reduces the number of in-person trips required for patients from Ypsilanti and Belleville.
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.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes only so far. The fastest path to relief is a 30-minute office visit with Dr. Biernacki — same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402 or use our online booking.
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.
