Quick answer: Sterling Heights Podiatrist Foot Doctor Macomb County 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 Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
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Trusted Podiatric Care for Sterling Heights Residents
Sterling Heights is one of Michigan’s largest cities, and its residents deserve access to top-quality podiatric care. Balance Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive foot and ankle treatment from our clinics, serving patients throughout Macomb County including Sterling Heights, Warren, Clinton Township, and surrounding communities.
Dr. Tom Biernacki and our team combine evidence-based medicine with a genuine commitment to patient outcomes. We take the time to understand your specific lifestyle, activity level, and goals before recommending any treatment — whether conservative or surgical.
Conditions We Treat for Sterling Heights Patients
Our Sterling Heights-area patients come to us with a many foot and ankle conditions. Among the most common are plantar fasciitis and heel pain, bunions and bunionettes, hammertoes and lesser toe deformities, ingrown toenails (including permanent surgical solutions for recurrent cases), toenail fungus (onychomycosis), ankle sprains and chronic instability, Achilles tendinopathy and rupture, diabetic foot complications and neuropathy monitoring, flat feet and custom orthotic fabrication, and foot pain from arthritis.
Diabetic Foot Care in Sterling Heights and Macomb County
Macomb County has significant rates of type 2 diabetes, reflecting statewide and national trends. For patients with diabetes, foot care is not optional — it is a medical necessity. Peripheral neuropathy reduces the ability to feel pressure, heat, and early wound formation, meaning small cuts or blisters can progress to serious ulcers before the patient notices. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we provide:
- Annual comprehensive diabetic foot exams
- Monofilament sensory testing and vascular assessment
- Diabetic footwear prescriptions
- Wound care and ulcer management
- Coordination with endocrinology and vascular surgery for complex cases
Sterling Heights’ Active Community
Sterling Heights residents enjoy several recreational opportunities — from the Dodge Park running trails to youth sports leagues throughout Macomb County. Our sports podiatry services support runners, soccer and baseball players, basketball athletes, and fitness enthusiasts with injury treatment, biomechanical analysis, and custom orthotics designed for active lifestyles.
Bunion and Hammertoe Surgery
Bunions and hammertoes are among the most common reasons Macomb County residents seek surgical consultation. When conservative measures — wider shoes, padding, orthotics — no longer provide adequate relief, surgical correction offers lasting improvement. We discuss all surgical options including minimally invasive approaches where appropriate, and provide realistic recovery expectations so patients can plan appropriately before surgery.
Convenient Access for Macomb County Patients
We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Medicare/Medicaid. Online appointment scheduling is available 24/7 for new and established patients. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule your consultation — we look forward to serving the Sterling Heights community.
Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
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📞 (810) 206-1402
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 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 Hills 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 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.
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What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Ready to feel better?
Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Book Your VisitVisit 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)
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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)