✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Best Plantar Fasciitis Book

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Michigan: From Conservative Care to EPAT at Balance Foot & Ankle

Michigan patients with plantar fasciitis — pain at the medial heel on first steps in the morning, after prolonged sitting, or at the end of the day — have access to the full spectrum of evidence-based treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our treatment protocol begins with the interventions most likely to resolve plantar fasciitis without surgery: custom orthotics addressing the specific structural factors driving plantar fascia overload (flatfoot, limited ankle dorsiflexion, or high arch); targeted Achilles and plantar fascia stretching with compliance coaching; appropriate footwear selection; and corticosteroid injection for acute inflammatory flares. For patients with plantar fasciitis that has not responded to a structured 6-8 week conservative program, EPAT (extracorporeal pulse activation therapy) is the most evidence-supported non-surgical escalation — producing clinical cure in 70-80% of recalcitrant cases. Surgical plantar fascia release is reserved for the rare patient who has thoroughly completed conservative care including EPAT without adequate response. Michigan plantar fasciitis patients can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for an evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.

Expert Foot Pain Care in Michigan: Diagnosis and Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

Michigan patients with any foot pain condition — whether it is clearly diagnosed or still uncertain despite prior medical visits — can receive expert podiatric evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons use weight-bearing digital X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and detailed clinical examination to establish accurate diagnoses, and provide treatment options ranging from conservative management (custom orthotics, injection therapy, EPAT, physical therapy coordination) to surgical correction when structural problems require it. Both our Howell (4330 E Grand River, Livingston County) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208, Oakland County) offices offer same-week new patient appointments and in-office imaging. Michigan patients ready to address their foot pain definitively can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Michigan: From Conservative Care to EPAT at Balance Foot & Ankle

Michigan patients with plantar fasciitis — pain at the medial heel on first steps in the morning, after prolonged sitting, or at the end of the day — have access to the full spectrum of evidence-based treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our treatment protocol begins with the interventions most likely to resolve plantar fasciitis without surgery: custom orthotics addressing the specific structural factors driving plantar fascia overload (flatfoot, limited ankle dorsiflexion, or high arch); targeted Achilles and plantar fascia stretching with compliance coaching; appropriate footwear selection; and corticosteroid injection for acute inflammatory flares. For patients with plantar fasciitis that has not responded to a structured 6-8 week conservative program, EPAT (extracorporeal pulse activation therapy) is the most evidence-supported non-surgical escalation — producing clinical cure in 70-80% of recalcitrant cases. Surgical plantar fascia release is reserved for the rare patient who has thoroughly completed conservative care including EPAT without adequate response. Michigan plantar fasciitis patients can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for an evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.

Expert Foot Pain Care in Michigan: Diagnosis and Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

Michigan patients with any foot pain condition — whether it is clearly diagnosed or still uncertain despite prior medical visits — can receive expert podiatric evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons use weight-bearing digital X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and detailed clinical examination to establish accurate diagnoses, and provide treatment options ranging from conservative management (custom orthotics, injection therapy, EPAT, physical therapy coordination) to surgical correction when structural problems require it. Both our Howell (4330 E Grand River, Livingston County) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208, Oakland County) offices offer same-week new patient appointments and in-office imaging. Michigan patients ready to address their foot pain definitively can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule.

Getting Expert Foot Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle Podiatry

Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• EPAT Shockwave Therapy

Michigan patients who are managing foot pain, nail problems, or structural foot conditions with self-care and are not getting adequate relief deserve professional podiatric evaluation. At Balance Foot & Ankle, fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons provide thorough diagnostic evaluation — weight-bearing X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and detailed clinical examination — followed by targeted treatment that addresses the actual cause rather than generic symptoms. Our Howell office (4330 E Grand River, serving Livingston County) and Bloomfield Hills office (43494 Woodward Ave #208, serving Oakland County) both offer same-week new patient appointments, in-office imaging, and acceptance of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. Michigan patients with persistent or worsening foot symptoms can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule a comprehensive podiatric evaluation.

Clinical References

1. Martin RL, Davenport TE, Reischl SF, et al. Heel pain—plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014;44(11):A1-A33.
2. Digiovanni BF, Nawoczenski DA, Malay DP, et al. Plantar fascia-specific stretching exercise improves outcomes in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2006;88(8):1775-1781.
3. Riddle DL, Pulisic M, Pidcoe P, Johnson RE. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis: a matched case-control study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85(5):872-877.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

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More Podiatrist-Recommended Plantar Fasciitis Essentials

Best Night Splint

Alphabrace Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Heel & Foot Pain (Medium)

• Plantar fascitis night splint brace heel and foot pain size: Medium
• Medium , men 8 10 1/2 , women 7 1/2 10
• Designed to comfortably position the foot
• Low profile shell is sturdy and breathable

$29.99

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Keeps fascia stretched overnight — the #1 intervention for morning heel pain.

Top Podiatrist-Recommended Insole

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles, Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Made in USA Orthotic Insoles, Arch Support Inserts with Moderate Pronation, #1 Podiatrist Recommended (M 14-15)

• The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
• When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
• The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
• The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
• Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible

$49.50

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Deep heel cup + arch support unloads the plantar fascia all day.

Plantar Fasciitis Compression Sock

OS1st FS4 Plantar Fasciitis No Show Socks relieves plantar fasciitis, heel/arch pain and improves circulation

• Provides continuous support of the Plantar Fascia by gently stretching the fascia tissue.
• Compression zones promote circulation, reduce impact vibration, boost recovery and strengthen feet.
• Lightweight, seamless design with extra cushioning provides support while still being comfortable.
• Supports the heel/arch and overall foot structure while stabilizing the tendon for better performance
• Made from high quality materials, the socks are moisture wicking and breathable.

$24.99

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Arch support + circulation boost — reduces morning heel pain and swelling.

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 morning heel pain has persisted more than 6 weeks, home care alone rarely fixes it. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we combine in-office ultrasound diagnostics, custom orthotics, and — when needed — shockwave or PRP to resolve plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to stretching and inserts. Most patients are walking pain-free within 4-8 weeks of starting a structured plan.

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

Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for plantar fasciitis

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.

PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: High-arch support to offload plantar fascia

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Strassburg Sock Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Overnight stretch for morning pain relief

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Hoka Bondi 9 Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Max cushion + rocker sole for daily relief

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TriggerPoint Footballer Dr. Tom’s Pick

Best for: Plantar fascia release + stretching

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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.