When should I see a podiatrist?

You should see a podiatrist for any persistent foot or ankle pain lasting more than a few days, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, wounds that won't heal, changes in skin color or temperature, or structural deformities. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist serving SE Michigan with same-day appointments available. Call 810-206-1402.

Does Dr. Biernacki accept insurance?

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and many others. Contact our office at 810-206-1402 to verify your specific coverage. We also offer affordable self-pay options.

What should I expect at my first podiatry appointment?

Your first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Biernacki including medical history review, physical examination, biomechanical assessment, and any necessary diagnostic imaging (X-rays are available in-office). You'll receive a diagnosis, treatment plan, and same-day treatment when possible. Most initial visits take approximately 30-45 minutes.

What does a podiatrist treat?

Podiatrists specialize in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They diagnose and treat heel pain, bunions and hammertoes, tendon injuries, nerve conditions (Morton's neuroma, neuropathy), toenail disorders, skin conditions (warts, calluses, ulcers), fractures, sports injuries, diabetic foot complications, ankle instability, and perform foot and ankle surgery. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, Dr. Carl Jay DPM, and Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM AACFAS serve Howell, Bloomfield Hills, and surrounding Michigan communities.

How often should a healthy person see a podiatrist?

Annual foot exams are beneficial if you are over 60, are an active runner or athlete, have diabetes, have a family history of foot problems, or notice any changes in foot shape, nail appearance, or skin texture. Preventive visits catch problems early — before bunions require surgery or a small nail issue becomes an infection.

Can foot problems cause knee, hip, or back pain?

Yes — the foot is the foundation of the kinetic chain. Overpronation causes the tibia to internally rotate, increasing stress on the knee and altering hip alignment. High arches transmit shock poorly, overloading the ankle and knee. Custom orthotics that correct foot mechanics frequently improve knee, hip, and back symptoms — one of the most underappreciated benefits of podiatric care.

When should I see a podiatrist versus an orthopedic surgeon?

Podiatrists specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower leg — making them the most experienced providers for most foot and ankle conditions. For foot and ankle surgery, a DPM with high case volume is appropriate. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle has performed over 3,000 foot and ankle procedures. Call (810) 206-1402.

Psoriatic Arthritis and Your Feet: Symptoms, Diagnosis,...

You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what psoriatic arthritis in feet means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.

Quick answer: Treatment for psoriatic arthritis feet symptoms diagnosis treatment follows a stepwise approach: 1) conservative care first (rest, ice, supportive footwear, OTC anti-inflammatories), 2) physical therapy and targeted exercises, 3) in-office treatments (injections, custom orthotics) if conservative fails at 4-6 weeks, 4) surgery for refractory cases. Most patients resolve at step 1 or 2. Call (810) 206-1402.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.

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

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Same-week appointments available at both locations.

Book Your Appointment

(810) 206-1402

Watch: Psoriatic Arthritis & Your Feet

Dr. Tom on psoriatic arthritis feet — dactylitis, enthesitis, nail changes, axial vs peripheral disease, biologic-era management.

Book Same-Week Appointment · (810) 206-1402

PsA Foot Care Kit

PsA causes unique foot signs. Dr. Tom’s adjunct kit:

As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. This supports our free patient education content.

Cushion-Plus Insoles →

Reduces enthesitis pressure.

Toe Cushions →

Dactylitis (‘sausage toe’) relief.

FlexiKold Ice Pack →

Joint flare swelling.

Doctor Hoy’s Pain Gel →

Topical joint relief.

Book Same-Week Appointment →

More Podiatrist-Recommended Arthritis Essentials

Cushioned Running Shoe

Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon · 3,000+ surgeries · @MichiganFootDoctors (950K+ subscribers)

Last reviewed May 9, 2026 · (810) 206-1402

Watch: How to Regrow Cartilage & Reverse OsteoArthritis? [Can We Do It?] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube

View on Amazon →

Hoka Clifton 10 — max cushioning reduces joint impact for arthritic feet.

Wide Walking Shoe

New Balance 990v6 — wide toe box accommodates arthritic first-MTP (hallux rigidus).

Orthotic Insole

View on Amazon →

PowerStep Pinnacle — offloads the big toe joint during gait.

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.

Arthritis Seniors - Balance Foot & Ankle

When to See a Podiatrist

Foot and ankle arthritis progresses silently — cartilage doesn’t regrow, but joint fusion, cheilectomy, and biologic injections can restore function at every stage. Balance Foot & Ankle offers the full arthritis spectrum: bracing, injections, and reconstructive surgery. Start with a consult so we can image the joint and give you a realistic 5-year outlook.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402

Learn about our podiatric treatment → | Book online →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does treatment take to work?

Most patients see improvement in 4-8 weeks with consistent conservative care. Persistent symptoms after 8 weeks need imaging and escalation.

When is surgery needed?

Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of conservative care, structural deformities, or fractures requiring stabilization.

Is this covered by insurance?

Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Custom orthotics often require diabetic or post-surgical justification.

Ready to fix this for good?

Reading goes so far. The fastest path is a 30-minute office visit. Same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402.