Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle conditions across Southeast Michigan — but the most important factor in outcomes isn’t getting seen quickly. Our podiatrists explain what to do in the first 24-48 hours before your appointment that most patients skip entirely. Call (810) 206-1402 — expert podiatric care across Michigan.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
The most important clinical decision with St Ignace Michigan Podiatrist isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Advanced Podiatric Care for St. Ignace and Mackinac County
St. Ignace — the seat of Mackinac County and one of the oldest continuously occupied European settlements in Michigan — sits at the northern foot of the Mackinac Bridge, directly across the Straits of Mackinac from Mackinaw City. With a year-round population of approximately 2,300 and a substantial tribal community affiliated with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, St. Ignace is the primary service hub for the eastern Upper Peninsula’s southernmost county.
Dr. Tom Biernacki provides expert foot and ankle care for St. Ignace residents and patients throughout Mackinac County, offering the specialized podiatric services that would otherwise require a two-to-three hour drive to Traverse City or the Sault Ste. Marie area.
Foot Health in St. Ignace: Community and Clinical Context
Native American Tribal Community Diabetic Foot Care
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has a significant presence in St. Ignace and throughout Mackinac County. Native American communities carry disproportionately high rates of Type 2 diabetes — a condition that produces peripheral neuropathy, Charcot foot, and diabetic ulcers when poorly controlled. Dr. Biernacki is experienced in diabetic foot surveillance, neuropathy assessment, and ulcer management, and works with tribal health programs to support preventive foot care for high-risk community members.
Mackinac Straits Health System Coordination
Mackinac Straits Health System serves as the primary acute care facility for St. Ignace and Mackinac County. Dr. Biernacki maintains active communication with referring physicians at MSHS and accepts complex foot and ankle referrals from primary care providers throughout the county. For patients requiring lab work, vascular studies, or wound care coordination, we integrate seamlessly with the local healthcare infrastructure.
Outdoor and Marine Recreation Injuries
St. Ignace’s position at the gateway to Mackinac Island and the northern Lake Huron shoreline makes it a hub for outdoor recreation — kayaking, hiking, cycling, and snowmobiling. Ankle sprains from rocky shoreline terrain, metatarsal stress fractures in cyclists, and snowmobile-related foot and ankle trauma are conditions we see regularly in patients from this community.
Bridge Workers and Transportation Industry
The Mackinac Bridge Authority employs maintenance and operations staff who work in physically demanding conditions on one of the longest suspension bridges in the Western Hemisphere. Bridge workers and transportation industry employees face specific occupational foot hazards — heavy footwear requirements, prolonged standing on steel and concrete, and extreme weather exposure. We evaluate and treat occupational foot conditions with appropriate documentation for workers’ compensation when applicable.
What St. Ignace Patients Should Know Before Traveling for Care
We understand that patients traveling from St. Ignace face a meaningful time commitment. To make the most of your visit, we recommend scheduling a comprehensive new patient evaluation (60 minutes) that allows time for imaging, a complete examination, and a thorough discussion of your diagnosis and treatment options. Bring all prior imaging, a complete medication list, your insurance cards, and any orthotics or braces you currently use. For diabetic patients, bring your most recent HbA1c results and a list of medications affecting circulation and sensation.
We can often complete X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, and custom orthotic impressions in a single visit — minimizing the need for return trips from long distances.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Theraband Resistance Band Set for Foot Exercises
⭐ Highly Rated
Latex resistance band set for posterior tibial tendon strengthening, Achilles rehabilitation, and ankle stability exercises. Essential for St. Ignace patients managing conditions between appointments when physical therapy isn’t locally available.
Dr. Tom says: “Living in the UP I can’t go to physical therapy twice a week. My podiatrist gave me a home exercise program using these bands and my PTTD has improved dramatically.”
Home exercise programs, PTTD rehabilitation, ankle instability, Achilles tendinopathy
Patients with latex allergies — choose latex-free alternative bands
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Medi Protect Diabetic Socks
⭐ Highly Rated
Non-binding diabetic socks with seamless construction, moisture management, and gentle compression. Critical for St. Ignace diabetic patients and those with peripheral neuropathy who need to prevent blisters and pressure injuries.
Dr. Tom says: “As a diabetic I have to be careful about my feet. These socks eliminate the seam pressure that used to cause blisters I didn’t even feel until they were infected.”
Diabetic neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, sensitive feet, pressure injury prevention
Patients with severe lymphedema requiring medical-grade compression garments
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Ossur Exoform Carpal Ankle Brace
⭐ Highly Rated
Anatomically contoured rigid ankle brace for chronic ankle instability and peroneal tendon protection during outdoor activity. Ideal for St. Ignace hikers, kayakers, and snowmobilers managing chronic ankle conditions.
Dr. Tom says: “I kayak along the St. Ignace shoreline all summer and my chronic ankle has never felt unstable in this brace. Far more supportive than lace-up braces I’ve tried.”
Chronic ankle instability, outdoor recreation on uneven terrain, peroneal tendon protection
Acute severe sprains requiring immobilization — use a walking boot instead
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Comprehensive podiatric care without traveling to Traverse City or downstate Michigan
- Extended appointment slots available for long-distance St. Ignace patients
- Experienced in diabetic foot care for tribal community members
- Coordination with Mackinac Straits Health System referring physicians
- X-ray, ultrasound, and orthotic casting frequently completed in a single visit
❌ Cons / Risks
- St. Ignace is a two-hour-plus drive requiring advance scheduling and planning
- Follow-up visits require the same travel commitment
- Local physical therapy resources in Mackinac County are limited for post-visit rehabilitation
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
When a patient drives two hours from St. Ignace to see me, they’ve already invested half a day in their health. I take that seriously. My goal is to get them a complete diagnosis and a clear, actionable plan in that first visit — so they’re not making repeat trips for information they could have gotten the first time. Rural patients deserve thorough, efficient care.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from St. Ignace to Balance Foot & Ankle?
The exact drive time depends on your specific location and which of our clinic locations you’re visiting. We recommend calling our office to confirm the best location for patients coming from St. Ignace and Mackinac County.
What should I bring to my first appointment from St. Ignace?
Bring all prior imaging (X-rays, MRI on disc), your current medications list, insurance cards, any orthotics or braces you wear, and — for diabetic patients — recent lab work including HbA1c. This allows a complete evaluation in one visit and minimizes return trip needs.
Does Dr. Biernacki work with Mackinac Straits Health System?
Yes. We communicate directly with MSHS primary care providers for complex cases and accept referrals from physicians at Mackinac Straits. Coordination letters and care summaries are provided to referring physicians at the conclusion of your visit.
Can diabetic patients from St. Ignace get annual foot exams?
Absolutely. Annual diabetic foot surveillance is one of the most important preventive services we provide. We assess for peripheral neuropathy, vascular disease, deformity, and early ulcer formation — all of which are manageable when caught early. We can also provide documentation of your foot exam for your primary care diabetes management records.
Are there any accommodations for patients who can’t make the full drive in one day?
For patients with significant mobility limitations or medical conditions requiring breaks during travel,
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills
📞 (810) 206-1402 Book Online →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.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot issues, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
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📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near St. Ignace. You can call or book online directly. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, Priority Health, and United Healthcare. We treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Our board-certified DPM provides both conservative and surgical care. Same-week and urgent appointments are available for residents of the St. Ignace area.
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.