Quick Answer
Back of heel pain is most commonly caused by insertional Achilles tendonitis (where the tendon attaches to the heel bone), Haglund’s deformity (“pump bump” — bony enlargement of the heel), and retrocalcaneal bursitis (inflamed fluid sac between Achilles and heel bone). Less common causes include calcaneal stress fracture, Sever’s disease in kids, and rheumatoid enthesitis. Treatment depends on the cause — most cases respond to heel lifts, eccentric exercises, and supportive footwear within 8-12 weeks.
9 Most Common Causes of Back of Heel Pain
1. Insertional Achilles Tendonitis
The most common cause — chronic micro-tears where the Achilles tendon inserts into the calcaneus (heel bone). Pain is at the very back of the heel, worse with first steps in morning, and tender to touch. Treatment: supportive shoes with 8-12mm heel drop, eccentric heel raises, heel lifts.
Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: EPAT Shockwave for Heel Pain →
2. Haglund’s Deformity (“Pump Bump”)
A bony enlargement of the back of the heel bone that rubs against shoe heel counters. Often visible as a hard bump. Treatment: shoe modification (open-back shoes), heel pads, ice. Surgery only for chronic cases.
3. Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid sac (bursa) between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone. Often coexists with Haglund’s. Treatment: ice, NSAIDs, ultrasound therapy, occasional cortisone injection.
4. Calcaneal Stress Fracture
Hairline fracture of the heel bone, usually from running or military training. Pain with weight-bearing, worse with jumping. Diagnosis requires MRI (X-ray often misses early). Treatment: 6-8 weeks in a CAM walker boot.
5. Sever’s Disease (children/teens)
Growth plate inflammation in active kids ages 8-15. Self-limiting once growth plate closes. Treatment: heel cups, cushioned shoes, activity modification.
6. Plantar Fasciitis (Posterior Variant)
Less common variant where pain is at the back of the heel rather than under it. Same fascial inflammation, different presentation. Treatment same as classic plantar fasciitis.
7. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the posterior tibial nerve causes burning pain that can radiate to the back and bottom of the heel. Treatment: nerve gliding exercises, supportive footwear, occasional surgical release.
8. Inflammatory Arthritis (Rheumatoid, Psoriatic)
Autoimmune conditions cause enthesitis at the Achilles insertion. Often bilateral. Requires rheumatology workup and disease-modifying treatment.
9. Achilles Tendon Rupture (acute)
Sudden severe pain like being kicked in the back of the heel, often during sports. Inability to push off. Emergency — needs immediate evaluation.
At-Home Treatment Tools That Actually Work
- Heel cups / pads — silicone heel cups (e.g., Tuli’s Cheetahs) absorb impact and elevate the heel slightly to offload Achilles. Available on Amazon.
- Achilles tendon brace — Bauerfeind AchilloTrain or similar for daytime support.
- Strassburg Sock — overnight stretch device that prevents morning stiffness.
- Eccentric heel raises — 3 sets of 15, twice daily. The single most effective Achilles exercise per research.
- Foam roller / massage gun — calf release reduces tension on the Achilles insertion.
When to See a Podiatrist (Red Flags)
- Pain longer than 4-6 weeks despite home treatment
- Sharp pain with sudden onset (rule out rupture or stress fracture)
- Visible deformity or swelling that doesn’t resolve
- Pain that wakes you at night
- Bilateral heel pain (rule out inflammatory arthritis)
Schedule an evaluation: Howell or Bloomfield Hills · (248) 337-5500 · Book online
✅ Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric physician & surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle | Updated April 2026
⚡ Quick Answer: What Causes Pain in the Back of the Heel?
Back of heel pain is most often Achilles tendinopathy — inflammation where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. Other causes include Haglund’s deformity and retrocalcaneal bursitis. Treatment: heel lifts, calf stretching, activity modification, and physical therapy. See a podiatrist for persistent pain beyond 6–8 weeks.
★ DR. TOM BIERNACKI, DPM, FACFAS · BOARD-CERTIFIED PODIATRIST
Back of Heel Pain: Quick Answer
Pain at the back of your heel comes from one of six structures: (1) Achilles tendon insertion (insertional Achilles tendonitis), (2) Achilles tendon mid-substance (3-5 cm above the heel), (3) the calcaneus bone itself (Haglund’s deformity bony bump), (4) retrocalcaneal bursa (fluid sac between Achilles and bone), (5) the heel skin (cracked heels, blister), or (6) referred pain from sciatic nerve compression.
The pattern that helps diagnose: If pain hurts FIRST thing in the morning and improves with walking, suspect Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis (heel-bottom). If a hard bump on the back of the heel hurts when shoes press on it, suspect Haglund’s deformity. If pain worsens during exercise and the area feels boggy/swollen, suspect retrocalcaneal bursitis. Most cases respond to heel lifts (reduce Achilles tension), a 2-4 week reduction in calf-loading exercise, and eccentric calf strengthening protocols. See a podiatrist if pain lasts >3 weeks.
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.
Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Back of heel pain is most commonly caused by Achilles tendonitis, insertional Achilles tendinopathy, Haglund’s deformity (pump bump), or retrocalcaneal bursitis. The pain is located at the posterior (back) aspect of the heel — distinct from plantar fasciitis, which causes pain on the bottom. Most cases respond to a structured conservative protocol of stretching, eccentric loading, heel lifts, and activity modification over 8–12 weeks.
![Retrocalcaneal Heel Bursitis [Pain in the back of the Heel TREATMENT!]](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/b89b8ee4358be1bbe72667e9a51f7d5f.jpg)
What Causes Pain in the Back of the Heel?
The back of the heel is one of the highest-load regions in the entire lower extremity. The Achilles tendon — the largest and strongest tendon in the body — inserts here, transferring enormous forces from the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus) with every step. When patients present with posterior heel pain, we systematically work through the most common diagnoses, because treatment differs significantly between them.
1. Achilles Tendonitis (Midportion)
Midportion Achilles tendonitis is inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon 2–6 cm above the heel bone insertion — the classic “runner’s heel.” It develops from repetitive overloading: sudden increases in training mileage, insufficient recovery time, worn-out shoe cushioning, or calf muscle tightness that increases tension on the tendon.
Key signs: Tender, thickened segment of the tendon in the mid-portion (not at the heel bone), morning stiffness that warms up with activity, and pain that returns after activity. The tendon may feel “crunchy” or nodular to touch.
2. Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
Insertional tendinopathy affects the point where the Achilles attaches to the heel bone. Unlike midportion Achilles issues, insertional disease involves calcification and bony changes at the attachment site. It’s more common in older, heavier, or less active patients. Standard eccentric calf exercises — effective for midportion tendonitis — often aggravate insertional disease and should be modified.
Key signs: Pain and tenderness directly at the back of the heel bone (not in the tendon belly), a visible or palpable bony prominence at the insertion, and pain with direct pressure from shoe counters. X-ray often shows calcification at the attachment.
3. Haglund’s Deformity (Pump Bump)
A Haglund’s deformity is an abnormal bony enlargement of the posterior-superior calcaneus — the upper back corner of the heel bone. It develops from a combination of genetics (high-arched, rigid foot) and shoe friction from stiff heel counters. Women who wear pumps frequently are disproportionately affected, giving rise to the term “pump bump.”
Key signs: A prominent bony bump at the upper back of the heel, redness and skin thickening overlying the bump, and severe pain with shoe wear. Pain is typically localized to the superficial bony prominence rather than the tendon itself.
4. Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
A small bursa (fluid-filled sac) sits between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus, cushioning the tendon as it moves. Retrocalcaneal bursitis is inflammation of this bursa, often occurring alongside Haglund’s deformity or insertional tendinopathy. It presents as swelling on either side of the Achilles just above the heel bone, and is tender to lateral and medial compression at this level.
• A sudden “pop” in the back of the heel with inability to push up on your toes — possible Achilles rupture
• Severe swelling and bruising after an acute injury
• Pain so severe you cannot bear weight
• Numbness or weakness in the foot alongside heel pain
• Symptoms that are worsening despite 3–4 weeks of rest
How Is Back of Heel Pain Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis requires hands-on evaluation. In our clinic, we use a combination of physical examination (palpation of the tendon, squeeze test for bursitis, Thompson test for rupture), weight-bearing X-rays to assess bony pathology, and diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate tendon integrity and bursa fluid. MRI is reserved for cases where ultrasound is inconclusive or surgical planning is needed.
The distinction between midportion and insertional Achilles disease is clinically significant — the two conditions require different treatment protocols, and confusing them leads to prolonged recovery.
Treatment for Back of Heel Pain
For midportion Achilles tendonitis: The Alfredson eccentric calf raise protocol is the gold standard — 3 sets of 15 reps, twice daily, for 12 weeks. Heel lifts (1–2 cm) reduce tendon load during healing. Physical therapy, shockwave therapy (ESWT) for chronic cases, and activity modification are the mainstays. Most patients see significant improvement by 8–12 weeks.
For insertional Achilles tendinopathy: Eccentric exercises must be modified — perform them only to the horizontal (not below), avoiding the range that compresses the insertion. Heel lifts, cushioned heel counters, night splinting, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) are highly effective. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is an option for refractory cases. Surgery is reserved for calcific disease unresponsive to 6+ months of conservative care.
For Haglund’s deformity: Conservative management focuses on eliminating friction — open-back shoes, heel lifts to shift the calcaneus forward, and custom orthotics to unload the posterior heel. Surgical resection of the bony prominence is very effective when conservative care fails and delivers lasting relief.
For retrocalcaneal bursitis: Ice, NSAIDs, and heel lifts are first-line. Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection directly into the bursa (not the tendon) provides rapid relief in refractory cases. Injection into the Achilles tendon itself is contraindicated due to rupture risk.
Recommended Products for Back of Heel Pain
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home care isn’t resolving your heel pain, 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.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Plantar Fasciitis Essentials
Best Night Splint
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Top Podiatrist-Recommended Insole
Deep heel cup + arch support unloads the plantar fascia all day.
Plantar Fasciitis Compression Sock
Arch support + circulation boost — reduces morning heel pain and swelling.
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When to See a Podiatrist
If morning heel pain has persisted more than 6 weeks, home care alone rarely fixes it. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we combine in-office ultrasound diagnostics, custom orthotics, and — when needed — shockwave or PRP to resolve plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to stretching and inserts. Most patients are walking pain-free within 4-8 weeks of starting a structured plan.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Frequently Asked Questions
Is back of heel pain the same as plantar fasciitis?
No — they are distinct conditions affecting different anatomical structures. Plantar fasciitis causes pain on the bottom of the heel (inferior calcaneus), typically worst with the first steps of the morning. Back of heel pain affects the posterior calcaneus and Achilles insertion. Treatment protocols differ significantly, which is why accurate diagnosis matters.
How long does back of heel pain take to heal?
Acute Achilles tendonitis in active patients: 6–8 weeks with a structured eccentric loading protocol. Chronic insertional tendinopathy or Haglund’s deformity: 3–6 months of consistent conservative care, with some patients requiring shockwave therapy or surgery. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment dramatically shortens recovery time.
Can I run with back of heel pain?
For mild Achilles tendonitis, modified running (reduced volume, softer surfaces, slower pace) is generally acceptable as long as pain during and 24 hours after running stays below 4/10. For insertional disease, bursitis, or Haglund’s deformity with significant pain, a temporary running hiatus (2–4 weeks) while initiating a rehabilitation program produces better long-term outcomes than running through it.
The Bottom Line
Back of heel pain has four main causes — Achilles tendonitis (midportion), insertional tendinopathy, Haglund’s deformity, and retrocalcaneal bursitis — each with its own treatment approach. Getting the diagnosis right from the start is the single most important factor in a fast, complete recovery. Most patients do not need surgery. With the right protocol started early, 80–90% of posterior heel pain cases resolve with conservative care.
Heel Pain That Isn’t Getting Better?
Dr. Tom and Dr. Carl provide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment for posterior heel pain at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Same-week appointments available.
Book Your Evaluation →⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 Stars · 1,100+ Reviews · Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be?
Several conditions share symptoms with Plantar Fasciitis and are commonly misdiagnosed in the first office visit. Considering these alternatives is part of every Balance Foot & Ankle exam:
- Baxter’s neuropathy. Compressed first branch of lateral plantar nerve — burning medial heel pain rather than first-step sharpness.
- Calcaneal stress fracture. Squeeze test of the heel reproduces pain anywhere; PF is reproduced only at the medial-plantar attachment.
- Heel spur (incidental). Spurs show on X-ray but rarely cause pain on their own — treat the fascia, not the spur.
If your symptoms don’t fit the textbook pattern, ask your podiatrist which differentials they ruled out — that conversation often shortcuts months of trial-and-error treatment.
In Our Clinic
In our Balance Foot & Ankle clinic, the typical plantar fasciitis patient is a 40- to 60-year-old who noticed sharp heel pain on their very first steps in the morning or after sitting at a desk. Many arrive having already tried cheap shoe-store inserts and a week of ice without relief. On exam, we palpate the medial calcaneal tubercle, check for a positive windlass test, and rule out Baxter’s neuropathy and calcaneal stress fractures. Most of our plantar fasciitis patients respond to a custom orthotic + eccentric calf loading + night splinting protocol within 6–12 weeks — without injections or surgery.
Most Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Stretching aggressively before the fascia warms up. Fix: apply heat or move the foot through gentle circles for 3-5 minutes before your first morning steps, then stretch.
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 on the heel
- Bruising or visible swelling around the heel
- Constant rest or night pain in the heel
- No improvement after 6 weeks of home care
Call (810) 206-1402 — same-day and next-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
When Shoes Aren’t Enough — Dr. Tom’s Top 9 Orthotics
About 30% of patients I see for foot pain need MORE than a great shoe — they need a structured insole. Below: my complete 2026 orthotic ranking with pros, cons, and the specific patient I’d give each one to.
★ DR. TOM’S COMPLETE 2026 ORTHOTIC RANKING
9 Best Prefab Orthotics by Use Case
PowerStep, Currex, Spenco, Vionic, and PowerStep Pinnacle — every orthotic I’ve fitted to thousands of patients across both Michigan offices. Each card includes pros, cons, and the specific patient I’d give it to. Real Amazon ratings, review counts, and prices below.
Best All-Purpose Orthotic for Most Patients
Semi-rigid arch shell + dual-layer cushion + deep heel cup. The orthotic I’ve fitted to more patients than any other for 15 years. APMA-accepted. Trim-to-fit design works in athletic shoes, casual shoes, and most work boots.
✓ Pros
- Semi-rigid arch shell provides true biomechanical correction
- Deep heel cup centers the heel and reduces lateral instability
- Dual-layer cushion (top + bottom) lasts 9-12 months daily wear
- Available in 8 sizes for precise fit
- APMA-accepted and clinically validated
- Lower price than PowerStep Pinnacle for equivalent function
✗ Cons
- Too thick for most dress shoes (use ProTech Slim instead)
- Some break-in period required (3-7 days for arch tolerance)
- Not enough correction for severe pes planus or rigid pes cavus
Dr. Tom’s Recommendation: If a patient has run-of-the-mill plantar fasciitis, mild flat feet, or arch fatigue, this is the first orthotic I try. Better value than PowerStep Pinnacle for 90% of patients, which is why I swapped it into our clinic kits three years ago. Sub-$50 typically.
Maximum Motion Control · Flat Feet & Severe Over-Pronation
PowerStep’s most aggressive stability orthotic. Adds a 2°-7° medial heel post on top of the standard PowerStep platform — designed specifically for flat-footed patients and severe pronators who need real corrective force.
✓ Pros
- 2°-7° medial heel post adds aggressive pronation control
- Same trusted PowerStep arch shell, more correction
- Built specifically for flat-foot biomechanics
- Excellent for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
- Removable top cover for cleaning
✗ Cons
- Too aggressive for neutral-arch patients
- Needs longer break-in (10-14 days) due to stronger correction
- Adds 2-3 mm of stack height — won’t fit slim dress shoes
Dr. Tom’s Recommendation: When a patient comes in with significant flat feet AND symptoms (heel pain, arch pain, knee pain), the Original PowerStep isn’t aggressive enough. The Maxx is what gets prescribed. About 25% of my flat-footed patients end up here.
Low-Profile · Fits Dress Shoes & Narrow Casuals
3 mm slim profile with podiatrist-designed tri-planar arch technology. Engineered specifically to fit inside dress shoes, oxfords, loafers, and women’s flats without crowding the toe box. Vionic was founded by an Australian podiatrist.
✓ Pros
- 3 mm slim profile (vs 7-10 mm for standard orthotics)
- Tri-planar arch technology adds support without bulk
- Built-in deep heel cup despite slim design
- Fits dress shoes WITHOUT having to remove the factory insole
- Trim-to-fit · APMA-accepted
✗ Cons
- Less arch support than full-volume orthotics
- Top cover wears faster than thicker alternatives
- Not enough correction for severe foot deformities
Dr. Tom’s Recommendation: My default when a patient says ‘I need orthotics but I have to wear dress shoes for work.’ Slim enough to fit in oxfords and pumps without the heel sliding out. The single highest-impact change you can make for office workers with foot pain.
Built-In Metatarsal Pad · Morton’s Neuroma · Ball-of-Foot Pain
Standard Pinnacle orthotic with a built-in metatarsal pad positioned proximal to the metatarsal heads — the exact location that offloads neuromas and metatarsalgia. No need for separate met pads or pad placement guesswork.
✓ Pros
- Built-in met pad eliminates DIY pad placement errors
- Specifically designed for Morton’s neuroma + metatarsalgia
- Same trusted PowerStep arch + heel cup platform
- Top cover protects sensitive forefoot skin
- Faster relief than orthotics + add-on met pads
✗ Cons
- Met pad position is fixed (can’t fine-tune individual placement)
- Some patients with very small or very large feet need custom
- Slightly thicker than the standard Pinnacle
Dr. Tom’s Recommendation: If a patient has Morton’s neuroma, sesamoiditis, or generalized ball-of-foot pain (metatarsalgia), this saves a clinic visit and a prescription. The built-in pad placement is anatomically correct for 80% of feet. Way better than DIY met pads.
Adaptive Dynamic Arch · Athletic & Daily Wear
Currex’s flagship adaptive arch technology — the orthotic flexes with your gait instead of fighting it. Different stiffness zones along the length give you targeted support at the heel, midfoot, and forefoot. Available in three arch heights (low/medium/high).
✓ Pros
- Dynamic flex zones adapt to natural gait cycle
- Three arch heights ensure precise fit
- Lighter than rigid orthotics (no ‘heavy foot’ feel)
- Excellent for runners and athletic walkers
- European podiatric design (German engineering)
✗ Cons
- More expensive than PowerStep Original ($55-65 typically)
- Less aggressive correction than Pinnacle Maxx for severe cases
- Three arch heights means you must self-select correctly
Dr. Tom’s Recommendation: I started recommending Currex three years ago for runners who said PowerStep felt ‘too rigid.’ The dynamic flex zones respect natural gait. Best for active patients who walk 8K+ steps daily and don’t need maximum motion control.
Running-Specific · Heel Strike + Forefoot Strike Compatible
Currex’s purpose-built running orthotic. The midfoot flex zone is positioned for runner’s gait mechanics, with a flared heel cushion for heel strikers and a forefoot rocker for midfoot/forefoot strikers. Tested on 1000+ runners during product development.
✓ Pros
- Designed by German biomechanics lab specifically for runners
- Dynamic arch flexes with running gait (not static like PowerStep)
- Three arch heights (low/medium/high)
- Reduces overuse injury risk in mid-distance runners
- Lightweight (no impact on cadence)
✗ Cons
- Premium price ($60-75)
- Not aggressive enough for severe over-pronators (use Pinnacle Maxx)
- Runner-specific design = less ideal for daily walking shoes
Dr. Tom’s Recommendation: If a patient runs 20+ miles per week and has plantar fasciitis or shin splints, this is the orthotic I prescribe. The dynamic flex zones respect running biomechanics in a way that no rigid PowerStep can match. Pricier but worth it for serious runners.
Cavus Foot & High-Arch Patients
Polyurethane base with a deeper heel cup and higher arch profile than PowerStep — built for cavus (high-arched) feet that need maximum cushion and support. The 5-zone cushioning system addresses the unique pressure points of high-arch feet.
✓ Pros
- Deeper heel cup centers the heel for cavus foot stability
- Higher arch profile fills the void under high arches
- 5-zone cushioning addresses cavus foot pressure points
- Polyurethane base lasts 12+ months
- Available in Wide width
✗ Cons
- Too tall/aggressive for normal or low arches
- Won’t fit slim dress shoes
- Pricier than PowerStep Original
- Some patients find the arch height uncomfortable initially
Dr. Tom’s Recommendation: Cavus foot patients are often misdiagnosed and given low-arch orthotics — that makes everything worse. Spenco’s Total Support has the arch profile that high-arch feet actually need. About 15% of my patients have cavus feet; this is what they wear.
Cushion Layer · Standing All Day · Gel Pressure Relief
NOT a true biomechanical orthotic — this is a cushion insole. But for patients who want gel pressure relief instead of arch correction (or to add ON TOP of factory insoles in work boots), this is the best gel option on Amazon.
✓ Pros
- Genuine gel cushioning (not foam pretending to be gel)
- Targeted gel waves under heel and ball of foot
- Trim-to-fit · works in most shoe types
- Sub-$15 price (most affordable option in this list)
- Massaging texture is genuinely soothing
✗ Cons
- ZERO arch support — this is cushion only
- Won’t fix plantar fasciitis or flat-foot issues
- Compresses faster than PowerStep (4-6 months)
- Top cover wears through in high-mileage applications
Dr. Tom’s Recommendation: I recommend these to patients who tell me ‘I just want my feet to stop hurting at the end of my shift’ and who don’t have a biomechanical issue. Construction workers, factory workers, retail. Pure cushion does the job for them.
Tight-Fitting Shoes · Cycling Shoes · Hockey Skates
PowerStep Pinnacle’s slim version of their famous Green insole. The trademark stabilizer cap is preserved but the overall thickness is reduced — works in cycling shoes, hockey skates, ski boots, and other tight-fitting footwear that the standard PowerStep Pinnacle can’t fit into.
✓ Pros
- Stabilizer cap centers the heel (PowerStep Pinnacle’s signature feature)
- Slim profile fits tight athletic footwear
- Lasts 12+ months daily wear
- Excellent for cycling shoes specifically
- Built-in odor-control treatment
✗ Cons
- Premium price ($45-55)
- Less cushion than PowerStep equivalents
- Not as aggressive correction as Pinnacle Maxx for flat feet
- The signature ‘heel cup feel’ takes 1-2 weeks to adapt to
Dr. Tom’s Recommendation: If you’re a cyclist with foot numbness, hot spots, or knee pain — this is the orthotic. The stabilizer cap solves cycling-specific biomechanical issues that no other orthotic addresses. Worth the premium for athletes.
None of these solving your foot pain?
Some patients (about 30%) need custom-molded prescription orthotics. We make 3D-scanned custom orthotics in our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices — specifically built for your foot mechanics.
Schedule a Custom Orthotic Fitting →FSA/HSA eligible · Most insurance accepted · (810) 206-1402
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a podiatrist for heel pain without a referral?
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Should I walk on my heel if it hurts?
What does a podiatrist do for heel pain?
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
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