Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, 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.
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
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
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 AppointmentWatch Dr. Tom on Swollen Feet & Ankles
Dr. Tom explains when foot and ankle swelling is harmless versus when it signals a cardiac, kidney, or DVT emergency.
Swelling Management Tools We Actually Recommend
Chronic peripheral edema responds to daily compression + hydration + elevation. These four tools are evidence-based and podiatrist-approved:
MediPeds Moderate Compression Crew Socks (8-pack)
Graduated compression (15–20 mmHg) — reduces end-of-day ankle swelling for patients who stand all day.
Check Amazon Price →Half-Gallon Motivational Water Bottle
Paradoxically, dehydration causes fluid retention. 80–100 oz/day is the #1 missed intervention for edema.
Check Amazon Price →Elevation Leg Wedge Pillow
Elevate 6–12 inches above heart for 20 minutes twice daily — the dose that actually moves fluid.
Check Amazon Price →Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Topical menthol for the achy, heavy sensation accompanying edema — safer than oral NSAIDs for kidney patients.
Check Amazon Price →Affiliate disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we actually prescribe to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Related from Balance Foot & Ankle
Watch: Dr. Tom explains
Podiatrist-recommended products
As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.
Acute swelling relief
View on Amazon →Venous return support
View on Amazon →Comfort adjunct
View on Amazon →Severe unilateral swelling
View on Amazon →Related resources
Ready to solve this? Book today.
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)
☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →
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.
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
- Hallux Valgus (Bunions): Evaluation and Management (PubMed)
- Bunions (Mayo Clinic)