Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: Podiatrist Ypsilanti Michigan Specialist is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Ypsilanti and the greater Washtenaw County area have easy access to Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC via US-23 North — a 35-45 minute drive to one of Michigan’s most specialized foot and ankle practices. Dr. Tom Biernacki sees patients from the Ypsilanti-area regularly for both surgical and conservative care.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Ypsilanti Michigan Specialist isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Serving Ypsilanti and the EMU Community
Eastern Michigan University students, staff, and the broader Ypsilanti community benefit from proximity to Dr. Biernacki’s advanced podiatric practice. Student athletes with foot and ankle injuries, active community members with plantar fasciitis or bunions, and older adults with diabetic foot concerns all receive expert care.
MICA Bunion Surgery
Ypsilanti patients seeking MICA minimally invasive bunion correction find the drive to Howell very manageable. Same-day walking, smaller incisions, and faster recovery than traditional surgery make MICA particularly appealing for working adults and students who cannot afford months of limited mobility.
Conservative Podiatric Care
Custom orthotics, ESWT shockwave therapy for stubborn heel pain, PRP injections, and complete evaluation for all common foot and ankle conditions are available in our Howell office.
Directions from Ypsilanti
From Ypsilanti, take US-23 North approximately 35-45 minutes to Howell. The drive is straightforward and well-signed.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Spenco Total Support Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Full-length orthotic insoles with arch support for plantar fasciitis and foot fatigue.
Dr. Tom says: “https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71spencoinsoles.jpg”
Arch and heel support
Not custom
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 3
- 5
- –
- 4
- 5
- m
- i
- n
- f
- r
- o
- m
- Y
- p
- s
- i
- l
- a
- n
- t
- i
- v
- i
- a
- U
- S
- –
- 2
- 3
- |
- M
- I
- C
- A
- b
- u
- n
- i
- o
- n
- s
- u
- r
- g
- e
- r
- y
- |
- C
- u
- s
- t
- o
- m
- o
- r
- t
- h
- o
- t
- i
- c
- s
- |
- E
- S
- W
- T
- a
- n
- d
- P
- R
- P
- |
- S
- t
- u
- d
- e
- n
- t
- a
- t
- h
- l
- e
- t
- e
- f
- r
- i
- e
- n
- d
- l
- y
❌ Cons / Risks
- N
- o
- t
- i
- n
- Y
- p
- s
- i
- l
- a
- n
- t
- i
- p
- r
- o
- p
- e
- r
- |
- S
- u
- r
- g
- i
- c
- a
- l
- f
- o
- l
- l
- o
- w
- –
- u
- p
- r
- e
- q
- u
- i
- r
- e
- s
- t
- r
- a
- v
- e
- l
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Ypsilanti and the EMU community are close enough to Howell that a lot of patients are surprised by how quick the drive is. We see student athletes, faculty, and community members regularly from that area. — Dr. Tom Biernacki
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
q
a
q
a
q
a
When Shoes Aren’t Enough — Dr. Tom’s Top 9 Orthotics
About 30% of patients I see for foot pain need MORE than a great shoe — they need a structured insole. Below: my complete 2026 orthotic ranking with pros, cons, and the specific patient I’d give each one to.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. 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 Township, 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.