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High Heels and Your Feet: Managing Style Without Sacrificing Health

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.

Insurance Accepted

BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →

Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Same-week appointments available at both locations.

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(810) 206-1402

Watch: High Heels & Your Feet: Damage Prevention

Dr. Tom on high-heel foot damage — bunion/hammertoe acceleration, Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia, height cap, alternating footwear, recovery protocol.

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Book Same-Week Appointment · (810) 206-1402

Heel-Wearer Protection Kit

If you love heels, protect your feet. Dr. Tom’s kit:

As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. This supports our free patient education content.

Ball-of-Foot Gel Cushions →

Offloads metatarsal heads in heels.

PowerStep Thin Heel Insole →

Arch support that fits dress shoes.

FlexiKold Ice Pack →

Post-event foot recovery.

Doctor Hoy’s Pain Gel →

Topical calf/foot relief after heels.

Related: Bunion Care · Morton’s Neuroma · Book Same-Week Appointment

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More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials

Hoka Clifton 10

Hoka Men's Clifton 10

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Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles

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The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.

OOFOS Recovery Slide

OOFOS OOahh Recovery Slide

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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.

General Foot Care - Balance Foot & Ankle

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

Recommended Products for Heel Pain
Products personally used and recommended by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. All available on Amazon.
Medical-grade arch support that offloads the plantar fascia. Our #1 recommendation for heel pain.
Best for: Daily wear, work shoes, athletic shoes
Apply to the heel and arch morning and evening for natural anti-inflammatory relief.
Best for: Morning heel pain, post-activity soreness
Graduated compression supports plantar fascia recovery and reduces morning stiffness.
Best for: Overnight recovery, all-day wear
These products work best with professional treatment. Book an appointment with Dr. Tom for a personalized treatment plan.
Complete Recovery Protocol
Dr. Tom's Heel Pain Recovery Kit
The complete at-home protocol we recommend to our plantar fasciitis patients between office visits.
1
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
Daily arch support
~$35
2
Doctor Hoy's Pain Relief Gel
Morning/evening application
~$18
~$25
Kit Total: ~$78 $120+ for comparable products
All available on Amazon with free Prime shipping

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a podiatrist for heel pain without a referral?
Yes. In Michigan, you do not need a referral to see a podiatrist. You can book directly with Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists for heel pain evaluation and treatment.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Most cases of plantar fasciitis resolve within 6 to 12 months with conservative treatment including stretching, orthotics, and activity modification. With advanced treatments like shockwave therapy, recovery can be faster.
Should I walk on my heel if it hurts?
You should avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces. Wear supportive shoes with arch support insoles like PowerStep Pinnacle. Complete rest is rarely needed, but modifying your activity level helps recovery.
What does a podiatrist do for heel pain?
A podiatrist examines your foot, may take X-rays to rule out fractures or heel spurs, and creates a treatment plan. This typically includes custom orthotics, stretching protocols, and may include shockwave therapy (EPAT) or laser therapy.
Medical References
  1. Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
  2. Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
  3. Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
  4. Heel Pain (APMA)
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. References are provided for informational purposes.

Related Treatments at Balance Foot & Ankle

Our board-certified podiatrists offer advanced treatments at our Bloomfield Hills and Howell locations.

Recommended Products from Dr. Tom

Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.

Our Podiatry Services Locations in Michigan

Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell, MI

4330 E Grand River, Howell, MI 48843

810-206-1402

Fax: 833-450-6201

Balance Foot & Ankle, Bloomfield, MI

43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302

810-206-1402

Fax: 833-450-6201

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