Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Quick Answer:
Quick Answer: Balance Foot & Ankle serves Sterling Heights patients from our Bloomfield Hills office, approximately 15-18 miles west. Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-certified podiatrist treating heel pain, ingrown toenails, bunions, ankle injuries, and diabetic foot care. Same-week appointments typically available. Call (248) 962-8515.
Foot and Ankle Care for Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights is one of Michigan’s largest cities — home to approximately 134,000 residents and a major industrial, automotive, and residential center in western Macomb County. Located just across the Oakland County line, Sterling Heights residents have convenient access to Oakland County’s premier medical facilities.
Balance Foot & Ankle in Bloomfield Hills is accessible from Sterling Heights approximately 15-18 miles west via 15 Mile Road or Hall Road (M-59) to Woodward Avenue. The drive is typically 25-30 minutes and most patients schedule within the same week they call.
Comprehensive Podiatry for Sterling Heights Patients
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain are the most common reason new patients contact us. We confirm diagnosis with in-office ultrasound and provide the full treatment spectrum — stretching protocols, custom orthotics, corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy (ESWT), and PRP injections for chronic cases.
Sterling Heights’ large industrial and automotive workforce generates significant volume of work-related foot injuries — plantar fasciitis from hard concrete floors, steel-toe boot-related toenail conditions, ankle sprains, and occupational stress fractures. We treat work-related injuries and document findings for workers’ compensation claims when required.
Diabetic foot care is a priority service for Sterling Heights’ substantial senior and diabetic population. Annual comprehensive foot exams, neuropathy screening, vascular assessment (ABI), therapeutic footwear prescriptions, and wound care management are all provided in-office. We coordinate with endocrinology, vascular surgery, and infectious disease for complex diabetic foot cases.
Ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, fungal toenails, and ankle injuries complete our typical Sterling Heights patient mix.
Getting Here from Sterling Heights
From Sterling Heights, head west on 15 Mile Road or Maple Road (M-59) to Woodward Avenue, then south to Bloomfield Hills — approximately 25-30 minutes. Call (248) 962-8515 for scheduling. We accept Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and most major plans.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Motion Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Semi-rigid arch support for work boots, steel-toe footwear, and daily shoes. Excellent for Sterling Heights industrial workers who stand on hard floors all day.
Dr. Tom says: “I work in automotive manufacturing on concrete floors. My podiatrist recommended these and my plantar fasciitis resolved within six weeks.”
Industrial and retail workers with plantar fasciitis or arch pain from prolonged standing on hard surfaces
Patients with custom orthotics — use those
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Rigid arch support for work boots and safety shoes — the industry standard for workers in boots.
Dr. Tom says: “My podiatrist recommended these for my steel-toe work boots. Fit perfectly and eliminated my arch pain.”
Workers with plantar fasciitis in work boots or safety shoes
Narrow dress shoes — PowerStep Pinnacle are bulky
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
CURREX RunPro Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated | Foundation Wellness Partner | 30% Commission
Dynamic running insoles for active Sterling Heights residents. Three arch profiles for precise fit.
Dr. Tom says: “These resolved my plantar fasciitis in two weeks. My podiatrist recommended the medium arch profile.”
Runners and active adults with plantar fasciitis or arch fatigue
Patients with custom orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- 15-18 miles via 15 Mile Road — good access for Sterling Heights/Macomb County patients
- Same-week appointments standard
- In-office X-ray, ultrasound, and ABI vascular testing
- Full surgical capabilities for bunions, ankle procedures, and tendon repair
❌ Cons / Risks
- 25-30 minute drive from Sterling Heights
- Custom orthotics require 2-3 week fabrication
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Sterling Heights is a major community with a large industrial workforce — the foot and ankle conditions I see from that population often relate to occupational demands. Standing on concrete in safety shoes for 8-10 hours is incredibly demanding on the feet. Good insoles, proper footwear, and timely treatment when problems arise make a significant difference in long-term foot health.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is your office from Sterling Heights?
Approximately 15-18 miles west via 15 Mile Road or Maple Road to Woodward Avenue, then south to Bloomfield Hills. About 25-30 minutes.
Do you treat workers’ compensation foot injuries?
Yes — we treat occupational foot and ankle injuries and provide documentation for workers’ compensation claims.
Do you treat diabetic foot problems?
Yes — comprehensive diabetic foot care including annual exams, neuropathy screening, therapeutic footwear, and wound care coordination is a core service.
What insurance do you accept?
Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, HAP, Priority Health, workers’ comp carriers, and most major plans.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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.
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)