Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Custom orthotics near Brighton are fabricated from a 3D scan of your individual foot — and the shell material (rigid vs. semi-rigid vs. soft) is selected based on your specific condition, not preference. The wrong material for your diagnosis can worsen symptoms rather than help them. Call (810) 206-1402 — custom orthotic evaluation in Brighton.
Custom Orthotics close to Brighton
Brighton residents needing custom prescription orthotics have a close specialist option at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell — just 20 minutes east on Grand River Ave. Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices made from a 3D scan of your foot, designed to correct biomechanical problems that OTC insoles cannot address. We use them for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, metatarsalgia, Achilles tendonitis, bunion progression, and diabetic foot protection.
The difference between custom orthotics and store-bought insoles: an OTC insole provides cushioning and generic arch support. A custom orthotic is fabricated to your specific foot geometry and corrects the abnormal forces causing your pain — overpronation, excessive supination, forefoot varus, or rearfoot valgus. They typically start providing relief within 2–4 weeks. Most PPO insurers cover custom orthotics when medically indicated and properly documented; Medicare Part B covers diabetic therapeutic insoles with qualifying documentation. See our custom orthotics process.
Key takeaway: Custom orthotics are one of the most cost-effective podiatric interventions when prescribed for the right indication. A single pair, properly made, often provides 2–5 years of relief from recurrent plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or flat-foot pain — far less expensive than repeated cortisone injections or surgery.
What to expect at your appointment
Your custom orthotics consultation includes a gait analysis, biomechanical assessment (subtalar joint range of motion, forefoot-to-rearfoot alignment, first ray mobility), weight-bearing evaluation, and 3D digital foot scan. The scan captures your foot geometry far more precisely than the traditional plaster cast method. We design the orthotic prescription — including shell material, heel cup depth, accommodations, and top cover — based on your diagnosis and activity level.
Most orthotics are ready within 1–2 weeks. We provide a break-in protocol (2 hours day 1, adding 2 hours per day) and a follow-up adjustment appointment at 3–4 weeks — included in the cost. We fabricate different orthotics for different shoes when needed (dress vs. athletic, for example). From Brighton: same-day consultations available. Call (810) 206-1402.
⚠️ When to see a podiatrist promptly:
- Orthotics causing new pain (contact us — adjustment needed, this is normal early on)
- Foot pain worsening despite 4+ weeks of orthotics use (re-evaluation needed)
- Diabetic patients: any new skin irritation from orthotics — same-day eval
- Persistent pain in one location on the foot — rule out stress fracture before orthotics
Why Balance Foot & Ankle for Brighton patients
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM has prescribed thousands of pairs of custom orthotics and is one of the most-viewed podiatrists on YouTube explaining the difference between custom and OTC options. Our Howell office uses 3D digital scanning for precision fabrication — the same technology used by professional sports teams.
We accept most commercial insurance and Medicare Part B for qualifying patients. We provide the insurance documentation and billing — Brighton patients don’t need to navigate the paperwork alone. 4.9★ | 1,100+ reviews.
Insurance & scheduling for Brighton patients
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. From Brighton: Grand River Ave (M-59) east approximately 20 minutes to 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell MI 48843.
Ready to Get Relief?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Doctor Answer
What are custom orthotics and how do they differ from store-bought insoles?
Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices crafted from a precise mold of a patient’s feet to correct biomechanical imbalances, redistribute pressure, and relieve pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and heel spurs. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are tailored to each individual’s unique foot structure and gait. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle prescribes and fits custom orthotics in Brighton, MI, providing lasting relief that generic insoles simply cannot match.
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.