Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: EPAT Shockwave for Heel Pain →
Insurance Accepted
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Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentWatch: Heel Spurs vs Plantar Fasciitis
Dr. Tom explains heel spurs vs plantar fasciitis — what’s the real difference, and why surgery is rare.
Heel Pain Relief Kit
For both heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, conservative care wins. Dr. Tom’s kit:
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Treats the fascia mechanics — fixes the pain, not the spur.
Night splint keeps fascia lengthened.
Spot cushioning for spur prominence.
Topical for daily management.
Related: Plantar Fasciitis · Heel Pain · Book Heel Consult
Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be?
Not every case of heel spur / calcaneal spur is straightforward. In our clinic we routinely rule out three look-alike conditions before confirming the diagnosis. If your symptoms don’t match the classic presentation, one of these may explain the pain — which is why physical exam matters more than self-diagnosis.
| Condition | How It Differs |
|---|---|
| Plantar fasciitis (no spur) | Same symptoms but no bony outgrowth on X-ray; spur is often incidental. |
| Fat pad atrophy | Diffuse heel pain, not focal; worse on hard surfaces and in minimalist shoes. |
| Calcaneal stress fracture | Positive squeeze test, pain with impact, confirmed on MRI. |
Red Flags — When to See a Podiatrist Now
Seek same-day evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you notice any of the following:
- Pain not responsive to 6-8 weeks of plantar-fasciitis protocol
- Nighttime heel pain at rest
- Visible heel redness or swelling
- Diabetic with chronic heel pain (rule out ulceration)
Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment. Our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices reserve same-day slots for urgent foot and ankle issues.
In Our Clinic: What We See
Clinical perspective from Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI:
The heel spur is usually incidental. In our clinic, 60-70% of pain-free adults have visible heel spurs on X-ray — and many patients with classic plantar fasciitis have no spur at all. The spur is not the pain generator; the plantar fascia inflammation at the insertion is. Treating the spur with shockwave, night splints, stretching, and custom orthotics addresses the fascia, not the bone. Surgery to remove a spur without addressing the fascia fails predictably. Dr. Biernacki shows patients their imaging next to a normal-foot X-ray with a spur — the spur alone is never the reason we operate.
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)
Related Treatments at Balance Foot & Ankle
Our board-certified podiatrists offer advanced treatments at our Bloomfield Hills and Howell locations.
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