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 Hartland 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 Hartland.
Custom Orthotics close to Hartland
Hartland residents needing custom prescription orthotics have the closest specialist option at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell — just 10 minutes east on M-59. Custom orthotics are precision medical devices fabricated from a 3D scan of your foot to address the specific biomechanical problem driving your pain. Unlike OTC insoles that provide generic cushioning, custom orthotics correct the underlying mechanical cause: overpronation, forefoot varus, rearfoot valgus, or first ray instability.
We prescribe custom orthotics in our Howell clinic for: plantar fasciitis (most common indication), metatarsalgia and ball of foot pain, Achilles tendinopathy, adult flat foot and tibialis posterior dysfunction, bunion progression management, hallux rigidus, and diabetic protective offloading. The prescription — shell material, heel cup depth, forefoot accommodations, cover material, and activity suitability — is customized to your diagnosis. Most PPO insurers cover custom orthotics with proper medical necessity documentation. See our custom orthotics process.
Key takeaway: For Hartland patients with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or metatarsalgia: custom orthotics are often the single intervention that provides lasting relief after other treatments have failed. The key is the prescription being correct for your foot type and diagnosis — which requires a biomechanical exam, not just a scan.
What to expect at your appointment
Your consultation includes a full biomechanical exam: subtalar neutral, forefoot-to-rearfoot alignment, first ray mobility, arch flexibility, and gait analysis. We take a 3D digital scan of both feet in the corrected position — capturing your individual arch contour and forefoot geometry. The orthotic prescription is then designed based on your diagnosis and activity level.
Orthotics are typically ready within 1–2 weeks. We include a structured break-in schedule (2 hours day 1, +2 hours per day) and a follow-up adjustment visit at 3–4 weeks at no additional charge. For Hartland patients: same-day consultations are available. Call (810) 206-1402.
⚠️ When to see a podiatrist promptly:
- New foot pain from orthotics in the first 3 weeks — call for adjustment, this is expected
- Foot pain not improving after 6 weeks of correct orthotic use
- Diabetic patient with any new skin irritation from orthotics
- Sharp localized foot pain before orthotic fitting — rule out stress fracture first
Why Balance Foot & Ankle for Hartland patients
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM has prescribed thousands of pairs of custom orthotics and educates patients on the topic on his @MichiganFootDoctors YouTube channel (950,000+ subscribers). Our Howell office uses in-house 3D digital scanning — Hartland patients don’t need a separate scan appointment.
We accept most commercial insurance and Medicare Part B for qualifying conditions. We handle prior authorization and billing. 4.9★ | 1,100+ reviews. From Hartland: 10 minutes east on M-59.
Insurance & scheduling for Hartland patients
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. From Hartland: M-59 east 10 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 Hartland, 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.