Quick answer: Pontiac Waterford White Lake Foot Doctor Podiatrist is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
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Expert Foot and Ankle Care for Pontiac, Waterford, and White Lake
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Residents of Pontiac, Waterford Township, White Lake Township, and surrounding central Oakland County communities have access to comprehensive podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle’s Bloomfield Hills office, conveniently accessible via Woodward Avenue and M-59. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, provides expert evaluation and evidence-based treatment for all foot and ankle conditions for this diverse and active region.
Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Services
Our practice welcomes patients from throughout central Oakland County for the full range of podiatric conditions. Common presentations from the Pontiac, Waterford, and White Lake area include plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain, bunions and hammertoes, Morton’s neuroma and forefoot conditions, ankle sprains and chronic instability, Achilles tendon disorders, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, diabetic foot care and wound management, flatfoot and arch disorders, nerve conditions, sports injuries, and arthritic foot and ankle problems. Pediatric patients with growth plate conditions, flat feet, and sports injuries are welcome.
Diabetic Foot Care
Central Oakland County has a significant population of patients managing diabetes, for whom foot care is not optional — it’s essential medical management. We provide comprehensive diabetic foot evaluations including sensory and vascular assessment, skin and structural examination, wound evaluation and care, and therapeutic footwear guidance. Medicare-eligible diabetic patients may qualify for covered therapeutic shoes and custom insoles under the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program. We coordinate with your primary care and endocrinology team to ensure integrated management of your diabetes-related foot care.
Advanced Diagnostics and Treatment
Our office features digital X-ray for immediate bone imaging, in-office diagnostic ultrasound for soft tissue evaluation, and comprehensive biomechanical gait analysis. These capabilities allow accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment planning in a single visit, without sending patients to separate imaging facilities. Custom functional orthotics, targeted injection therapies including PRP, physical therapy protocols, and specialist footwear guidance are among our primary conservative treatment tools.
Surgical Expertise
When surgery is the appropriate path forward, Dr. Biernacki provides a full range of foot and ankle surgical procedures with emphasis on minimally invasive approaches, thorough patient education, and close follow-up care through recovery. From routine procedures (ingrown toenail correction, neuroma excision) to complex reconstruction (bunion correction, ankle stabilization, tendon repair, fracture fixation), our surgical care aims for the best possible outcome with the most efficient recovery timeline.
Schedule an Appointment
We welcome new patients from Pontiac, Waterford Township, White Lake, Auburn Hills, Lake Orion, and throughout central Oakland County. We accept most major insurance plans and are Medicare-certified. Morning and afternoon appointments are available with urgent concerns prioritized for prompt care. Call (810) 206-1402 or use our online booking portal to schedule your evaluation.
Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
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📞 (810) 206-1402
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Watch: Dr. Tom explains
Podiatrist-recommended products
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Menthol/arnica topical for localized foot pain.
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Related resources
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Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
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.
What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Ready to feel better?
Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Get Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
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.