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 Fenton 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 Fenton.
Custom Orthotics close to Fenton
Fenton residents needing prescription custom orthotics have a specialist option at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell — 20 minutes north on US-23. Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices, fabricated from a precise 3D scan of your foot, designed to address the mechanical cause of your foot or leg pain. They’re not glorified insoles — they’re orthopedic devices with a specific prescription tailored to your biomechanics.
We prescribe custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis (most common — dramatically reduces recurrence rate versus OTC insoles alone), metatarsalgia and ball of foot pain, Achilles tendinopathy, flat foot with tibialis posterior dysfunction, bunion progression management, hallux rigidus, pediatric flatfoot, and diabetic protective offloading. Most PPO insurers cover custom orthotics when medically indicated with proper documentation; Medicare covers diabetic therapeutic insoles under Part B. See our custom orthotics process and pricing.
Key takeaway: Many Fenton patients come to us after spending $40–80 on multiple pairs of OTC insoles over years without lasting relief. A single properly-prescribed custom orthotic pair typically lasts 2–5 years and addresses the actual structural problem — not just the symptom. The upfront cost is higher, but the total cost over 5 years is typically less than repeated OTC purchases.
What to expect at your appointment
Your consultation includes a full biomechanical exam (subtalar neutral, forefoot alignment, first ray mobility, arch flexibility), weight-bearing assessment, gait analysis, and 3D digital scan. We design a specific orthotic prescription — not a generic mold — based on your diagnosis, foot type, and activity goals.
Orthotics are fabricated within 1–2 weeks. A break-in period is required: start with 2 hours on day one, adding 2 hours daily. Follow-up adjustment at 3–4 weeks is included. For Fenton patients: same-day consultations available. Call (810) 206-1402.
⚠️ When to see a podiatrist promptly:
- Orthotics causing new or different pain in first weeks — call for adjustment
- No improvement after 6 weeks of correct orthotic use
- Any skin irritation from orthotics in diabetic patients
- Sharp localized foot pain — rule out stress fracture before prescribing orthotics
Why Balance Foot & Ankle for Fenton patients
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM has prescribed custom orthotics for thousands of patients and regularly explains the difference between custom and OTC options on YouTube. Our Howell office provides in-house 3D digital scanning and orthotic fabrication — Fenton patients don’t need separate appointments at multiple locations.
We accept most commercial insurance and Medicare Part B. We handle all documentation and prior authorization. 4.9★ | 1,100+ reviews.
Insurance & scheduling for Fenton patients
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. From Fenton: US-23 North 20 minutes, exit Grand River Ave, east 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 Fenton, 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.