Quick answer: Wayne County Foot Ankle Specialist 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 Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Medically Reviewed by:
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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Last Updated:
March 2026
Watch Dr. Tom: Book → | (810) 206-1402
Serving All of Wayne County
Balance Foot & Ankle provides board-certified podiatric care to patients throughout Wayne County — Michigan is most populous county and the urban and economic heart of the Southeast Michigan region. Our physicians serve patients from every community in Wayne County: Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, Westland, Taylor, Inkster, Allen Park, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, Wayne, Canton Township, Plymouth, Northville, Romulus, Belleville, Trenton, Riverview, Woodhaven, Wyandotte, Lincoln Park, Southgate, Brownstown Township, Grosse Ile, Ecorse, River Rouge, Melvindale, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Harper Woods, Grosse Pointe, and all the communities in between.
Wayne County is home to one of the most diverse populations in the nation, with a rich manufacturing heritage, major healthcare and education institutions, and communities ranging from densely urban to rural. The foot and ankle needs of our Wayne County patients reflect this diversity — from the occupational foot conditions of industrial and service workers to the diabetic foot disease that is prevalent throughout our service area, to the sports injuries of competitive athletes and active families.
Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care for Wayne County
Our practice provides the complete spectrum of podiatric services for Wayne County patients. Conservative care includes custom orthotics, injection therapies, wound care and diabetic foot management, shockwave therapy, and laser treatment for fungal nail infections. Surgical care encompasses the full range of procedures from ingrown toenail corrections to complex reconstructive surgery for bunion deformity, hammertoes, flatfoot, ankle arthritis, and chronic ankle instability. We perform procedures at accredited surgical facilities convenient to Wayne County patients.
Diabetic foot care is among our most important services throughout Wayne County, where diabetes prevalence is high and the consequences of undertreated diabetic foot disease are severe. We provide comprehensive diabetic foot examinations, monofilament neuropathy testing, Medicare-covered nail care for high-risk patients, and wound management that prevents minor foot problems from becoming limb-threatening infections. We accept Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, HAP, Priority Health, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and most other major insurance plans accepted throughout Wayne County. Contact us for a same-week appointment.
Ready to Relieve Your Foot Pain?
Board-certified podiatrists serving Southeast Michigan. Same-week appointments available.
Our Doctors
Conditions We Treat
Serving Wayne & Surrounding Areas
(810) 206-1402
Book Appointment →
Howell, MI 48843 | Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
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
PowerStep Dynamic Ankle Stability Sock (DASS)
Best for: Chronic ankle instability · Repeat ankle sprains · Proprioception training · Athletes returning to play
A revolutionary alternative to bulky ankle braces. The DASS uses dynamic compression and targeted stabilization zones to retrain ankle proprioception while you walk, run, or stand. Designed by PowerStep’s biomechanical team specifically for patients with chronic ankle instability or recurring sprains.
- Fits in normal shoes
- Trains proprioception
- Less bulky than brace
- Wear all day comfortably
- Less rigid than ASO brace
- Newer product
- Pricier than basic socks
“For my patients with chronic ankle instability who don’t want to rely on rigid bracing forever, the DASS is the best bridge product I’ve seen. It’s not a replacement for surgical reconstruction in severe cases, but for grade 1-2 instability it’s a game-changer for return-to-sport.”
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
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.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
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.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
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 Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
- Pricier than Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
- Strong menthol scent at first
![Is My Ankle Broken or Sprained? [Best Broken Ankle Home Treatment!]](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/3eb6d7f7e0df695c3bc2348526ab3615.jpg)
🦶 Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products
These are the at-home products I recommend most often to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell, MI.
The OTC orthotic I recommend most in our clinic. Medical-grade arch support at a fraction of custom orthotic cost.
View on Amazon →
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + menthol formula — apply directly to the area 3-4x daily. FSA-eligible.
View on Amazon →
FTC Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and Foundation Wellness affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This never affects our clinical recommendations.
APMA: Foot and Ankle Specialist Directory
Visit 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
Get Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Wayne County. You can call or book online directly. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, Priority Health, and United Healthcare. We treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Our board-certified DPM provides both conservative and surgical care. Same-week and urgent appointments are available for residents of the Wayne County area.
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.