Quick answer: Rochester Hills Auburn Hills 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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Podiatric Care Serving Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
If you’re searching for a foot and ankle specialist in the Rochester Hills or Auburn Hills area of Oakland County, Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive podiatric care at our Bloomfield Hills location — just a short drive from both communities. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, offers expert evaluation and treatment for the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, from everyday heel pain to complex surgical cases.
Common Foot Conditions We Treat
Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills residents seek care for many of the same foot and ankle problems we see throughout southeast Michigan. Our practice has extensive experience treating heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions and bunionettes, hammertoes and digital deformities, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care and wound management, ankle sprains and instability, Achilles tendon disorders, neuromas and nerve conditions, flat feet and arch problems, and sports-related foot and ankle injuries.
Whether your problem has developed gradually over months or began suddenly with an injury, we provide thorough evaluation and individualized treatment plans rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.
Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we use in-office digital X-rays for immediate bone and joint imaging, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound for soft tissue evaluation, and comprehensive biomechanical gait analysis. These tools allow us to identify the root cause of your symptoms rather than simply treating surface-level pain.
For Oakland County patients in Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills, having access to these diagnostic capabilities in a single convenient office visit saves time and speeds the path to treatment.
Conservative Treatment First
The majority of foot and ankle problems respond to non-surgical treatment when addressed appropriately. Our conservative toolkit includes custom functional orthotics fabricated based on your specific foot mechanics, physical therapy protocols and home exercise programs, advanced injection therapies including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for chronic tendon conditions, padding and strapping techniques, and specialized footwear guidance.
We take time to explain all treatment options and their expected timelines so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Surgical Expertise When Needed
When surgery is appropriate, Dr. Biernacki performs a many foot and ankle procedures with emphasis on minimally invasive techniques where applicable. Bunion correction, hammertoe repair, plantar fascia release, neuroma excision, ankle stabilization, tendon repair, and fracture fixation are among the procedures performed. Our team provides comprehensive pre- and post-surgical care to optimize your outcome and recovery experience.
Serving Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, and Surrounding Oakland County
Our Bloomfield Hills office is conveniently located for patients from Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Oxford, and other Oakland County communities. We welcome new patients and work with most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Aetna, and many others.
Rochester Hills sits at the center of northern Oakland County with a population of approximately 74,000 residents. Auburn Hills, home to Oakland University and numerous major employers, brings many active adults and workers with occupational foot demands to our practice.
Diabetic Foot Care for Oakland County Patients
Diabetes affects a significant proportion of adults in Michigan, and diabetic foot complications represent some of the most serious and preventable consequences of this disease. We offer comprehensive diabetic foot care programs including regular preventive examinations, vascular and neurological screening, custom diabetic footwear and orthotics, and wound care management.
Proactive diabetic foot care can prevent serious complications including infection and amputation. Annual podiatric examinations are recommended for all patients with diabetes.
Scheduling an Appointment
New patients from Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills are welcome at Balance Foot & Ankle. We offer convenient morning, afternoon, and select early evening appointment times. For urgent concerns such as acute injuries, infected ingrown toenails, or wound problems, we prioritize prompt evaluation.
Call us at (810) 206-1402 or use our online booking system to schedule your appointment. Our knowledgeable staff will help match you with the appointment time and type of visit that best fits your needs.
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.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
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Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
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
Watch: Dr. Tom explains
Podiatrist-recommended products
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Evidence-based arch support for Rochester Hills patients.
Ankle support for Auburn Hills residents.
Home cryotherapy for Oakland County patients.
Topical relief for local patients.
Related resources
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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.
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.