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.
Ypsilanti, Michigan—home to Eastern Michigan University and a active community—deserves access to expert podiatric care. Balance Foot & Ankle serves Washtenaw County patients with comprehensive foot and ankle treatment from Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, board-certified podiatric surgeon.
Foot Care Services for Ypsilanti Residents
We treat all foot and ankle conditions: plantar fasciitis & heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, hammertoes, custom orthotics, ankle sprains & fractures, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and neuromas.
Student Athlete & University Community Foot Care
Ypsilanti’s student population at EMU puts significant demands on feet through athletics, campus walking, and active lifestyles. Dr. Biernacki provides sports podiatry for student athletes—treating stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendinopathy with return-to-sport protocols compatible with academic schedules.
Getting to Balance Foot & Ankle from Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti patients can reach our Bloomfield Hills office via US-23 north to I-96 east to I-275 north, or via Ann Arbor-Saline Road to I-94 east—approximately 35-40 miles, typically 40-45 minutes. Our Howell office via M-59 may also be convenient for some Ypsilanti patients. Call (810) 206-1402.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
CURREX RunPro Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Sport-performance insoles for EMU student athletes and active Ypsilanti residents dealing with running injuries.
Dr. Tom says: “Great recommendation for the active student population in Ypsilanti before they’re ready for custom orthotics.”
Running, athletics, high-impact sport activity
Severe structural issues requiring custom orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Versatile arch support for everyday foot pain—excellent for students and active Ypsilanti residents.
Dr. Tom says: “Students on their feet all day on campus need good arch support. This is my first OTC recommendation.”
Campus walking, everyday use, mild plantar fasciitis
Severe biomechanical issues requiring evaluation
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Sports podiatry for student athletes
- Return-to-sport protocols for academic schedule compatibility
- 4.9-star rating, 1,100+ reviews
- Two office locations for Washtenaw County patients
- Same-week appointments
❌ Cons / Risks
- 40-45 minute drive from Ypsilanti to Bloomfield Hills
- Check if Howell office is closer for some Ypsilanti zip codes
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Ypsilanti has a young, energetic community between the university students and the established families. I see students who’ve pushed through foot pain for months because they thought it would just go away. It usually doesn’t—it adapts and compensates until something else breaks. Early treatment gets you back on track faster.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Balance Foot & Ankle office is closest to Ypsilanti?
Bloomfield Hills via US-23/I-96 is typically 40-45 minutes. Howell via M-59/I-96 may be closer for some Ypsilanti zip codes—call us to find out.
Do you treat student athletes from EMU?
Yes—we evaluate and treat sports injuries for student athletes and can work with training staff to coordinate return-to-sport timelines.
Can I get custom running orthotics for cross-country?
Yes—we create cross-country and track-specific custom orthotics designed for the shoes and distances involved.
Is there a long wait for new patient appointments in Ypsilanti?
No—we offer same-week new patient appointments. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule.
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.
APMA: Podiatric Medicine — Services, Conditions & Patient Resources
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.