Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
The most important clinical decision with Sports Podiatrist Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
Sports Podiatrist Michigan Athletic Foot & Ankle Care relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
Most foot and ankle problems respond to conservative care — proper footwear, supportive inserts, activity modification, and targeted stretching — within 4-8 weeks. Persistent pain beyond that window, or any symptom that prevents walking, warrants a podiatric evaluation to rule out fracture, tendon tear, or systemic cause.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
👟 Dr. Tom Also Recommends
Podiatrist Recommended Shoes 2026: Dr. Tom’s Top Picks for Every Condition
The right footwear can make or break your recovery. Dr. Tom’s complete guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, neuropathy, bunions & more — with clinical picks for every foot type.
See Dr. Tom’s Top Shoe Picks →Athletic foot and ankle injuries demand specialized expertise. If you’re a high school athlete, weekend warrior, or competitive runner, foot problems can derail your performance and sideline you for weeks or months. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle is Michigan’s sports podiatrist of choice — combining biomechanical expertise, advanced imaging, and modern treatments to get athletes back in action faster and stronger.
Common Sports Foot & Ankle Injuries We Treat
Stress fractures — Repetitive impact from running, basketball, soccer, and cross-training can cause microscopic fractures in metatarsals, the navicular, calcaneus, and tibia. Stress fractures are often misdiagnosed as muscle soreness. Dr. Biernacki uses X-ray and MRI to confirm the diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate protected weight-bearing protocol to ensure complete bone healing before return to sport.
Plantar fasciitis in runners — Heel pain is the most common complaint among runners. Michigan runners benefit from a biomechanical running analysis, custom sport orthotics, and if needed, shockwave therapy or PRP injection — all delivered by a specialist who understands athletic demands and won’t just tell you to “stop running.”
Ankle sprains and instability — Improperly treated lateral ankle sprains lead to chronic ankle instability, a condition where the ankle repeatedly gives way. Dr. Biernacki performs both ligament bracing protocols and, when needed, arthroscopic ankle ligament repair for athletes who need definitive surgical stabilization.
Achilles tendinopathy — Achilles tendinitis and insertional Achilles tendinopathy are career-threatening injuries for athletes. Ultrasound-guided PRP injection, targeted eccentric exercise programs, and shockwave therapy are highly effective non-surgical options. Surgical repair is available for complete ruptures.
Turf toe — A hyperextension injury of the big toe joint common in football, soccer, and basketball. Turf toe can range from mild sprain to joint dislocation with cartilage damage. Early appropriate care prevents long-term stiffness.
Sesamoiditis — Inflammation or fracture of the sesamoid bones under the big toe joint causes debilitating forefoot pain in dancers, runners, and basketball players. Treatment ranges from offloading pads and orthotics to surgical sesamoidectomy in refractory cases.
Peroneal tendon tears — These tendons on the outer ankle are frequently injured in ankle sprains. Tears cause persistent lateral ankle pain and weakness. Ultrasound confirmation is essential. Surgical repair is often needed for active athletes.
Sports-Specific Custom Orthotics
Dr. Biernacki fabricates sport-specific custom orthotics using 3D digital scanning. Running orthotics, cleat inserts, basketball orthotics, and cycling insoles are designed for the unique biomechanical demands of each sport. Properly fitted sport orthotics can prevent 40–60% of common overuse injuries before they start.
Minimally Invasive Procedures for Athletes
Athletes often need to return to training quickly. Dr. Biernacki prioritizes minimally invasive approaches: ultrasound-guided injections (cortisone, PRP), arthroscopic procedures, and mini-incision techniques that minimize recovery time without compromising outcomes. Most sports procedures are performed as same-day outpatient surgery.
Michigan Sports Podiatry Locations
Balance Foot & Ankle has offices throughout southeast Michigan — convenient for athletes across the greater Detroit area. Call (734) 479-6200 for a sports injury evaluation. Same-week appointments are prioritized for active patients who need fast answers.
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
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 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sports podiatrist?
A sports podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions in athletes — from weekend warriors to professional competitors. They combine biomechanical expertise with knowledge of athletic demands to deliver treatments that restore performance while minimizing time away from sport.
When should an athlete see a podiatrist instead of an orthopedic surgeon?
A podiatrist is your best first step for any foot or ankle problem. Podiatrists have completed 4 years of podiatric medical school plus 3 years of surgical residency specifically focused on the foot and ankle. For complex foot and ankle conditions, a foot and ankle specialist podiatrist often has more focused training than a general orthopedic surgeon.
Can I keep training with a stress fracture?
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
It depends on the fracture location and severity. Some stress fractures (low risk) can be managed with modified training (cross-training, pool running). High-risk stress fractures (navicular, fifth metatarsal base, anterior tibia) require strict non-weight-bearing rest to prevent complete fracture and surgery. Always get imaging first.
Join 950,000+ Learning About Foot Health
Dr. Tom shares honest medical advice, supplement reviews, and treatment guides you won’t find anywhere else.
Subscribe on YouTube →📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
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 Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMost Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Waiting too long before seeking care. Fix: any foot pain lasting more than 4 weeks, or any sudden severe symptom, deserves a professional evaluation rather than more rest.
Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
Seek immediate evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you experience any of the following:
- Unable to bear weight
- Severe swelling with skin colour change
- Fever with foot pain (possible infection)
- Diabetes plus any new foot symptom
Call (810) 206-1402 — same-day and next-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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
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.
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offices.
Ready for Expert Care?
Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI.
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.