Quick answer: Treatment for toenail fungus treatment video follows a stepwise approach: 1) conservative care first (rest, ice, supportive footwear, OTC anti-inflammatories), 2) physical therapy and targeted exercises, 3) in-office treatments (injections, custom orthotics) if conservative fails at 4-6 weeks, 4) surgery for refractory cases. Most patients resolve at step 1 or 2. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
The most important clinical decision with Toenail Fungus Treatment Video isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Related Conditions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick Answer
Toenail Fungus – Copy relates to toenail conditions — typically caused by fungal infection or trauma. Most patients improve in 6-12 months for nail regrowth with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Watch How Seniors Safely Treat Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is common in seniors and often worsens over time if left untreated. In this short video, our podiatrists explain safe, effective treatment options designed for older adults.
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Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki Explains Toenail Fungus
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Why Is Toenail Fungus More Common in Seniors?
As we age, slower nail growth, reduced circulation, and a weakened immune response make it easier for fungal infections to develop and harder to clear. Conditions like diabetes and difficulty with nail care can further increase the risk.
When Should a Senior See a Podiatrist for Toenail Fungus?
If toenail fungus is worsening, painful, or not responding to store-bought treatments, professional care is often needed to prevent complications and restore comfort.
Common reasons seniors seek care:
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Pain or pressure in shoes -
Thick nails affecting walking or balance -
Diabetes or circulation concerns -
Recurrent infections
Why See a Podiatrist for Toenail Fungus Treatment?
Toenail fungus in seniors often behaves differently due to slower nail growth, reduced circulation, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease.
Podiatrists specialize in accurate diagnosis and safe treatment options, including medical nail care, topical or oral therapies when appropriate, and ongoing monitoring to reduce recurrence.
Early podiatric care can improve nail health, comfort, and reduce the risk of secondary infections.
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Conditions We Treat
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Fungal toenail infections (onychomycosis) -
Thick or brittle toenails -
Painful or hard-to-trim nails -
Nail discoloration or deformity -
Fungal infections in diabetic patients -
Recurrent or long-standing nail fungus
What Does Toenail Fungus Treatment Involve?
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Many seniors benefit from routine medical nail care combined with prescription treatments. Our podiatrists focus on comfort, safety, and long-term results.
Gentle, Effective Toenail Fungus Care for Seniors
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Careful evaluation of nail health -
Safe in-office treatments -
Prescription topical or oral options when appropriate -
Prescription topical or oral options when appropriate -
Regular nail care for comfort and prevention -
Conservative, medically guided approach
Our goal is healthy nails and comfort — not unnecessary treatments.
Our board-certified podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle care.
Why Seniors Trust Our Toenail Fungus Specialists
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Provides comprehensive foot and ankle care for patients in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term mobility.
Dr. Carl Jay,
DPM
Delivers trusted general podiatric care, helping patients manage foot and ankle pain, injuries, and chronic conditions with plan tailored to your foot types.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM
Offers attentive foot and ankle care for a many conditions, emphasizing preventive care and patient education to support healthy, active lifestyles.
Local Toenail Fungus Treatment Near You
Howell & Bloomfield Hills – Senior-Friendly Clinics
Our clinics are conveniently located and designed with seniors in mind. Local care you can trust—close to home.
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Easy, nearby parking -
Wheelchair-accessible entrances -
Short walking distances -
Calm, comfortable clinical setting
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Easy Parking -
Accessible Office -
Patient-focused Environment
Supportive Footwear & Custom Orthotics
Reduce Pressure. Improve Comfort. Prevent Recurrence.
Toenail fungus often worsens due to pressure, moisture, and ill-fitting shoes. Custom orthotics and supportive footwear can help reduce nail trauma, improve circulation, and create a healthier environment for healing.
Benefits for Seniors
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Reduce pressure on thick or sensitive nails -
Improve walking comfort and balance -
Minimize nail trauma inside shoes -
Support overall foot health
Custom orthotics are prescribed only when appropriate and tailored to your walking pattern and foot structure.
How Custom Orthotics Help During Treatment
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Reduce Pressure on Painful Nails Custom orthotics help redistribute weight in the foot, reducing pressure on thickened or tender toenails inside shoes. -
Improve Comfort Inside Footwear By supporting proper foot alignment, orthotics minimize rubbing and friction that can worsen nail pain and irritation. -
Lower Risk of Nail Trauma Better foot stability means less sliding and toe impact, helping protect fragile or infected nails from repeated injury. -
Support Healthier Healing Conditions Improved balance and walking mechanics help create a more comfortable environment for treatment and long-term nail health.
What Our Patients Say
Real patients. Real relief. Discover why seniors in Howell and Bloomfield Hills choose Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist.
“My ulcer pain was terrible every morning. After custom orthotics and therapy, I’m finally walking normally again.”
“I stand all day for work and the pain became unbearable. One visit and a clear treatment plan changed everything.”
“I tried home remedies for foot wound for months with no relief. Dr. Biernacki diagnosed the real issue and now I’m pain-free.”
“As a senior, I was nervous about the pain. The team treated me gently and professionally—my heel feels so much better now.”
What Actually Kills Toenail Fungus Instantly?
Many people hope for an instant cure for toenail fungus, but medically speaking, there is no treatment that permanently kills toenail fungus instantly. Toenail fungus lives underneath and within the nail plate, making it difficult for quick, surface-level solutions to reach the infection. Products that promise instant results may temporarily improve the appearance of the nail or reduce odor, but they do not eliminate the fungus causing the infection.
Many people hope for an instant cure for toenail fungus, but medically speaking, there is no treatment that permanently kills toenail fungus instantly. Toenail fungus lives underneath and within the nail plate, making it difficult for quick, surface-level solutions to reach the infection. Products that promise instant results may temporarily improve the appearance of the nail or reduce odor, but they do not eliminate the fungus causing the infection.
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What Does Not Reliably Kill Toenail Fungus
- Vinegar soaks
- Tea tree oil
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Over-the-counter “instant cure” products
These may temporarily reduce odor or discoloration but usually do not eliminate the infection
What Actually Kills Toenail Fungus
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Prescription oral antifungal medications
These attack the fungus from inside the body and are the most effective option for moderate to severe infections. -
Prescription topical antifungal treatments
Stronger than over-the-counter products and designed to penetrate the nail. -
Combination therapy
Using oral medication plus topical treatment often improves success rates. -
Professional nail debridement
A podiatrist thins or trims the infected nail so medication can work better.
When to See a Podiatrist
You should see a foot doctor if:
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The nail is thick, painful, or discolored
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The infection keeps coming back
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You have diabetes or circulation problems
A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the fastest, safest treatment for your situation.
If you want, I can explain treatment timelines, laser options, or how to prevent toenail fungus from coming back.
Why Treatment Takes Time
Toenail fungus lives under the nail. Even when the fungus is killed, healthy nail growth takes months, which is why results aren’t instant.
Notice these issues? Schedule a balance check today.
Why Does Fungus Develop?
Many people search for “what kills toenail fungus instantly” because toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is frustrating, slow to heal, and often embarrassing. The honest medical answer is that there is no truly instant cure that permanently kills toenail fungus in one application. Toenail fungus lives deep under the nail plate, where over-the-counter remedies and home treatments cannot easily reach. Products claiming instant results may temporarily reduce odor or surface discoloration, but they rarely eliminate the infection at its source.
That said, the fastest medically proven ways to kill toenail fungus involve prescription-strength treatments. Oral antifungal medications work systemically, attacking the fungus from the inside out, while prescription topical antifungals are formulated to penetrate the nail more effectively than store-bought products. In some cases, podiatrists may recommend combination therapy, using both oral and topical treatments to improve success rates and shorten treatment time. While results are not instant, these methods are the most effective at truly killing the fungus.
Many people try home remedies like vinegar, tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda because they are easy and inexpensive. While these substances may have mild antifungal properties, they do not reliably kill toenail fungus, especially in moderate to severe cases. At best, home remedies may slow fungal growth or improve nail appearance temporarily. Relying on them alone often allows the infection to spread, thicken the nail, and become harder to treat later.
Insurance & Medicare Friendly
Not sure if your toenail fungus is covered by insurance? Our friednly staff will contact you right away.
Foot and Ankle Care for Every Lifestyle
Serving seniors, workers, and athletes with plan tailored to your foot types that support mobility, stability, and long-term foot health.
Seniors (Aging Foot Care & Mobility)
Diabetic Foot Care & Screening
Arthritic Foot & Ankle Pain Management
Fall Prevention & Gait Analysis
Heel Pain / Plantar Fasciitis Relief
Workers (Occupational Foot & Ankle Care)
Ankle Sprain / Instability Treatment
Achilles Tendonitis & Rupture Care
Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain Relief
Stress Fracture Evaluation & Treatmen
Custom Athletic Orthotics
Hammertoe / Toe Deformity Correction
Sports-Related Surgery
Foot & Ankle Strengthening & Rehab
Blisters & Skin Protection
Gait Analysis & Performance Assessment
Athletes (Sports Foot & Ankle Care)
Ankle Sprain / Instability Treatment
Achilles Tendonitis & Rupture Care
Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain Relief
Stress Fracture Evaluation & Treatment
Custom Athletic Orthotics
Hammertoe / Toe Deformity Correction
Sports-Related Surgery
Foot & Ankle Strengthening & Rehab
Blisters & Skin Protection
Gait Analysis & Performance Assessment
More Podiatrist-Recommended Fungus Essentials
Breathable Diabetic Shoe
Orthofeet Sprint — deep, breathable design reduces fungal growth.
Moisture-Wicking Sock
OS1st FS4 — keeps feet dry, eliminating the warm-wet environment fungus needs.
Breathable Recovery Slide
HOKA Ora 3 — lets feet air out after closed-shoe exposure.
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
Topicals only penetrate the top 30% of the nail plate — if the fungus is near the cuticle or under 50% of the nail, oral terbinafine or laser is usually required for full clearance. Balance Foot & Ankle offers in-office fungal nail diagnostics and laser treatment that reaches the nail matrix where topicals can’t. We’ll examine the nail and recommend the fastest path to clear, healthy regrowth.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
FAQ Toenail Fungus Treatment
What kills toenail fungus instantly?
There is no treatment that permanently kills toenail fungus instantly. The infection lives beneath the nail, making quick fixes ineffective. Prescription antifungal medications—oral or topical—are the fastest and most reliable ways to eliminate the fungus, but healthy nail growth takes time.
What is the most effective treatment for toenail fungus?
Prescription oral antifungal medication is often the most effective treatment for moderate to severe toenail fungus. In some cases, podiatrists recommend combining oral medication with prescription topical treatments for better results.
Do over-the-counter products work for toenail fungus?
Over-the-counter treatments may help very mild cases, but they usually do not penetrate the nail deeply enough to fully eliminate the infection. Many people see temporary improvement without long-term results.
How long does it take for toenail fungus to go away?
Even after successful treatment, it can take 6–12 months for a healthy toenail to fully grow back. Improvement is gradual as the damaged nail grows out.
Is toenail fungus dangerous if left untreated?
Toenail fungus is not usually dangerous, but it can worsen over time, cause pain, nail thickening, spreading infection, and complications—especially for people with diabetes or circulation issues.
When should I see a podiatrist for toenail fungus?
You should see a podiatrist if the nail becomes painful, thick, discolored, spreads to other nails, or does not improve with basic care. Early treatment improves success and prevents permanent nail damage.
How do you treat toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is treated with prescription antifungal medication, either oral, topical, or both. A podiatrist may also trim and thin the nail to help treatment work better. Results take time as healthy nail grows out.
Ready to Restore Healthier, More Comfortable Nails?
Our team will review your concerns, explain your options, and help you decide what’s best—without pressure. leaving your home.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Foot Fungus Treatment Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.
Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for toenail conditions
Advantages
- ✓ Most cases resolve at home
- ✓ Same-week appointments available
- ✓ Permanent fix exists
Considerations
- ✗ Recurrence common without prevention
- ✗ Diabetics need professional care
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for toenail conditions
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Tolcylen Antifungal Solution Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Most effective topical for fungus
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Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
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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
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.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
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Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
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This single insole eliminates plantar fasciitis pain in 60% of patients within 2 weeks. The lateral wedge is the active ingredient — it stops the overpronation that causes the fascia to overstretch with every step. Pair with a max-cushion shoe for compound effect.
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
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3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
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Choose your arch height from a wet-foot test (low/med/high). Wrong arch = re-injury. For runners, athletes, or anyone who failed standard insoles — this is the closest you can get to custom orthotics without paying $500. The carbon heel is what professional athletes use.
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Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
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Apply to plantar fascia + calves before bed. Combined with stretching, eliminates morning fascia pain. The clean formula means you can use it daily long-term — Voltaren has 30-day limits, Dr. Hoy’s doesn’t.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your toenail fungus, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Learn about our toenail fungus laser treatment → | Book online →
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can toenail fungus go away on its own?
Almost never. Once a fungal infection establishes in the nail matrix, it rarely self-resolves. The nail acts as a physical barrier protecting the fungus from both topical treatments and the immune system. OTC treatments like Vicks VapoRub and tea tree oil show limited evidence for mild cases, but clinical cure rates are under 20%. Prescription treatment — topical ciclopirox, oral terbinafine, or laser therapy — is typically required for meaningful improvement.
What’s the most effective treatment for toenail fungus?
Oral terbinafine (Lamisil) remains the gold standard with 70–80% clinical cure rates over 12 weeks. Topical treatments (efinaconazole, tavaborole) cure 18–55% but avoid the systemic drug exposure. Laser therapy in our office shows 60–75% improvement rates and is a good option for patients who can’t tolerate oral medication. Combination therapy — laser plus topical — produces better outcomes than either alone. Cure is defined as a fully clear nail, which takes 9–12 months even after the infection is eliminated.
Can toenail fungus spread to other nails or to family members?
Yes to both. Toenail fungus spreads readily via shared surfaces — floors, bath mats, showers, socks. Within the same foot, it typically spreads from nail to nail if left untreated. Family transmission is common in shared showers and from shared nail tools. During treatment, disinfect shower floors weekly, avoid sharing towels or nail clippers, wear flip-flops in shared shower areas, and wash socks in hot water. Treating the shoes is also important — antifungal spray applied inside shoes during treatment prevents reinfection.
Why isn’t my over-the-counter toenail fungus treatment working?
Three common reasons: (1) The infection is in the nail matrix, too deep for topical penetration. (2) The nail is too thick for medication to reach the fungus. (3) What looks like fungus may be nail psoriasis, nail trauma, or a secondary bacterial infection — which don’t respond to antifungals. A nail sample for culture confirms the diagnosis and identifies the specific fungal species, which guides treatment selection. We see patients weekly who’ve spent hundreds of dollars on OTC products without a confirmed diagnosis.
Is toenail fungus dangerous?
In healthy individuals, toenail fungus is primarily a cosmetic and quality-of-life issue. In diabetic patients, patients with peripheral vascular disease, or immunocompromised individuals, it’s a genuine safety risk — the thickened nail causes pressure sores, the infected nail provides an entry point for bacterial infection, and tinea pedis (foot fungus) associated with nail fungus can cause skin breakdown. For these patients, aggressive treatment is medically indicated, not optional.
How long does treatment take?
This is the most important thing to understand about toenail fungus: even after successful treatment kills the fungus, the nail takes 9–12 months to grow out completely. Oral terbinafine is taken for 12 weeks; the fungus is eliminated within that period, but patients expect to see a clear nail immediately and feel the treatment failed. Improvement at 3 months looks like a clear nail growing from the base. Full cosmetic clearance at 12 months. Patience with the process is essential.
Can toenail fungus cause other health problems?
In high-risk patients — yes. The most important association is athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), which frequently co-occurs with nail fungus and can cause skin fissuring that allows bacterial entry. For diabetic patients especially, treating foot fungus is part of diabetic foot care. Severe nail deformity from long-standing fungus can also cause subungual pressure sores, ingrown nails, and difficulty fitting footwear. What starts cosmetic can become functional.
Does insurance cover toenail fungus treatment?
Oral terbinafine is inexpensive and usually covered by insurance with a copay under $30 for a full course. Prescription topical treatments (efinaconazole) are often not covered and cost $400–600 out of pocket. Laser therapy is not covered by insurance but typically costs $400–700 per course of 3 treatments in our office. We’ll discuss what’s appropriate for your case and what your out-of-pocket costs will be before prescribing. Call (810) 206-1402 to check your specific coverage.
What’s the difference between toenail fungus and nail psoriasis?
Both cause nail thickening, discoloration, and deformity — they can look identical to the naked eye. Key differences: psoriasis often causes ‘pitting’ (small dimples in the nail surface), oil-drop spots, and is associated with skin psoriasis elsewhere on the body. Fungus causes more uniform thickening and yellowing. The only definitive differentiation is a nail sample sent for PAS staining and fungal culture. Misdiagnosis is extremely common — we’ve seen patients treat ‘fungus’ for years when they actually had nail psoriasis.
How do I prevent toenail fungus from coming back?
The three most evidence-supported prevention strategies: (1) Antifungal spray or powder in shoes daily — the shoe environment harbors fungal spores even after treatment. (2) Replace old shoes after completing treatment; they may be recontaminating you. (3) Flip-flops in all shared showers, pools, locker rooms. Beyond that: keep nails trimmed short, dry feet thoroughly after bathing (especially between toes), and wear moisture-wicking socks. Recurrence rates are 25–30% at 1 year even with good hygiene.
Get Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.