Dr. Tom’s Top Insole & Orthotic Picks
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Dr. Tom’s Top Pain Relief Picks — Dr. Hoy’s (2026)
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. I personally use Dr. Hoy’s in my practice for patients who need topical relief.
| Product | Best For | Dr. Tom’s Take | Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel 3.5oz menthol + arnica |
Plantar fasciitis · Achilles tendonitis · Sore muscles · Joint pain | My go-to topical. Cooling-then-warming sensation. No greasy residue. Non-NSAID alternative. | Buy Now |
| Dr. Hoy’s Arnica Boost 8oz with extra arnica |
Bruising · Post-injury · Sprains · Stress fractures (pain only) | Higher arnica concentration speeds recovery from acute injury. Use 4x daily for first 7 days. | Buy Now |
| Dr. Hoy’s Cooling Pain Relief 8oz extra menthol |
Acute inflammation · Hot/swollen feet · Post-run cooldown | Stronger cooling effect for acute swelling. Pair with ice for first 48 hours after injury. | Buy Now |
| Dr. Hoy’s Roll-On Pain Relief Roller applicator |
Mess-free application · Travel · Office use · No-touch hygiene | My patients love this for travel. Glides on without hand contact — cleanest application available. | Buy Now |
| Dr. Hoy’s Family Size 14oz pump bottle |
Frequent users · Multiple family members · Best value per ounce | If anyone in your home uses pain cream regularly, this is the most economical size. Same formula. | Buy Now |
Why I recommend Dr. Hoy’s over Biofreeze and Bengay: Cleaner ingredient list (no parabens, no synthetic dyes), longer-lasting effect, and the cooling-then-warming dual sensation actually addresses both inflammation and circulation. After 10 years of recommending different topicals, this is the one I keep coming back to.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Foot Pain Finder — Click Where It Hurts & Find Ou relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
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 Hills, Michigan.
Quick Answer
Most foot and ankle problems respond to conservative care — proper footwear, supportive inserts, activity modification, and targeted stretching — within 4-8 weeks. Persistent pain beyond that window, or any symptom that prevents walking, warrants a podiatric evaluation to rule out fracture, tendon tear, or systemic cause.
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Foot Pain Finder — Where Does It Hurt & What Does It Mean?
Foot pain location is one of the most important diagnostic clues a podiatrist uses. Different structures — tendons, bones, nerves, joints — live in different areas, and pain location helps narrow the possibilities dramatically. Use this guide to identify what might be causing your pain.
🟡 Schedule soon = See us within 1–2 weeks
🔴 See us this week = Don’t wait — this needs professional evaluation
Pain by Location
Likely conditions: 🔴 Plantar fasciitis (most common), heel spur, fat pad atrophy, stress fracture
Home products that may help: Powerstep orthotics, night splint, Hoka Bondi shoes
→ Book an evaluation
Likely conditions: 🟡 Achilles tendonitis, Haglund’s deformity (pump bump), retrocalcaneal bursitis
Home products that may help: Heel lifts, ankle brace, calf stretching strap
→ Book an evaluation
Likely conditions: 🔴 Plantar fasciitis, flat foot pain, plantar fibroma, posterior tibial tendonitis
Home products that may help: Arch support insoles, custom orthotics evaluation
→ Book an evaluation
Likely conditions: 🟡 Metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, sesamoiditis, capsulitis
Home products that may help: Metatarsal pads, wide toe box shoes, cushioned insoles
→ Book an evaluation
Likely conditions: 🟡 Bunion, gout, hallux rigidus (arthritis), turf toe
Home products that may help: Toe spacers, wide shoes, anti-inflammatory products
→ Book an evaluation
Likely conditions: 🟢 Ingrown toenail, toenail fungus, nail trauma — see us if infected or painful
Home products that may help: Antifungal products, nail trimming kit
→ Book an evaluation
Likely conditions: 🟢 Hammertoe, corn, tailor’s bunion, crossover toe
Home products that may help: Toe pads, toe separators, wider shoes
→ Book an evaluation
Likely conditions: 🟡 Extensor tendonitis, stress fracture, ganglion cyst, arthritis
Home products that may help: Lacing adjustment, rest, ankle brace — see us for imaging
→ Book an evaluation
Likely conditions: 🔴 Peroneal tendonitis, Jones fracture, cuboid syndrome, bunionette — get evaluated
Home products that may help: Ankle brace, lateral support, same-day evaluation if sudden pain
→ Book an evaluation
Likely conditions: 🟡 Posterior tibial tendonitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, deltoid strain
Home products that may help: Ankle brace, orthotics, arch support
→ Book an evaluation
Likely conditions: 🔴 Ankle sprain (very common), peroneal tendon injury, stress fracture — see us for imaging
Home products that may help: Ankle brace, ice therapy, elevation
→ Book an evaluation
Likely conditions: 🟡 Neuropathy, arthritis, diabetes-related, poor circulation — comprehensive evaluation needed
Home products that may help: Diabetic socks, neuropathy supplements (ALA, B-Complex), orthotics
→ Book an evaluation
Important: This Tool Is Not a Diagnosis
This guide helps you understand what might be causing your foot pain — but it cannot replace a proper examination. Many serious conditions (stress fractures, infections, tumors) present with deceptively mild symptoms. If your pain is severe, sudden, or worsening, call us today.
Our in-office evaluation includes X-ray and ultrasound imaging — we can give you a definitive diagnosis in a single appointment, not weeks of guessing.
The 5 Most Common Foot Pain Mistakes
- Ignoring it: 90% of foot conditions worsen without treatment
- Buying random insoles: The wrong orthotic for your condition can make things worse
- Cortisone shot without diagnosis: Cortisone masks pain without treating the cause
- Waiting for imaging: We do X-ray and ultrasound in-office — no referral wait
- Assuming it’s “just age”: Pain is not a normal part of aging — it’s a signal
✅ MLS Dual-Wavelength Laser — FDA-cleared
✅ EPAT Shockwave Therapy — 80%+ success rate
✅ Magnetotransduction (EMTT) — Deep electromagnetic healing
✅ 3D-Scanned Custom Orthotics
✅ Toenail Fungus Laser
✅ In-Office X-Ray & Ultrasound
✅ Diabetic Shoe Program — Medicare-covered
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Ready to Get a Real Diagnosis?
Schedule your evaluation — same-day appointments available.
📞 (810) 206-1402
Howell: 4330 E Grand River Ave | Bloomfield Hills: 43494 Woodward Ave #208
Michigan patients experiencing foot or ankle problems can schedule an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle — with locations in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
👟 Dr. Tom Also Recommends
Podiatrist Recommended Shoes 2026: Dr. Tom’s Top Picks for Every Condition
The right footwear can make or break your recovery. Dr. Tom’s complete guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, neuropathy, bunions & more — with clinical picks for every foot type.
See Dr. Tom’s Top Shoe Picks →Join 950,000+ Learning About Foot Health
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Not Sure What’s Causing Your Foot Pain?
Our podiatrists use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact source of your pain. Get an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan at your first visit.
Clinical References
- Thomas JL, et al. The diagnosis and treatment of heel pain: a clinical practice guideline. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2010;49(3 Suppl):S1-S19.
- Rao S, et al. Musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and ankle: assessments and treatment options. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2012;26(3):345-368.
- Menz HB, et al. Foot pain in community-dwelling older people: an evaluation of the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index. Rheumatology. 2006;45(7):863-867.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentIn-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 same-day and next-day appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills 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.
Most Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Waiting too long before seeking care. Fix: any foot pain lasting more than 4 weeks, or any sudden severe symptom, deserves a professional evaluation rather than more rest.
Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
Seek immediate evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you experience any of the following:
- Unable to bear weight
- Severe swelling with skin colour change
- Fever with foot pain (possible infection)
- Diabetes plus any new foot symptom
Call (810) 206-1402 — same-day and next-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insole
- The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
- When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
- The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
- The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
- Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible
The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
- The Original Recovery Footwear.
- Finding Your Size - For your perfect fit, consult the “size chart” link above. Wear a half size? In general, we recommend that women who wear a ½ size size UP, and men who wear a ½ size size DOWN
- OOahh - An evolution of the OOriginal, the OOahh slide features our proven foundation of OOfoam technology + patented footbed design with a slide-style strap that has become a best-seller in the OOFOS line
- OOfoam Technology - Our revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foams to reduce the stress on your feet, joints & back. Plus, the closed-cell foam is machine washable and designed to minimize odor
- Patented Footbed - Our patented footbed cradles and supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear. So walking is easier. Recovery is faster. And yOO feel better
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
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
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
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 for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.
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