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.
Second Opinions in Foot Surgery: Your Right and Your Protection
The decision to undergo foot surgery is significant — with recovery measured in months, implications for activity and work, and potential complications that can affect foot function long-term. A second opinion before committing to foot surgery is not just your right — in many cases, it is your most important protective step. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan, we regularly provide second opinions for patients seeking confirmation or alternatives to recommended foot surgery from other providers. We welcome this role and provide honest assessments that may confirm the recommended surgery, suggest alternatives, or identify a different approach entirely.
When a Second Opinion Is Especially Valuable
Certain situations make second opinions particularly important. Elective surgery without urgent indication: any surgery for a chronic condition (bunions, hammertoes, flat feet) where you have time to seek additional input. Major reconstructive procedures: fusion surgery, Charcot reconstruction, ankle replacement — high-stakes procedures where the surgical plan and surgeon experience significantly affect outcomes. When you don’t fully understand the recommendation: if the proposed surgery, its rationale, or recovery expectations aren’t clearly explained. When the recommended approach seems aggressive for your symptoms: if you have mild symptoms but are recommended major surgery. When your condition hasn’t been treated conservatively first: if invasive intervention is suggested without adequate trial of appropriate conservative management.
What to Bring to a Second Opinion Consultation
To make the most of a second opinion: bring all relevant imaging with the actual images (not just reports) — X-ray CDs, MRI discs with the images. Bring reports from any prior evaluations. Write a clear timeline of your symptoms: when they started, what you’ve tried, what helped or didn’t. Bring a list of specific questions about the proposed surgery. Bring the proposed surgical plan in writing if one was provided. The more complete the information you arrive with, the more productive the second opinion consultation.
Questions to Ask at a Second Opinion
Effective questions for any foot surgery second opinion: Is surgery the only option, or are there conservative treatments I haven’t tried? What is the realistic success rate for this procedure for my specific condition? What does recovery involve (weight-bearing restrictions, time off work, physical therapy)? What are the risks — both common and serious? What happens if I don’t have surgery? Are there alternative surgical approaches to the one recommended? What is your personal experience with this procedure? Contact Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule a second opinion consultation — we welcome patients seeking an independent assessment of their foot and ankle surgical recommendations.
Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
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📞 (810) 206-1402
When to Get a Second Opinion on Foot Surgery
Getting a second opinion before foot surgery is a smart decision. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki provides honest second opinions for patients considering foot and ankle surgery, reviewing your imaging, discussing all treatment options, and helping you make an informed decision.
Learn About Our Surgical Consultation Options | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- Payne VL, Singh H, Meyer AND, et al. Patient-initiated second opinions: systematic review of characteristics and impact on diagnosis, treatment, and satisfaction. Mayo Clin Proc. 2014;89(5):602-614.
- Tam Y, Moloney FJ, Gee R, et al. The role of second opinions in dermatology. Australas J Dermatol. 2020;61(2):150-153.
- Van Such M, Lohr R, Beckman T, et al. Extent of diagnostic agreement among medical referrals. J Eval Clin Pract. 2017;23(4):870-874.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
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.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Surgery Essentials
HOKA Ora 3 Recovery Slide
Max-cushion recovery sandal — comfort for post-surgical swelling.
Hoka Bondi 9
Max-cushion walking shoe — ease into return-to-walking post-surgery.
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
Foot and ankle surgery in 2026 is dramatically different than a decade ago — most procedures are now minimally-invasive, outpatient, and allow weight-bearing within days. Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot/ankle surgeries with modern techniques. If another surgeon has recommended a traditional open procedure, a second opinion may reveal a faster, less-invasive option.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)