Ankle Osteoarthritis: Non-Surgical Management Options Before Considering Surgery

You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what ankle osteoarthritis non surgical management means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 to book at Howell or Bloomfield Township.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.

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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 →

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More Podiatrist-Recommended Arthritis Essentials

Cushioned Running Shoe

Hoka Men's Clifton 10

Watch: How to Regrow Cartilage & Reverse OsteoArthritis? [Can We Do It?] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube

Hoka Clifton 10 — max cushioning reduces joint impact for arthritic feet.

Wide Walking Shoe

New Balance 990v6 — wide toe box accommodates arthritic first-MTP (hallux rigidus).

Orthotic Insole

PowerStep Pinnacle — offloads the big toe joint during gait.

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.

Arthritis Header Photo Balance Foot And Ankle - Balance Foot & Ankle

When to See a Podiatrist

Foot and ankle arthritis progresses silently — cartilage doesn’t regrow, but joint fusion, cheilectomy, and biologic injections can restore function at every stage. Balance Foot & Ankle offers the full arthritis spectrum: bracing, injections, and reconstructive surgery. Start with a consult so we can image the joint and give you a realistic 5-year outlook.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township

★ DR. TOM’S STRATEGIC PICK

Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer

Best for: Chronic ankle instability · Repeat ankle sprains · Proprioception & return-to-play · Athletes

Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer lace-up ankle brace
★★★★☆ 4.4 · 31,636 reviews · Amazon’s Choice

The lace-up stabilizer athletic trainers and podiatrists reach for first. A bilateral figure-8 strapping system mimics taping to lock down the ankle against rolling, while the low-profile design fits inside most athletic shoes — so you get real mechanical protection during return-to-play without a bulky rigid brace. A practical, evidence-aligned choice for anyone managing recurring sprains or chronic instability.

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As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. Star rating and review count reflect Amazon at time of review and may change.

Watch: Ankle Broken or Sprained — Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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 expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.

VitaMedica Arnica Gel

Arnica gel plus 15 plant compounds for sore feet, plantar fasciitis flares and post-activity soreness. Apply a thin layer to the sore area.

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

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Howell

4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township

43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302

Listed as “Bloomfield Hills Office” in the scheduler.

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