Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer: Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC serves patients from Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, and surrounding Washtenaw County communities at our Brighton and Howell Michigan locations. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides heel pain treatment, bunion evaluation, sports injury management, diabetic foot care, and custom orthotics. Washtenaw County patients traveling west on I-94 or north on US-23 to Brighton are typically 20–35 minutes from our clinic. We accept most Michigan insurance plans and offer same-week scheduling for urgent concerns.
Patients from Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, and eastern Washtenaw County are just 20–35 minutes from specialty-level foot and ankle care at Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC in Brighton. Dr. Tom Biernacki serves the full range of foot and ankle conditions for the highly active, health-conscious Washtenaw County community — from University of Michigan-area runners and athletes to working families in Saline and the rural townships north of Ann Arbor.
A Short Drive from Ypsilanti and Eastern Washtenaw County
From Ypsilanti: Take I-94 West to US-23 North toward Brighton. Exit at Brighton Road or continue to M-59 for Howell. Total drive: approximately 25–35 minutes — a straightforward all-freeway route.
From Saline: Take US-23 North directly to Brighton Road or M-59. Saline is one of the closest Washtenaw County communities to our Brighton clinic — approximately 20–25 minutes north on US-23.
From Dexter and Chelsea: Take I-94 West to US-23 North, or take M-52 North directly toward Brighton. Total drive: approximately 25–35 minutes.
For Washtenaw County patients already using US-23 or I-94/I-96 for other errands or commutes, our Brighton location is a natural stop on a familiar route.
Why Eastern Washtenaw County Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle
The Ypsilanti-Saline-Dexter corridor includes a remarkably active population: EMU student-athletes, Saline High School cross-country and track competitors, Dexter cyclists and triathletes, and the broader eastern Washtenaw County running and outdoor recreation community. This population benefits from Dr. Biernacki’s sports-focused diagnostic approach — in-office diagnostic ultrasound, precise biomechanical evaluation, and evidence-based injection therapies that get athletes back to their sport with minimal interruption.
At the same time, eastern Washtenaw County has a significant working-class and manufacturing population — Ford and automotive supplier workers in Ypsilanti Township, healthcare workers at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Michigan Medicine affiliates, and the agricultural and residential communities through Saline and Bridgewater townships — who present with occupational heel pain, diabetic foot complications, and industrial foot injuries that require thorough evaluation and practical treatment approaches.
Common Conditions We Treat for Washtenaw County Patients
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — our most common presenting condition for Ypsilanti and Saline patients. In-office diagnostic ultrasound provides same-day imaging of the plantar fascia, confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment intensity within your first appointment.
Sports injuries for Eastern Washtenaw County athletes — stress fractures, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, peroneal tendon injuries, and turf toe. EMU athletes, competitive high school athletes from Saline and Dexter, and adult recreational athletes from the Washtenaw County running community receive comprehensive sports injury evaluation at our Brighton clinic.
Bunion evaluation — both conservative management with custom orthotics and surgical evaluation. Washtenaw County patients considering bunion surgery receive thorough evaluation including X-ray deformity measurement and discussion of minimally invasive versus traditional correction techniques.
Diabetic foot care — annual evaluations, neuropathy screening, vascular assessment, wound management, and therapeutic shoe program. Washtenaw County’s diverse population includes many patients managing diabetes who benefit from comprehensive preventive foot care beyond basic nail trimming.
Custom orthotics — prescription orthotics crafted from a 3D scan of your specific foot, addressing your precise biomechanical needs. Many Washtenaw County runners in particular find custom orthotics the key to resolving chronic overuse injuries that generic insoles haven’t solved.
Insurance and Scheduling
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major Michigan insurance plans. Washtenaw County patients on University of Michigan employee health plans (BCBSM, Aetna, or other UM-affiliated plans) are welcome — our team verifies coverage before your appointment. Same-week appointments are available for most concerns, with same-day availability for urgent injuries, severe ingrown toenails, and acute diabetic foot concerns.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
CURREX RUNPRO Dynamic Arch Support Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Performance insole for Ypsilanti, Saline, and Dexter-area runners and athletes. Available in low, medium, and high arch profiles. Responsive, thin, and fits in racing flats, trail shoes, and casual athletic footwear.
Dr. Tom says: “”I run with the Saline Running Club and my podiatrist at Brighton recommended CURREX for my marathon training. My heel pain resolved within two weeks.””
Best for: Active runners, cyclists, and triathletes in Washtenaw County
Not ideal for: Patients needing thick cushioned insoles or full orthotic support
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Semi-rigid OTC orthotic for daily heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and arch support — recommended while custom orthotics are being evaluated or fabricated. Works in most athletic and casual footwear.
Dr. Tom says: “”My podiatrist in Brighton recommended these for my Ypsilanti coworker who was suffering from heel pain. She said they helped immediately.””
Best for: Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, general occupational arch support
Not ideal for: Minimalist or very low-volume shoe styles
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Foot & Leg
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Topical anti-inflammatory gel with natural arnica and menthol for between-visit pain management. Preferred by Washtenaw County patients who want effective daily relief without oral medication.
Dr. Tom says: “”I use this on my heel after long runs. Takes the edge off beautifully and I don’t have to take ibuprofen every day anymore.””
Best for: Daily topical pain management for athletes and working adults
Not ideal for: Open wounds, broken skin, or active ulcers
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 20–35 minute drive for most Ypsilanti, Saline, and Dexter patients via US-23 or I-94/I-96
- Sports injury expertise well-matched to eastern Washtenaw County’s active running and athletic communities
- In-office diagnostic ultrasound provides same-day diagnosis without a separate radiology visit
❌ Cons / Risks
- Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan patients may find UM Health podiatry more convenient for in-system care
- Rush-hour US-23 and I-94/I-96 traffic can extend drive times from Ypsilanti — morning appointments are typically fastest
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
The eastern Washtenaw County community is one I love seeing — it’s an incredibly active, health-conscious group. Saline runners training for Detroit and Chicago marathons, Dexter cyclists doing DALMAC, EMU track athletes — they want precise diagnosis and evidence-based return-to-sport protocols, not just ‘rest and ice for six weeks.’ Our diagnostic ultrasound and biomechanical evaluation approach gives that community exactly what they need. And the drive from Saline or Ypsilanti to Brighton is genuinely easy — US-23 North is not a complicated commute.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Balance Foot & Ankle close to Ypsilanti Michigan?
Yes — our Brighton location is approximately 25–35 minutes from central Ypsilanti via I-94 West to US-23 North. It’s a straightforward freeway drive and one of the closer specialty podiatry options available to eastern Washtenaw County patients who want comprehensive diagnostic capabilities including in-office ultrasound.
Do you treat EMU student athletes?
Yes. We evaluate and treat foot and ankle injuries in student-athletes, including stress fractures, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, and sports-specific conditions. Dr. Biernacki provides return-to-sport timelines and treatment protocols compatible with academic athletic schedules. We are not an official EMU athletics provider but serve student and community athletes of all levels.
How do Saline patients get to Balance Foot & Ankle?
From Saline: Take US-23 North approximately 20 miles to Brighton Road or continue to M-59 for Howell. It’s one of the shortest drives of any Washtenaw County community to our clinic — approximately 20–25 minutes in normal traffic. US-23 is a direct, mostly freeway drive without complicated routing.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept University of Michigan employee insurance?
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, and most other plans commonly used by UM employees and faculty. Coverage depends on your specific plan and the services you need. Please call our office with your insurance card information and our team will verify your coverage before your appointment.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)