Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, 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
The most important clinical decision with Podiatry Near Me Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Finding the Right Podiatrist in Michigan
Searching “podiatrist near me” returns a list — but choosing the right podiatrist involves more than geographic proximity. Board certification, subspecialty fellowship training, available diagnostic technology, and the practice’s ability to actually see you quickly all determine whether you’ll receive the level of care your foot problem deserves. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle combines all of these factors with two strategically located Southeast Michigan offices designed to serve the largest possible patient population within a reasonable drive.
Our Two Southeast Michigan Locations
Balance Foot & Ankle serves Southeast Michigan from two offices. Our Howell location serves Livingston County — including Brighton, Hamburg Township, Hartland, Pinckney, Fowlerville, and all surrounding rural communities. Our Bloomfield Township location serves Oakland County — including Troy, Farmington Hills, Royal Oak, Waterford, Pontiac, Rochester, and the greater Detroit metro corridor. Between the two offices, the practice provides convenient access to Board-Certified podiatric care for over 2 million Michigan residents.
What Sets Balance Foot & Ankle Apart
Fellowship training distinguishes Dr. Biernacki from many general podiatrists. Fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons complete an additional year of intensive surgical training after residency — equivalent to surgical subspecialty fellowship in other medical specialties. This training encompasses complex reconstructive surgery, trauma, sports medicine, and minimally invasive techniques that exceed the scope of standard podiatric residency training.
Same-week scheduling is a genuine commitment — not a marketing promise. Dr. Biernacki understands that patients with acute foot pain cannot and should not wait weeks for evaluation. Our scheduling system reserves capacity for new patient appointments, ensuring most patients are seen within 5–7 business days. Urgent concerns — suspected fractures, infections, and diabetic foot complications — are typically accommodated within 24–48 hours.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
New patients at Balance Foot & Ankle receive a comprehensive evaluation including detailed history, physical examination, weight-bearing gait assessment, and any necessary in-office imaging (digital X-ray or diagnostic ultrasound). Dr. Biernacki takes time to explain his findings clearly, presents all treatment options including conservative and surgical approaches, and develops a plan aligned with the patient’s activity goals and lifestyle. Patients leave each appointment with a clear understanding of their diagnosis and a concrete treatment path — not just a referral to return in six weeks.
Insurance and Self-Pay Options
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans across both locations: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Priority Health, United Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid for qualifying patients. For patients without insurance, transparent self-pay pricing is available. Call (810) 588-0985 or visit michiganfootdoctors.com to verify your coverage and schedule your appointment.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
The most clinically recommended OTC orthotic — firm arch support and deep heel cup for plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and general foot pain while awaiting your podiatry appointment.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended this while I waited for my custom orthotics — provided meaningful relief in the interim.”
First-line OTC orthotic trial before podiatry evaluation, mild to moderate foot pain
Significant structural foot problems requiring custom orthotics and professional evaluation
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
TheraBand Resistance Band Loop Set
⭐ Highly Rated
Resistance band set for ankle strengthening, physical therapy exercises, and foot rehabilitation — useful for home exercise programs prescribed at your Balance Foot & Ankle appointment.
Dr. Tom says: “Got a resistance band exercise program from my podiatrist — these bands cover all the recommended resistance levels.”
Home physical therapy program, ankle strengthening, post-appointment exercise prescription
Active injury requiring professional treatment before beginning exercise programs
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
RICE Therapy Ice Pack (Reusable Gel Pack)
⭐ Highly Rated
Flexible reusable gel ice pack for foot and ankle injury acute management — a practical home tool for managing inflammation while awaiting your podiatry evaluation.
Dr. Tom says: “Keep one of these in the freezer — essential for managing acute foot pain between activities.”
Acute foot and ankle injury management, inflammation control, home care
Chronic conditions where heat or professional treatment is more appropriate than ice
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Two Southeast Michigan locations — Howell and Bloomfield Township — serve over 2 million residents
- Fellowship-trained, Board-Certified podiatrist with subspecialty expertise
- Same-week appointments for most new patients; 24–48 hour urgent care
- Most major insurance plans accepted at both locations
❌ Cons / Risks
- Not every Michigan community is within 15–20 minutes of either location
- High patient volume means scheduling premium early morning or late evening slots is competitive
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
When patients search for a podiatrist near them, they’re usually in pain and want answers quickly. That’s exactly why we built our scheduling system the way we did — same-week appointments aren’t a special circumstance, they’re our standard. If your foot hurts today, I want to see you this week, give you a real diagnosis, and start you on a treatment plan that actually works.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon for foot problems?
Podiatrists complete medical school specifically focused on foot, ankle, and lower leg medicine and surgery — their entire training centers on this anatomic region. Orthopedic surgeons complete general orthopedic training and may subspecialize in foot and ankle. Fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons like Dr. Biernacki have equivalent or superior expertise for foot and ankle conditions compared to general orthopedic surgeons. For most foot conditions, a board-certified podiatrist is the appropriate first specialist.
What should I bring to my first podiatry appointment?
Bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, any prior imaging (X-rays or MRI on disc), and — importantly — the shoes you wear most often. Dr. Biernacki evaluates footwear as part of every new patient biomechanical assessment. If your symptoms are activity-related, bring the shoes you wear for that activity.
How quickly can I get a same-day appointment in Michigan?
Same-day appointments are occasionally available for existing patients with urgent concerns. New patients with urgent needs — suspected fractures, infections, or diabetic foot complications — are typically seen within 24–48 hours. Call (810) 588-0985 as early in the day as possible for the best chance of rapid scheduling.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Township
📞 (810) 206-1402 Book Online →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.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle condition, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Related Conditions
American Podiatric Medical Association: Find a Podiatrist
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
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Meet Your Michigan Podiatrists
Your appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle is with one of our Michigan-based podiatrists:
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.