When should I see a podiatrist?

You should see a podiatrist for any persistent foot or ankle pain lasting more than a few days, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, wounds that won't heal, changes in skin color or temperature, or structural deformities. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist serving SE Michigan with same-day appointments available. Call 810-206-1402.

Does Dr. Biernacki accept insurance?

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and many others. Contact our office at 810-206-1402 to verify your specific coverage. We also offer affordable self-pay options.

What should I expect at my first podiatry appointment?

Your first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Biernacki including medical history review, physical examination, biomechanical assessment, and any necessary diagnostic imaging (X-rays are available in-office). You'll receive a diagnosis, treatment plan, and same-day treatment when possible. Most initial visits take approximately 30-45 minutes.

Why is foot anatomy important for treating foot pain?

The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Even small deviations — a flattened arch, a restricted subtalar joint, a tight Achilles — can alter gait mechanics and create pain patterns far from the original problem. Understanding specific anatomy is how podiatrists identify the true source of pain rather than just treating symptoms.

What is the windlass mechanism and why does it matter?

The windlass mechanism stiffens the foot's arch during push-off. As the big toe dorsiflexes at the end of each stride, the plantar fascia wraps around the metatarsal head and tightens the arch like a winch, converting the flexible midfoot into a rigid lever for propulsion. Loss of big toe dorsiflexion (hallux limitus) is a common hidden driver of plantar fasciitis, knee pain, and hip overuse.

What is the difference between pronation and supination?

Pronation is the normal inward rolling and arch-flattening motion during weight acceptance — it absorbs shock. Supination is the opposite outward rolling that stiffens the arch for push-off. Excessive pronation overloads medial structures including the plantar fascia and posterior tibial tendon. Excessive supination reduces shock absorption and overloads the lateral foot.

Does foot structure affect the rest of the body?

Significantly. Abnormal foot mechanics — particularly overpronation — create compensations up through the ankle, knee, hip, and lumbar spine. Flat feet are associated with increased rates of knee valgus, IT band syndrome, patellar tendinopathy, and lower back pain. Custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist frequently resolve pain in joints far above the foot.

How do I know if I overpronate?

Signs of overpronation include: shoes that wear down on the inner edge, knees that turn inward when walking or running, foot arches that nearly touch the ground when standing (flat feet), and chronic pain in the heel, arch, shin, or knee. A podiatrist can perform a gait analysis and pressure mapping to definitively diagnose overpronation and determine how much correction you need.

Can overpronation be corrected?

Yes, overpronation can be effectively managed and corrected with the right intervention. Motion control or stability running shoes provide immediate support. Custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist offer the most precise correction by controlling the specific degree of pronation in your foot. Strengthening exercises for the posterior tibial tendon and calf muscles also improve foot mechanics over time.

Does overpronation cause plantar fasciitis?

Yes, overpronation is one of the most common contributing factors to plantar fasciitis. When the foot rolls too far inward with each step, it places excessive stretching force on the plantar fascia — the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Over time this causes micro-tears and inflammation. Correcting overpronation with orthotics and supportive footwear is a key part of plantar fasciitis treatment.

Overpronation: Is It Really the Problem Your Shoes Are

Quick answer: Treatment for overpronation foot problems causes treatment follows a stepwise approach: 1) conservative care first (rest, ice, supportive footwear, OTC anti-inflammatories), 2) physical therapy and targeted exercises, 3) in-office treatments (injections, custom orthotics) if conservative fails at 4-6 weeks, 4) surgery for refractory cases. Most patients resolve at step 1 or 2. Call (810) 206-1402.

✅ Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-certified podiatric physician & surgeon | Michigan Foot Doctors | Updated April 2026

MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT

The most important clinical decision with Overpronation Foot Problems Causes Treatment isn't which treatment to start with — it's which subtype or underlying cause you actually have. Our podiatrists regularly see patients who've been treated for months for the wrong diagnosis. The correct identification changes the entire treatment path. Call (810) 206-1402 — Dr. Tom evaluates this condition at both Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations.

Watch: Dr. Tom explains neuropathy and circulation treatment — Michigan Foot Doctors

Best Shoes & Orthotics for Overpronation

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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 →

Howell Office

4330 E Grand River Ave

Howell, MI 48843

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Bloomfield Hills Office

43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

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Same-week appointments available at both locations.

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(810) 206-1402

Watch Dr. Tom on Overpronation

Dr. Tom on overpronation — what it is, why it matters, how it’s treated with orthotics, shoes, and strengthening.

Book Today — Same-Day Appointments (810) 206-1402

Overpronation Correction Kit

Overpronation drives PF, PTTD, shin splints, and runner’s knee. These four items address it systematically:

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles

Semi-rigid medial arch support controls overpronation — the single highest-ROI item for overpronators.

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Motion-Control Walking Shoe

Motion-control construction resists the inward collapse that overpronation creates.

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Resistance Band Set (Glutes)

Glute medius weakness is the #1 upstream driver of overpronation — address the source.

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Doctor Hoy’s Pain Relief Gel

Topical for the medial foot and shin pain that overpronation causes.

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Affiliate disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them. We only recommend products we actually prescribe to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.

Related from Balance Foot & Ankle

More Podiatrist-Recommended Flat Feet Essentials

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles, Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Made in USA Orthotic Insoles, Arch Support Inserts with Moderate Pronation, #1 Podiatrist Recommended (M 14-15)

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 several 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

Top orthotic for flat feet — lifts the collapsed arch and controls pronation.

Stability Running Shoe

New Balance Mens Fresh Foam X 860 V14

Fresh Foam X midsole delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort
Durable rubber outsole
Lightweight synthetic material
8 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 8 mm drop are approximate
Adjustable lace closure for a secure fit

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 — designed for overpronators with flat feet.

Supportive Stability Shoe

Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive Running & Walking Shoe

THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Adrenaline GTS 25 is perfect for runners and walkers seeking reliable support and a smooth ride. Featuring holistic GuideRails for Go-To Support and soft, dynamic premium nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, it delivers distraction-free comfort mile after mile. This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Adrenaline GTS 24.
GUIDERAILS HOLISTIC SUPPORT SYSTEM: Our innovative technology – known as “GTS” for “Go-To Support” – supports your body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check.
SOFT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: Even more premium nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning delivers lightweight softness, and feel-good comfort mile after mile.
TRUSTED FIT: The breathable engineered mesh upper and flat-knit collar offer a secure, comfortable fit, providing both structure and flexibility to accommodate natural movement during active use.
SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The specially designed outsole and midsole work together to promote seamless transitions, ensuring comfort and support for every step, so you can stay active longer.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 — gold-standard stability shoe for flat 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.

Overpronation Vs Supination Foot Knee Hip Back Pain 3 - Balance Foot & Ankle

When to See a Podiatrist

Painful flat feet in adults can signal posterior tibial tendon dysfunction — a progressive condition that needs early intervention to avoid surgery. Balance Foot & Ankle evaluates adult flatfoot with weight-bearing imaging and custom orthotic prescriptions. Catching PTTD at stage 1-2 makes the difference between a brace and a reconstruction.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Overpronation Resources

FTC Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Every product below is independently tested and reviewed by Dr. Tom for 30+ days in clinical practice before recommendation. We never accept paid placements. Last verified: April 2026.

Foundation Wellness Orthotic Selector — PowerStep + CURREX by Condition (2026)

Find the right Foundation Wellness orthotic for YOUR specific condition. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM has tested every PowerStep + CURREX SKU in his Michigan podiatry practice. Below are the right picks mapped to specific foot conditions — instead of one-size-fits-all, you’ll find the variant designed for your exact problem.

📋 Affiliate Disclosure: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Foundation Wellness affiliate (PowerStep + CURREX). We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Last verified: April 28, 2026.

⭐ Best for Flat Feet

Best Shoes & Orthotics for Overpronation

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Watch Dr. Tom on Overpronation

Overpronation Correction Kit

Related from Balance Foot & Ankle

More Podiatrist-Recommended Flat Feet Essentials

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

Stability Running Shoe

Supportive Stability Shoe

When to See a Podiatrist

Overpronation Resources

Foundation Wellness Orthotic Selector — PowerStep + CURREX by Condition (2026)

PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

PowerStep PinnacleDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

PowerStep Pinnacle High ArchDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

PowerStep Pinnacle Plus (with Built-In Met Pad)Dr. Tom’s #1 Brand

PowerStep Morton’s Extension InsoleDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

PowerStep ProTech Full LengthDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

PowerStep Slim Profile (Dress Shoes)Dr. Tom’s #1 Brand

PowerStep Wide (EE / EEE Fit)Dr. Tom’s #1 Brand

CURREX RunPro (3 Arch Heights)Dr. Tom’s #1 Brand

CURREX WalkProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

CURREX AceProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

CURREX EdgeProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

CURREX HikeProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

CURREX BikeProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

Top 10 Premade Orthotics — Dr. Tom’s Picks (2026)

PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

PowerStep Original Full LengthDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

PowerStep Pulse MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

CURREX EdgeProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

CURREX SupportSTPDr. Tom’s #1 Brand

Dr. Tom’s Vascular & Neurological Condition Picks

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

Our Podiatry Services Locations in Michigan

Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell, MI

Balance Foot & Ankle, Bloomfield, MI

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