Board Certified Podiatrists | Expert Foot & Ankle Care
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Terms & Conditions

Quick answer: Terms Conditions is a clinical condition that responds to evidence-based treatment when caught early. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and altered function. Diagnosis requires clinical exam, often imaging. Treatment ladder: conservative care first (4-6 weeks), then targeted interventions if needed. Call (810) 206-1402.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy

Quick Answer

Terms & Conditions 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.

Video by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Michigan Foot Doctors
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki explains the topic in detail · Subscribe to Michigan Foot Doctors on YouTube

New Client Information Terms for Balance Foot & Ankles

Thank you for choosing our clinics as your podiatrist & foot doctor – we truly appreciate you and your support. We will do our absolute best to provide you with exceptional health care solutions for many years to come.

To ensure we provide you and our other valued clients with the best possible care – it is important that you understand and agree to our terms and conditions as outlined below:

Be on Time 

All clients are expected to arrive on time for each and every appointment – we will do our absolute best to not keep you waiting also

24 Hours Notice of Cancellations

As we are a busy and professional health provider – all patients MUST accept and agree to our cancellation policy – as failure to attend scheduled appointment not only disrupts your treatment progress but also takes the spot of another client who may have been able to attend in your place. If you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment you MUST give us 24 hours notice – otherwise a cancellation fee of equal to the cost of the appointment you scheduled will be charged – no exceptions.

We promise that if we cancel on you with less than 24hours notice the rebooked appointment is free. 

Guarantee – if for some reason we did not live up to your expectations today we WANT YOU TO TELL US – once you let us know within 24 hours of this appointment our director will contact you personally, refund any money you paid for the session and give you your next session for FREE. This is our guarantee to you for not only today’s session – but for any session in the future – please do not feel bad about telling us where we can improve – we would rather you tell us than someone else.

Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists Michigan  

Referrals Appreciated  – as we are a family owned and operated podiatrist practice – the majority of our clients come via the kind referrals from our current clients – just like you – this reduces our need to waste money on expensive advertising and concentrate on what we do best – helping as many people as possible.

We thank you in advance for your kind referrals and support.

Michigan Podiatric Care: Expert Foot and Ankle Evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle

Michigan patients with foot or ankle concerns — whether a first-time problem, a chronic condition that has not resolved, or a complex issue requiring surgical evaluation — can access expert fellowship-trained podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our practice serves Livingston County patients from our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River and Oakland County patients from our Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208. We provide same-week new patient appointments, in-office digital X-ray, and the full range of conservative and surgical podiatric treatments. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. Michigan patients ready for expert foot and ankle care can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule their appointment.

Michigan Podiatric Care: Connecting Symptoms to Solutions at Balance Foot & Ankle


Related Treatment Guides

Michigan patients who have been living with foot or ankle symptoms — and are not sure whether they need professional care or just better self-management — can get a clear, honest answer at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons provide thorough evaluations that diagnose the actual cause of foot and ankle problems, not just the most common cause of a given symptom. Many Michigan patients are surprised to learn that a condition they thought required expensive treatment responds well to a precisely targeted conservative approach: the right custom orthotic, a specific injection, appropriate physical therapy guidance, or a footwear change that addresses their particular foot structure and gait mechanics. Others who have tried conservative measures extensively discover that a straightforward surgical procedure would resolve their problem more reliably than continued symptom management. Getting that clarity — an accurate diagnosis and a realistic treatment plan — is what a podiatric evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle provides. Michigan patients with foot or ankle symptoms can call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.

Medical References & Sources

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📍 Located in Michigan?

Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.

Book Now → (810) 206-1402

Insurance Accepted

BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →

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Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Same-week appointments available at both locations.

Book Your Appointment

(810) 206-1402

More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials

Hoka Clifton 10

Hoka Men's Clifton 10

Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.

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.

General Foot Care - Balance Foot & Ankle

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

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.

Hoka Bondi 9 Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Max cushion daily wear

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PowerStep Pinnacle Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: General arch support

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KT Tape Pro Synthetic Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Multi-purpose taping

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Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels

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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

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

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 causes this condition?

Causes include mechanical stress, biomechanical imbalance, age-related changes, and sometimes systemic disease. Our clinical exam plus imaging identifies the specific driver.

Can it go away on its own?

Mild cases sometimes resolve with rest and supportive footwear. Persistent symptoms past 4-6 weeks rarely resolve without active treatment.

Is surgery required?

Most patients resolve with non-surgical care. Surgery is reserved for refractory cases or structural deformity.

Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.