Board Certified Podiatrists | Expert Foot & Ankle Care

(810) 206-1402 Patient Portal

Foot & Ankle Treatments 2026 | Balance Foot & Ankle

Quick answer: Treatment for treatments 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.

★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Board-Certified Michigan Podiatrists

Foot & Ankle Treatments Michigan

Conservative to Surgical — We Do It All

Complete foot and ankle treatment options at Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan. Conservative care, injections, laser therapy, shockwave, orthotics, and surgery. Same-week appointments available.

Book Appointment (810) 206-1402

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Board-Certified Podiatrist & Foot Surgeon · Last Updated: April 2026

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BALANCE FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALISTS

Foot & Ankle Treatments

Surgical and non-surgical treatment options from board-certified podiatrists. We match the right treatment to your condition — always starting with the least invasive approach.

Book Your Appointment

Call (810) 206-1402

Non-Surgical Treatments

Surgical Treatments

Advanced Therapies

CONSERVATIVE CARE FIRST

Non-Surgical Treatments

We always explore non-surgical options first. Most foot and ankle conditions respond well to conservative treatment — surgery is recommended only when necessary.

Custom 3D Orthotics

Medical-grade shoe inserts custom-molded from 3D scans of your feet to correct alignment, support arches, and redistribute pressure.

Cortisone Injections

Anti-inflammatory injections to reduce pain and swelling in joints or soft tissues — providing targeted relief for conditions like plantar fasciitis and neuromas.

Physical Therapy & Stretching

Targeted exercises and stretching programs to improve mobility, strengthen foot and ankle muscles, and reduce chronic pain.

Taping & Bracing

Supportive techniques that stabilize the foot or ankle and reduce strain — used for plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and tendon injuries.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Prescription or over-the-counter medications to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and support healing during recovery.

Walking Boots & CAM Walkers

Protective devices used to immobilize and support the foot or ankle during healing from fractures, sprains, or post-surgical recovery.

Wound Care

Specialized diabetic wound care including debridement, offloading, infection management, and healing optimization.

Footwear Modifications

Custom modifications and padding to provide added support, reduce pressure, and accommodate foot deformities in your everyday shoes.

Callus & Nail Care

Routine podiatric care to safely remove thick skin, manage nail conditions, and prevent complications — especially important for diabetic patients.

CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Advanced Therapy Options

State-of-the-art treatments using the latest in podiatric technology for faster healing and better outcomes.

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EPAT Shockwave Therapy

Non-invasive acoustic wave therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and stubborn soft tissue conditions.

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MLS Laser Therapy

FDA-cleared multi-wave laser that reduces inflammation, accelerates healing, and provides pain relief — no drugs, no downtime.

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Cold Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy for neuropathy, wound healing, and chronic pain — painless treatments with proven results.

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PRP Injections

Platelet-rich plasma injections using your own blood to accelerate healing in tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue injuries.

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EMTT (Magnetotransduction)

Electromagnetic transduction therapy for chronic musculoskeletal conditions — stimulates deep tissue regeneration.

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Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment

FDA-cleared laser treatment for fungal toenails — painless, fast, and more effective than oral medications alone.

WHEN SURGERY IS THE RIGHT ANSWER

Not sure which treatment is right for you? Our doctors will evaluate your condition and recommend the best plan.

Schedule a Consultation →

Or call: (810) 206-1402

Surgical Treatments

When conservative treatments don’t provide relief, our board-certified surgeons perform a full range of foot and ankle procedures at accredited hospital facilities.

Bunion Surgery

Corrective surgery to realign the big toe joint and relieve bunion pain — including minimally invasive techniques.

Hammertoe Correction

Outpatient procedure to straighten bent or curled toes and relieve pain, pressure, and shoe irritation.

Plantar Fascia Release

Surgery to release tension in the plantar fascia for chronic heel pain that hasn’t responded to conservative care.

Neuroma Removal

Surgical excision of thickened nerve tissue in the ball of the foot causing burning, tingling, or numbness.

Ankle Arthroscopy

Minimally invasive camera-guided surgery to diagnose and treat ankle joint problems with smaller incisions and faster recovery.

Tendon Repair

Surgical repair of torn or damaged Achilles, peroneal, and posterior tibial tendons to restore function and strength.

Flatfoot Reconstruction

Structural correction to restore the arch and alignment in severe flatfoot deformity when bracing is insufficient.

Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Permanent removal of the ingrown nail border or full nail matrix to prevent recurrence — in-office under local anesthesia.

Heel Spur Removal

Surgical removal of bony growths under the heel causing chronic pain and inflammation that persists after conservative treatment.

Tarsal Tunnel Release

Decompression surgery to relieve pressure on the tibial nerve and reduce numbness, tingling, and burning in the foot.

Fracture Repair

Surgical fixation of broken bones in the foot and ankle using pins, screws, or plates for proper alignment and healing.

Foot & Ankle Surgery

Full range of reconstructive and corrective foot and ankle procedures performed at accredited hospital facilities.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Book an evaluation with one of our podiatrists. We’ll diagnose your condition and recommend the most effective treatment plan — always starting conservative.

Book Your Appointment

Call (810) 206-1402

Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI • 4.9★ from 1,100+ Patient Reviews

★★★★★

“The team at Balance Foot & Ankle is exceptional. They took the time to explain every treatment option and I felt confident in my care from day one. Highly recommend!”

— Sarah M., Plantar Fasciitis Patient

Explore Balance Foot & Ankle

Dr. Biernacki Dr. Carl Jay Dr. Gutkin Conditions Patient Reviews Insurance Info Howell Office About Us

Serving Patients Across Southeast Michigan

Balance Foot & Ankle provides expert podiatric care from two convenient locations. Our Howell office serves patients from Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, South Lyon, and throughout Livingston County. Our Bloomfield Hills office serves Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Commerce Township, Novi, and Walled Lake across Oakland County.

Ready to Start Treatment?

Our board-certified podiatrists in Howell and Bloomfield Hills create plan tailored to your foot types for every patient.

Become a New Patient → Call (810) 206-1402

Who treats you

Board-certified care at both Michigan locations

Dr. Tom BiernackiDPM, FACFAS
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Dr. Carl JayDPM, Fellowship
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Dr. Daria GutkinDPM
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1,123+

Google Reviews

4.9★

Average rating

3,000+

Procedures performed

2

Michigan locations

Same-Week Appointments

Book your visit today

Most insurance accepted · On-site X-ray · Board-certified podiatrists

Howell · (810) 206-1402 Bloomfield · (810) 206-1402

or book online →

Foot & Ankle Treatments — Balance Foot & Ankle

Dr. Biernacki explains the full spectrum of foot and ankle treatments available — from custom orthotics and EPAT shockwave to advanced reconstructive surgery — tailored to your specific condition.

Foot & Ankle Treatments — Balance Foot & Ankle

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which treatment is right for my foot condition?

Treatment selection depends on diagnosis, severity, your activity level, health history, and goals. We always exhaust conservative options (orthotics, therapy, injections) before considering surgery. Most conditions resolve without surgery — our goal is the least invasive treatment that achieves lasting relief.

Do you offer telemedicine consultations for foot problems?

Yes — initial consultations, follow-up visits, and second opinions are available via telemedicine for appropriate conditions. In-person visits are required for procedures, injections, X-rays, and physical examination. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule a telehealth appointment.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon for foot problems?

Podiatrists (DPM) complete 4-year podiatric medical school plus 3-year surgical residency, specializing exclusively in foot and ankle. Orthopedic surgeons complete medical school plus orthopaedic residency covering the entire musculoskeletal system. For most foot and ankle conditions, a podiatrist offers equivalent expertise with specialized focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does treatment take to work?

Most patients see improvement in 4-8 weeks with consistent conservative care. Persistent symptoms after 8 weeks need imaging and escalation.

When is surgery needed?

Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of conservative care, structural deformities, or fractures requiring stabilization.

Is this covered by insurance?

Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Custom orthotics often require diabetic or post-surgical justification.

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.

Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-certified podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. 4.9-star rating across 1,123+ patient reviews. Schedule an evaluation | (810) 206-1402

Ready to feel better?

Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

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Treatment Resources

Additional foot and ankle treatment guides and patient education resources:

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

Our Podiatry Services Locations in Michigan

Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell, MI

4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843

Fax: 833-450-6201

Balance Foot & Ankle, Bloomfield, MI

43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Fax: 833-450-6201

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