Dr. Tom’s Top Insole & Orthotic Picks
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases.
Dr. Tom’s Top Bob and Brad Massage Guns (2026)
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Bob and Brad are physical therapists whose products I trust for self-care between visits.
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.
Quick Compare: Dr. Tom’s Top Running Shoes
| Shoe | Best For | Watch Out For | Buy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoka Bondi 9 | Plantar fasciitis, max cushion | Heavy, tall stack | Buy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brooks Ghost 17 | Neutral runners, first running shoe | Not for 200+lb runners | Buy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 | Flat feet, overpronation | Snug toe box | Buy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Altra Torin 8 | Wide feet, bunions, Morton’s toe | Zero-drop transition | Buy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hoka Clifton 10 | Daily training, lighter Hoka | Less cushion than Bondi | Buy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NB 990v6 | Senior fall prevention, 6E width |
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.
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. | Buy |
For full detailed reviews with pros/cons/Dr. Tom’s tips, see our complete shoe guide.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
The Complete Plantar Fasciitis Starter Kit — Podiatris relates to plantar fasciitis — typically caused by tight calves and arch overload. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
The Complete Plantar Fasciitis Starter Kit — Podiatrist Recommended
The Complete Plantar Fasciitis Starter Kit
When our podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis, they recommend a complete system — not just one product. Here’s the full kit we give patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists.
Product 1: OTC Orthotics — Correct the Root Cause
Plantar fasciitis is primarily biomechanical. Quality orthotics support the arch and reduce fascia strain with every step. Without fixing the mechanical cause, no other treatment provides lasting relief. Our top picks:
🥇 PowerStep Pinnacle — Our #1 recommendation for most plantar fasciitis patients. Semi-rigid arch shell, deep heel cup, dual-layer foam. Works for 80% of patients. [AFFILIATE LINK: PowerStep Pinnacle]
🥇 Curex WorkPro — Best for patients whose plantar fasciitis is triggered by long standing shifts (nurses, teachers, warehouse workers). The cushioning platform reduces impact while the adaptive arch provides support. [AFFILIATE LINK: Curex WorkPro]
PowerStep Pinnacle — Best for athletes with plantar fasciitis who need maximum rigid arch correction during sports. [AFFILIATE LINK: PowerStep Pinnacle]
Full guide: Recommended Orthotics | PowerStep Pinnacle Review | PowerStep Pinnacle vs PowerStep Pinnacle
Product 2: Night Splint — Stop Morning Pain
Morning heel pain happens because the fascia tightens overnight. A night splint keeps it gently stretched while you sleep. Most patients see dramatic improvement in morning pain within 1–2 weeks. [AFFILIATE LINK: Night Splint] [AFFILIATE LINK: Strassburg Sock]
Comparison: Night Splint vs Strassburg Sock
Product 3: Freezable Massage Roller
Roll the arch over a frozen roller for 5–10 minutes morning and evening. The cold reduces inflammation while rolling breaks up adhesions — one of the most effective at-home treatments for day-to-day pain. [AFFILIATE LINK: Foot Roller]
Product 4: Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel Roll-On — Quick Relief
When pain flares mid-day, Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel provides 4–6 hours of topical relief. Safe to use multiple times daily and far safer than long-term NSAID use. [AFFILIATE LINK: Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel Roll-On]
Comparison: Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel vs Voltaren
Product 5: Calf Stretching Device
Tight calves are the #1 contributing factor to plantar fasciitis. A stretching device like ProStretch makes deep calf stretching easy even for inflexible people. In studies, consistent calf stretching rivals injections in effectiveness. [AFFILIATE LINK: ProStretch]
Guide: Recommended Stretching Devices
Product 6: Supportive Shoe
Even the best orthotic fails in a flat, worn-out shoe. Choose a shoe with enough depth to accommodate your orthotic. Brooks, Hoka, and New Balance are our top picks. [AFFILIATE LINK: Brooks Adrenaline GTS] [AFFILIATE LINK: Hoka Bondi]
Guide: Recommended Shoes
Total Cost and Timeline
Estimated $150–250 for the full kit. With consistent use: weeks 1–2 morning pain improves, weeks 2–4 daytime pain reduces, weeks 4–8 most patients achieve 70–90% relief. If no improvement after 6–8 weeks, see a podiatrist. Read more: Plantar Fasciitis Secrets.
Schedule an Evaluation
Products help, but finding the root cause matters more. Schedule your evaluation with Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists: (810) 206-1402.
Also see: Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis 2026 | The True Cost of Ignoring Plantar Fasciitis
Affiliate disclosure: We only recommend products we’d give our own patients. Links may earn a small commission.
Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Products and Clinical Foot Care in Michigan
Michigan podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle recommend the products that have the strongest clinical evidence for the conditions they treat — and are honest when a product category provides limited benefit for a specific patient’s situation. The most effective foot care products (insoles, creams, braces, stretching devices, compression garments) work best when selected on the basis of an accurate diagnosis and matched to the individual patient’s needs. Products chosen without a clear diagnosis may provide generalized relief without addressing the underlying condition, leading to ongoing symptoms despite product expense.
At Balance Foot & Ankle, product recommendations are always in the context of a treatment plan — not a standalone recommendation divorced from clinical assessment. When a patient’s condition requires more than products can provide, we offer the clinical interventions that products cannot replicate: custom orthotics fabricated to the patient’s foot from a clinical cast or scan; MLS laser therapy for chronic inflammation and nerve pain; EPAT shockwave therapy for tendinopathy; targeted injection therapy; and surgical correction when structural problems require definitive treatment. Michigan patients who want professional guidance on both product selection and clinical treatment options can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
Michigan patients can access expert heel pain treatment in Michigan at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our board-certified podiatrists serve Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Schedule an appointment online or call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.
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
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Plantar Fasciitis Essentials
Best Night Splint
- Plantar fascitis night splint brace heel and foot pain size: Medium
- Medium , men 8 10 1/2 , women 7 1/2 10
- Designed to comfortably position the foot
- Low profile shell is sturdy and breathable
Keeps fascia stretched overnight — the #1 intervention for morning heel pain.
Top Podiatrist-Recommended 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
Deep heel cup + arch support unloads the plantar fascia all day.
Plantar Fasciitis Compression Sock
- Provides continuous support of the Plantar Fascia by gently stretching the fascia tissue.
- Compression zones promote circulation, reduce impact vibration, boost recovery and strengthen feet.
- Lightweight, seamless design with extra cushioning provides support while still being comfortable.
- Supports the heel/arch and overall foot structure while stabilizing the tendon for better performance
- Made from high quality materials, the socks are moisture wicking and breathable.
Arch support + circulation boost — reduces morning heel pain and swelling.
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 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
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Bloomfield Hills at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.
Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for plantar fasciitis
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care resolves 90%+ of cases
- ✓ Multiple home treatment options
- ✓ Strong evidence base
- ✓ Imaging often not required
Considerations
- ✗ Recovery takes 6-12 weeks
- ✗ Mistakes prolong recovery
- ✗ Untreated can become chronic
- ✗ Can mimic other conditions
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for plantar fasciitis
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: High-arch support to offload plantar fascia
Strassburg Sock Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Overnight stretch for morning pain relief
Hoka Bondi 9 Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Max cushion + rocker sole for daily relief
TriggerPoint Footballer Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Plantar fascia release + stretching
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to cure plantar fasciitis?
Is plantar fasciitis covered by insurance?
Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
Recommended Products from Dr. Tom