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.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Washtenaw County’s eastern communities—Ypsilanti, Saline, Milan, and their surrounding townships—form a active mix of Eastern Michigan University students and faculty, automotive manufacturing employees, and active suburban families. Balance Foot & Ankle’s Dr. Tom Biernacki serves this community with comprehensive podiatric care, accessible from Ypsilanti in approximately 35–40 minutes via US-23 north to our Howell office.
The most important clinical decision with Podiatrist Ypsilanti Saline Michigan Balance Foot Ankle isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Ypsilanti: University Town and Athletic Hub
Eastern Michigan University’s Eagles athletics and thousands of active students create significant demand for sports podiatric care in the Ypsilanti area. Cross-country runners, basketball players, soccer athletes, and recreational fitness enthusiasts at EMU and in the broader Ypsilanti community are well-served by Dr. Biernacki’s sports injury expertise. Ford Lake and the Huron River provide additional outdoor activity venues. The diverse Ypsilanti community also includes automotive manufacturing workers at Ford and other suppliers who benefit from occupational foot health care.
Saline: Active Suburban Community
Saline’s growing suburban community and excellent school system attract active families with school-age athletes. Saline High School sports programs—particularly cross-country, track and field, and lacrosse—produce foot and ankle injuries consistent with competitive youth athletics. The Saline area’s rural-suburban character means outdoor activities including trail running, hiking, and equestrian sports contribute to our patient mix. Sever’s disease, ankle sprains, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis in young athletes are commonly treated conditions.
Services for Ypsilanti and Saline Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive podiatric care for Washtenaw County eastern communities including: heel pain and plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle sprains, bunion and hammertoe correction, ingrown toenail treatment, Sever’s disease in young athletes, diabetic foot care, fungal nail infections, custom orthotics, wart treatment, and surgical consultation for complex conditions. Telehealth appointments are available for Ypsilanti and Saline patients who prefer remote initial assessment before making the drive to Howell.
Getting Here from Ypsilanti and Saline
From Ypsilanti: US-23 north to M-59 east, then south to our Howell office—approximately 35–40 minutes. From Saline: US-23 north is equally direct, typically under 40 minutes. Our Howell location sits at the Livingston-Washtenaw county border, making it highly accessible for all of eastern Washtenaw County. Call (517) 579-1881 or schedule online at MichiganFootDoctors.com.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Tuli’s Cheetah Heel Cup for Sever’s Disease
⭐ Highly Rated
Gel heel cup specifically designed for Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) in young athletes. Absorbs impact and reduces calcaneal growth plate stress.
Dr. Tom says: “My Saline High School cross-country runner had Sever’s disease. These heel cups let her keep training with manageable pain.”
Young athletes ages 8–14 with heel pain during growth spurts, Sever’s disease
Adult plantar fasciitis requiring full arch support orthotic
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Brooks Ghost Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Balanced cushioning and neutral support for recreational runners and student-athletes. Suitable for EMU runners and Saline High School athletes managing plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy.
Dr. Tom says: “Dr. Biernacki recommended a neutral cushioned trainer and the Brooks Ghost was perfect. My Achilles pain resolved within a month.”
Recreational and student runners with mild overpronation, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy
Severe overpronation or structural deformity requiring motion control footwear
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- US-23 makes Ypsilanti and Saline among the most accessible Washtenaw County communities to our Howell office
- Youth athlete sports injury expertise including Sever’s disease, stress fractures, and return-to-sport protocols
- Telehealth options reduce unnecessary drives for Ypsilanti and Saline patients with busy academic and family schedules
❌ Cons / Risks
- Local Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor podiatry options exist—Balance Foot & Ankle is best for patients needing surgical expertise or second opinions
- EMU student athletes may find university health services more convenient for routine care
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Washtenaw County patients from the Ypsilanti and Saline area are often connected to university culture—they’re curious, they ask questions, and they appreciate when I explain the why behind the diagnosis and treatment. EMU students especially want to understand their injury and be active participants in recovery. I enjoy that approach. Saline has a strong youth athletics culture and Sever’s disease in growing athletes is something I see regularly—it’s a very manageable condition and most young athletes can keep competing with appropriate modifications.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ypsilanti from Balance Foot & Ankle’s Howell office?
Approximately 35–40 minutes via US-23 north—one of the most direct routes in the region. Saline is similarly 35–40 minutes. We’re conveniently located near the Livingston-Washtenaw county border, making our office accessible for all of eastern Washtenaw County without lengthy travel.
Does Dr. Biernacki treat Sever’s disease in youth athletes?
Yes. Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is very common in 8–14 year old athletes in sports like soccer, cross-country, and basketball. Treatment involves heel lifts or gel heel cups, activity modification, stretching protocols, and occasionally temporary activity restriction. Most young athletes are back to full sport within 4–8 weeks with appropriate management.
Are EMU student-athletes welcome at Balance Foot & Ankle?
Yes. Eastern Michigan University student-athletes experiencing foot and ankle injuries can schedule appointments with Dr. Biernacki. We provide sport-specific evaluation, return-to-activity timelines, and can coordinate communication with athletic trainers when needed.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle serve the Milan and Saline township areas of Washtenaw County?
Yes. We welcome patients from throughout Washtenaw County’s eastern communities including Saline, Milan, York Township, Bridgewater Township, and surrounding rural areas. All are accessible from our Howell office via US-23 in under 45 minutes.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills
📞 (810) 206-1402 Book Online →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.
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.
Find a Board-Certified Podiatrist (American Podiatric Medical Association)
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.