
Watch: Diabetes Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment [Diabetic Nerve Pain Remedy] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube
Diabetic Orthotics Guide is one of the most common reasons patients book a podiatry visit with Balance Foot & Ankle. Our three board-certified podiatrists — Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM (950K+ YouTube subscribers, 156M+ educational views), Dr. Carl Jay DPM, and Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM — have evaluated and treated this exact concern thousands of times. On this page you’ll find the clinical context, the evidence-based home-care options most patients try first, the three products our doctors recommend most often, and the warning signs that mean it’s time to call a podiatrist instead of continuing home treatment.
If the discomfort has been present for more than a few weeks, if it disrupts sleep, walking, or your usual activity, or if there is visible redness, swelling, bruising, drainage, numbness, or color change, an in-office evaluation with a podiatrist is the fastest path to relief. Home care alone rarely resolves a condition that has become structural. Our diagnostic workup includes same-day digital X-ray, in-office diagnostic ultrasound, and a gait evaluation — results are explained to you during the visit, and we build a written treatment plan with clear next steps.
One unnoticed blister on a neuropathic foot can become a limb-threatening ulcer in under 14 days. Medicare covers diabetic shoes (A5500) and comprehensive foot exams annually for most diabetic patients with neuropathy or circulation concerns. Balance Foot & Ankle runs a dedicated diabetic limb-preservation program — vascular screening, offloading, ulcer care, and shoe fitting — all in one visit. Schedule your annual diabetic foot exam today.
What to expect at your first visit:
- Appointments at both offices — book online 24/7
- Digital X-ray and ultrasound available on-site (no second trip)
- Most insurance accepted — BCBS, Aetna, UHC, Cigna, HAP, Priority Health, Medicare
- Conservative care first, with surgery only when truly needed
- Written treatment plan with specific milestones
- Offices in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Book a Visit at Balance Foot & Ankle
Three board-certified podiatrists · 1,200+ five-star reviews · book online 24/7 · most insurance accepted.
Howell · 4330 E Grand River | Bloomfield Township · 43494 Woodward
More Podiatrist-Recommended Diabetic Essentials
Diabetic Compression Sock
Seamless, non-binding — improves circulation without constricting fragile skin.
Diabetic-Safe Lotion
Hydrates dry cracking feet without irritating neuropathic skin.
Diabetic Foot Mirror
Daily inspection tool — catches ulcers 3-4 weeks earlier than self-exam.
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
One unnoticed blister on a neuropathic foot can become a limb-threatening ulcer in under 14 days. Medicare covers diabetic shoes (A5500) and comprehensive foot exams annually for most diabetic patients with neuropathy or circulation concerns. Balance Foot & Ankle runs a dedicated diabetic limb-preservation program — vascular screening, offloading, ulcer care, and shoe fitting — all in one visit. Schedule your annual diabetic foot exam today.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Top 10 Premade Orthotics — Dr. Tom’s Picks (2026)
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM has tested 60+ over-the-counter orthotic insoles in his Michigan podiatry practice over the past 15 years. Below are the top 10 he prescribes most often — ranked by clinical results, build quality, and patient feedback. PowerStep + CURREX brands are Dr. Tom’s #1 prescription brands — built by podiatrists, with a deep heel cradle and dual-density EVA.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
The most prescribed OTC orthotic in podiatry. Its 2° medial heel post keeps the heel from rolling inward. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle.
- 2° medial heel post limits pronation
- Deep heel cradle
- Dual-density EVA
- Trim-to-fit
- Trim required
- 5-7 day break-in
PowerStep Original Full LengthDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
The original PowerStep — flexible semi-rigid arch with deep heel cradle. The right choice for neutral feet that need everyday support without extra pronation control.
- Flexible semi-rigid arch
- Deep heel cradle
- Fits dress shoes
- 30-day guarantee
- APMA-accepted
- Less aggressive than Pinnacle
PowerStep Pulse MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Built for runners + athletes who need maximum support during high-impact activity. Engineered for forefoot strike + lateral motion.
- Sport-specific cushioning
- Antimicrobial top cover
- Shock-absorbing forefoot
- Pricier than Pinnacle
- Best for athletes only
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
German-engineered insole with 3 arch heights (Low, Med, High) for custom fit. Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel
- Sport-specific zones
- Premium materials
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
CURREX EdgeProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
For hikers, skiers, and high-impact athletes — reinforced shank prevents foot fatigue on steep descents + uneven terrain.
- Reinforced shank
- 3 arch heights
- Cold-weather friendly
- Carbon plate
- Stiff feel — not for casual
- Pricier
CURREX SupportSTPDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
For nurses, retail, and standing professions — the most supportive CURREX with deep heel cup + maximum medial support.
- Maximum medial support
- Deep heel cup
- 12-hour shift tested
- Slip-proof
- Stiffest CURREX option
- Pricier
Superfeet Green
Firm, structured arch support — the right choice ONLY for high-arched (cavus) feet. Wrong choice for flat feet.
- Strong structured arch
- Deep heel cup
- Long-lasting (5+ years)
- Firm — not for flat feet
Vionic OrthoHeel Active Insole
APMA-accepted, podiatrist-designed casual insole. Best for adding mild arch support to dress shoes + walking shoes.
- APMA-accepted
- Slim profile
- Antimicrobial top
- Less support than PowerStep
Foundation Wellness Orthotic Selector — PowerStep + CURREX by Condition (2026)
Find the right Foundation Wellness orthotic for YOUR specific condition. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM has tested every PowerStep + CURREX SKU in his Michigan podiatry practice. Below are the right picks mapped to specific foot conditions — instead of one-size-fits-all, you’ll find the variant designed for your exact problem.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
The Pinnacle with an added 2° medial heel post for extra pronation control.
- Rigid shell controls overpronation
- 2° medial heel post limits pronation
- Deep heel cradle
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Trim required
- 7-day break-in
PowerStep PinnacleDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Flagship PowerStep — semi-rigid arch with deep heel cradle. The #1 podiatrist-prescribed OTC orthotic in the US for plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
- Semi-rigid medical-grade arch
- Deep heel cradle
- Dual-density EVA
- APMA-accepted
- 30-day guarantee
- Trim required
- Less aggressive than Maxx
PowerStep Pinnacle High ArchDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Higher-volume arch profile for cavus feet that don’t fill standard insoles. Prevents the lateral roll that causes ankle sprains in supinators.
- High-arch profile
- Deep heel cradle
- Prevents lateral roll
- Only for high arches
- Wrong choice for flat feet
PowerStep Pinnacle Plus (with Built-In Met Pad)Dr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Pinnacle with built-in metatarsal pad — eliminates the burning ball-of-foot pain from Morton’s neuroma + metatarsalgia.
- Built-in met pad — no separate pad needed
- Spreads metatarsal heads
- Same Pinnacle support
- Met pad position fixed
- Trim required
PowerStep Morton’s Extension InsoleDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Stiffener under the 1st MTP joint — limits big toe extension. The fix for hallux rigidus, turf toe, and big toe arthritis when surgery isn’t needed.
- Stiffens 1st MTP joint
- Reduces big toe motion
- Prevents flare-ups
- Stiff feel takes 1 week
- Specific use case
PowerStep ProTech Full LengthDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Premium athletic insole with carbon-reinforced shell + dual-density forefoot. Best PowerStep for serious athletes.
- Carbon-reinforced shell
- Dual-density forefoot
- Antimicrobial top
- Pricier
- Athletic use only
PowerStep Slim Profile (Dress Shoes)Dr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Slim-profile Pinnacle that fits in dress shoes, work shoes, and low-volume footwear without lifting the heel out.
- Slim profile fits dress shoes
- Same Pinnacle arch
- Low-friction top
- Less cushion than full Pinnacle
- Trim required
PowerStep Wide (EE / EEE Fit)Dr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Wider footbed for EE/EEE-width feet that overflow standard insoles. Same Pinnacle support, wider sole.
- Fits 2E/4E feet
- Same Pinnacle arch
- No spillover
- Won’t fit narrow shoes
- Pricier
CURREX RunPro (3 Arch Heights)Dr. Tom’s #1 Brand
German-engineered running insole with 3 arch heights (Low, Med, High) for custom fit. Carbon-reinforced heel — closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
CURREX AceProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Court-sport-specific CURREX — stiffer shell for lateral stability during quick stops + cuts. Pickleball + tennis + basketball.
- Lateral stability shell
- Quick-stop heel
- 3 arch heights
- Stiffer feel
- Sport-specific
CURREX EdgeProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Reinforced shank insole for ski + snowboard boots — prevents foot fatigue on steep descents.
- Reinforced shank
- 3 arch heights
- Cold-weather friendly
- Carbon plate
- Stiff feel
- Sport-specific
CURREX HikeProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Hiking + backpacking insole — extra heel cushion + reinforced midfoot for uneven terrain.
- Extra heel cushion
- Reinforced midfoot
- 3 arch heights
- Bulky in low-volume shoes
- Pricier
CURREX BikeProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Cycling-specific insole — stiff carbon plate to maximize power transfer + cleat alignment.
- Stiff carbon plate
- Cleat-compatible
- Lightweight
- Cycling-only
- Pricier
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your diabetic foot, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.
- Slightly Angled Heel Post: PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx insoles for men & women keep the feet from rolling inward, improve stability, and prevent problems caused by overpronation including flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
- Firm But Flexible Design: Our orthotics Pinnacle PowerStep insoles for overpronation are equipped with a deep heel insert cradle for increased comfort, stability, and motion control for standard arch support and immediate heel pain relief.
- Premium Dual Layer Cushioning: For enhanced comfort from heel to toe. As the thickest of our Pinnacle PowerStep orthotics, these need to be worn in shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible. Made in the USA
- The Perfect Balance of Comfort and Support: These PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women are unlike most other orthotics as they help to correct over-pronation which can cause ankle, knee, and hip pain in your daily routine
- No Trimming: Our arch support PowerStep insoles men & women can use can be worn in a variety of shoe styles & fit in any type with no trimming required! Unlike most insoles for flat feet and other heel pain relief products, these come ready to wear.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot and Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our clinical recommendations. Last update on 2026-11-11 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Book online 24/7. (810) 206-1402
VitaMedica Arnica Gel
Arnica gel plus 15 plant compounds for sore feet, plantar fasciitis flares and post-activity soreness. Apply a thin layer to the sore area.
Shop VitaMedica Arnica Gel →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.
