Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026

Quick answer: Podiatrist Ypsilanti Michigan 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 Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Ypsilanti Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Podiatric Care for Ypsilanti Residents
Ypsilanti and the surrounding Washtenaw County communities have access to expert foot and ankle care at Balance Foot & Ankle. Dr. Tom Biernacki brings fellowship-trained surgical expertise and a comprehensive range of podiatric services to patients from Ypsilanti, Pittsfield Township, Belleville, and surrounding communities.
Our practice provides: plantar fasciitis treatment, bunion surgery consultation, ingrown toenail removal, diabetic foot care and surveillance, custom orthotics, ankle injury treatment, nail fungus management, and comprehensive foot and ankle surgery. We use current-generation diagnostic technology including in-office digital X-ray and musculoskeletal ultrasound, enabling same-visit diagnosis and treatment initiation for most conditions.
Ypsilanti’s Eastern Michigan University community, manufacturing workforce, and diverse residential population create specific foot care needs we’re well-positioned to serve. From student athletes at EMU to workers in Ypsilanti’s manufacturing sector to seniors seeking diabetic foot care—we have the expertise to help.
Insurance and Accessibility
We accept most major Michigan and national insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Our billing team is experienced with Michigan workers’ compensation cases for Ypsilanti-area workers with occupational foot injuries.
For Ypsilanti residents considering the drive to our Howell office: we make the trip efficient. Most patients are seen, diagnosed, and treatment initiated at the first visit—no separate imaging appointments, no return visits just to get results. We respect your time.
Online scheduling is available on our website. New patient appointments for routine concerns are typically available within 1–2 weeks. For urgent issues—infected ingrown toenails, diabetic foot wounds, acute ankle injuries—call our office directly for rapid scheduling.
What Ypsilanti Patients Come In For
Plantar fasciitis is our most common condition from any zip code—Ypsilanti residents are no exception. Whether from manufacturing work, walking the River Trail, or general daily demands, heel and arch pain is extremely common.
Diabetic foot care is particularly important in the Ypsilanti community, which has significant rates of diabetes consistent with Washtenaw County demographics. Annual diabetic foot exams, protective footwear prescription, and prompt evaluation of diabetic foot wounds are services every diabetic patient should access.
Youth sports injuries—from EMU’s programs and Ypsilanti and Lincoln area schools—are common in our practice. We treat adolescent and young adult athletes with ankle sprains, stress fractures, Sever’s disease, and other sports foot injuries with the goal of returning them to play as quickly and safely as possible.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Start managing heel and arch pain before your appointment. Podiatrist-recommended OTC support for Ypsilanti patients awaiting evaluation.
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PowerStep
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DASS Medical Compression Socks
⭐ Highly Rated
For Ypsilanti workers with foot and ankle swelling. Graduated compression reduces daily fatigue and swelling for standing-intensive occupations.
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DASS Medical
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Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Comprehensive care from conservative to surgical under one roof
- Same-visit diagnosis with in-office X-ray and ultrasound
- Accepts major Washtenaw County insurance plans
❌ Cons / Risks
- Drive to Howell from Ypsilanti (approximately 30-40 minutes)
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
We’re proud to serve the Ypsilanti community. If you’re a student, a manufacturing worker, a diabetic patient, or a senior needing foot care—we have the expertise and the time to give you the attention your feet deserve. Book online or call us. We’ll take care of you.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Ypsilanti?
Approximately 30-40 minutes via US-23 North to M-59.
Do you treat EMU athletes from Ypsilanti?
Yes—we see college and high school athletes for sports-related foot and ankle injuries. Contact us for sports injury evaluation.
Do you accept Michigan Medicaid for Ypsilanti patients?
Yes, we accept Medicaid and most other major Michigan insurance plans.
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 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.