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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.
Recommended Products for Heel Pain
Products personally used and recommended by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. All available on Amazon.
Dr. Tom's PickPowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
Medical-grade arch support that offloads the plantar fascia. Our #1 recommendation for heel pain.
Best for: Daily wear, work shoes, athletic shoes
Pain ReliefDoctor Hoy's Natural Pain Relief Gel
Apply to the heel and arch morning and evening for natural anti-inflammatory relief.
Best for: Morning heel pain, post-activity soreness
Graduated compression supports plantar fascia recovery and reduces morning stiffness.
Best for: Overnight recovery, all-day wear
These products work best with professional treatment. Book an appointment with Dr. Tom for a personalized treatment plan.
Complete Recovery Protocol
Dr. Tom's Heel Pain Recovery Kit
The complete at-home protocol we recommend to our plantar fasciitis patients between office visits.
1
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
Daily arch support
~$35
2
Doctor Hoy's Pain Relief Gel
Morning/evening application
~$18
3
DASS Compression Socks 20-30mmHg
Recovery and support
~$25
Kit Total: ~$78 $120+ for comparable products
All available on Amazon with free Prime shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a podiatrist for heel pain without a referral?
Yes. In Michigan, you do not need a referral to see a podiatrist. You can book directly with Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists for heel pain evaluation and treatment.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Most cases of plantar fasciitis resolve within 6 to 12 months with conservative treatment including stretching, orthotics, and activity modification. With advanced treatments like shockwave therapy, recovery can be faster.
Should I walk on my heel if it hurts?
You should avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces. Wear supportive shoes with arch support insoles like PowerStep Pinnacle. Complete rest is rarely needed, but modifying your activity level helps recovery.
What does a podiatrist do for heel pain?
A podiatrist examines your foot, may take X-rays to rule out fractures or heel spurs, and creates a treatment plan. This typically includes custom orthotics, stretching protocols, and may include shockwave therapy (EPAT) or laser therapy.
Medical References
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. References are provided for informational purposes.
Related Treatments at Balance Foot & Ankle
Our board-certified podiatrists offer advanced treatments at our Bloomfield Hills and Howell locations.
Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: EPAT Shockwave for Heel Pain →
Recommended Products from Dr. Tom