Quick answer: Southeast Michigan Foot Ankle Specialist is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.
▶ Watch
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Last Updated:
March 2026
Watch Dr. Tom: Book → | (810) 206-1402
Serving All of Southeast Michigan
Balance Foot & Ankle provides board-certified podiatric care to patients throughout the Southeast Michigan region — encompassing Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe, and Livingston Counties and the dozens of cities, townships, and communities that make up the greater Detroit metropolitan area. Our physicians have treated foot and ankle patients from every corner of this region, from the urban communities of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park to the rural communities of Lapeer County and the Downriver corridor, the upscale communities of Oakland County is western suburbs, and the waterfront communities of Lake St. Clair.
Southeast Michigan is one of the most medically sophisticated regions in the country, and our patients expect and receive care that reflects the standards of a major academic medical center combined with the accessibility and personal attention of a private practice. Our physicians are board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and maintain the continuing medical education and quality improvement activities that ensure our practice reflects the current state of evidence in foot and ankle medicine.
Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Services
Our practice provides the complete spectrum of podiatric services for patients throughout Southeast Michigan. Conservative care includes custom orthotics, physical therapy direction, injection therapies including corticosteroid, platelet-rich plasma, and hyaluronic acid, wound care and diabetic foot management, shockwave therapy for chronic tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis, and laser treatment for fungal nail infections. Surgical care encompasses the full range of foot and ankle procedures from minor office-based procedures for nail conditions and soft tissue lesions to complex reconstructive surgery including flatfoot reconstruction, ankle arthroplasty, and revision procedures for failed prior surgeries.
Why Southeast Michigan Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle
Patients throughout Southeast Michigan choose Balance Foot & Ankle because of our commitment to same-week accessibility — we recognize that foot and ankle pain does not wait, and neither should our patients. Our board-certified physicians take time to explain diagnoses and treatment options thoroughly, and our treatment recommendations are grounded in the best available evidence rather than convenience or convention. We accept Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, HAP, and most other major insurance plans accepted throughout Southeast Michigan. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.
Ready to Relieve Your Foot Pain?
Board-certified podiatrists serving Southeast Michigan. Same-week appointments available.
Our Doctors
Conditions We Treat
Serving Southeast Michigan & Surrounding Areas
(810) 206-1402
Book Appointment →
Howell, MI 48843 | Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Big Toe Joint Fusion Surgery in Michigan
First MTP joint arthrodesis provides lasting pain relief for severe hallux rigidus and big toe arthritis. Our podiatric surgeons perform big toe fusion and joint-sparing procedures at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.
Learn About Big Toe Joint Surgery | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- Coughlin MJ, Shurnas PS. Hallux rigidus: grading and long-term results of operative treatment. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85(11):2072-2088.
- Goucher NR, Coughlin MJ. Hallux metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis using dome-shaped reamers and dorsal plate fixation. Foot Ankle Int. 2006;27(11):869-876.
- Raikin SM, et al. Failed treatment of hallux rigidus with metallic hemiarthroplasty. Foot Ankle Int. 2014;35(11):1122-1128.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
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 Township 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 Township
Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
Best for: Chronic ankle instability · Repeat ankle sprains · Proprioception & return-to-play · Athletes
The lace-up stabilizer athletic trainers and podiatrists reach for first. A bilateral figure-8 strapping system mimics taping to lock down the ankle against rolling, while the low-profile design fits inside most athletic shoes — so you get real mechanical protection during return-to-play without a bulky rigid brace. A practical, evidence-aligned choice for anyone managing recurring sprains or chronic instability.
▶ Check Price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. Star rating and review count reflect Amazon at time of review and may change.
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
![Is My Ankle Broken or Sprained? [Best Broken Ankle Home Treatment!]](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/67456cc904888ad02ca88f46d7712643.jpg)
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Week Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-week appointment availability.
Same-week appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Shop Doctor Hoy’s →
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.