Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon, 3,000+ surgeries performed. Updated April 2026 with current clinical evidence. This article reflects real practice experience from Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
Quick Answer
Custom orthotics are prescription inserts made from a 3D scan of your foot. They address the structural cause of plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or metatarsalgia rather than just cushioning symptoms. Most patients feel improvement within 2-4 weeks. Covered by most PPO plans and Medicare when medically indicated.
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home care isn’t resolving your your foot or ankle concern, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.
Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
In Our Clinic
The patients we see for custom orthotic consultations usually fall into two groups. First are athletes — runners, hikers, basketball players — looking to correct a biomechanical asymmetry they’ve identified themselves or their coach has flagged. Second are middle-aged patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or early arthritis who have exhausted over-the-counter inserts. Our process begins with a 3D foot scan plus a gait-video analysis on our in-office treadmill. We select materials based on activity — a stiffer carbon composite for performance running, a softer plastazote top cover for diabetic patients, a semi-rigid polypropylene for everyday wear. Most patients adapt in 2–4 weeks.
Most Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Wearing new orthotics all day from day one. Fix: break-in schedule of 2 hours on day one, adding 2 hours per day until full-day tolerance.
Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
Seek immediate evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you experience any of the following:
- New sharp pain under the arch that did not exist before
- Skin breakdown over pressure points
- Diabetic patient with any new pressure spot
- Worsening of original symptoms after 4 weeks
Call (810) 206-1402 — appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Orthotics Essentials
PowerStep Pinnacle
![Best Insoles & Orthotics 2026 [Flat Feet, Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions]](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/c8bafcb9b179f8abb63d894b334fd14e.jpg)
Watch: Best Insoles & Orthotics 2026 [Flat Feet, Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions] — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube
The podiatrist-recommended OTC orthotic — arch support + heel cup.
CURREX RunPro Insole
Performance insole for runners — reduces fatigue and prevents injuries.
Tuli’s Heel Cups
Shock-absorbing heel cushion — adds lift and relief under painful heels.
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
Off-the-shelf inserts help 70% of patients — but if you’ve tried several without relief, custom orthotics molded to your specific foot mechanics are usually the next step. Balance Foot & Ankle makes custom orthotics in-office and most major insurance plans cover them. We’ll cast or scan your feet and have them ready in about 2 weeks.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
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Arnica gel plus 15 plant compounds for sore feet, plantar fasciitis flares and post-activity soreness. Apply a thin layer to the sore area.
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Appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Three board-certified podiatric surgeons. 1,200+ five-star reviews. Most insurance accepted.
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Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.