Foot Care for Athletes in Michigan | Performance & Injury Prevention

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.

The foot is the foundation of athletic performance. Elite and recreational athletes alike subject their feet to repetitive loading, torsion, and impact forces that can expose structural vulnerabilities — some biomechanical, others training-related. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Southeast Michigan, Dr. Tom Biernacki provides specialized sports podiatry services including biomechanical assessment, performance orthotics, injury diagnosis, and return-to-sport planning for athletes of all levels and sports.

Common Athletic Foot & Ankle Injuries

The spectrum of athletic foot and ankle injuries spans many structures and sports. Ankle sprains (lateral ligament complex) are the most common acute athletic injury overall. Stress fractures of the metatarsals, navicular, and calcaneus affect endurance athletes and rapidly training beginners. Plantar fasciitis is pandemic in running sports. Achilles tendinopathy — both mid-portion and insertional — limits runners, cyclists, and jumping athletes. Hallux sesamoiditis and plantar plate tears affect forefoot strikers and gymnasts. Peroneal tendon tears are associated with chronic ankle instability in court sports. Turf toe (1st MTP hyperextension) is classic in football, basketball, and gymnastics. Jones fractures in the 5th metatarsal base are a season-ending diagnosis in many athletes. Lisfranc injuries are underrecognized in sports involving twisting and cutting.

Biomechanical Assessment for Athletes

A sports podiatry evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle goes beyond the clinic exam room. Dr. Biernacki assesses foot structure (arch height, hindfoot alignment, forefoot position), flexibility (ankle dorsiflexion, hallux dorsiflexion, calf tightness), strength (intrinsic foot muscles, peroneal, posterior tibial), and dynamic function (gait analysis, single-leg squat mechanics, sport-specific movement patterns when possible). This information directs specific interventions — not generic advice. A runner with recurrent plantar fasciitis caused by gastrocnemius tightness needs a different prescription than a basketball player with hallux rigidus limiting push-off.

Performance Orthotics for Athletes

Athletic custom orthotics are fabricated differently than everyday orthotics — thinner, lighter, and from materials that withstand the specific demands of the sport. A road running orthotic needs to flex with each stride, dissipate energy efficiently, and fit within a running shoe’s limited volume. A basketball orthotic must accommodate a high-top boot. A cycling orthotic requires a rigid carbon fiber plate to optimize power transfer. Dr. Biernacki prescribes sport-specific orthotics appropriate to the athlete’s foot type, activity, and shoe requirements.

Return to Sport Planning

Returning to sport after foot or ankle injury — whether managed conservatively or surgically — requires a structured, progressive plan. Premature return is the most common cause of reinjury. Dr. Biernacki provides sport-specific return protocols that progress from cross-training to sport-specific drills to full participation, with defined criteria at each stage based on pain level, strength, and balance. Communication with the athlete’s coach or athletic trainer is offered to ensure the rehabilitation plan is compatible with team expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your feet power your sport — protect them with expert care. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle to schedule a sports podiatry evaluation with Dr. Biernacki in Southeast Michigan.

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Online Booking 24/7

Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, you can book online 24/7.