Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Plantar fasciitis near Auburn Hills fails conservative treatment in 10% of cases — and the reason is almost always one of three things: the wrong stretching protocol, barefoot walking at home, or an undiagnosed Baxter’s nerve entrapment masquerading as plantar fasciitis. EPAT shockwave resolves most persistent cases without surgery. Call (810) 206-1402 — plantar fasciitis treatment in Auburn Hills.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Close to Auburn Hills
Plantar fasciitis affects active adults, people who stand all day, and those who recently increased their activity levels. Auburn Hills has a large population of workers in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology who spend long hours on their feet — and we see many of them at our Bloomfield Township office.
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The key to effective treatment is understanding the biomechanical driver. In our clinic, we see three common patterns: flat-footed patients who overpronate and stretch the fascia with every step; high-arched patients whose rigid foot concentrates stress at the heel; and patients with a short, tight Achilles tendon that increases tension on the fascia. Each pattern needs a different orthotic prescription and a different exercise protocol.
Your First Visit
We’ll take your history, examine your foot mechanics, and perform digital gait analysis during your first appointment. If we suspect a stress fracture or other bone pathology, we’ll order imaging. Most patients leave with a working diagnosis and the first elements of their treatment plan — including a prescription for custom orthotics if indicated.
We stay conservative as long as it’s working. If orthotics and stretching aren’t producing results by week 8, we escalate: shockwave therapy, PRP injections, or — rarely — minimally invasive surgery that has Auburn Hills patients walking the same day.
Key takeaway: Night splints keep the plantar fascia gently stretched while you sleep, preventing the overnight contracture that causes the infamous “first step” pain. Used consistently, they can cut recovery time in half for many patients.
Why Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki and his team at Balance Foot & Ankle have helped thousands of Southeast Michigan residents resolve plantar fasciitis for good. Our Bloomfield Township office is a short drive from Auburn Hills — head south on Opdyke Rd, then south on Woodward Ave. We’re at 43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302.
⚠️ See a podiatrist urgently if:
- Heel pain came on suddenly after a step or fall (possible stress fracture)
- You cannot bear weight on the affected foot
- Swelling or bruising appeared in the heel
- You have diabetes and any heel wound or skin breakdown
Insurance & Scheduling
We accept Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Medicare, and most PPO plans. Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment.
Ready to Get Relief?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
For a complete clinical overview: Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Guide — every treatment from stretching to surgery
How quickly can I get a podiatry appointment in Southeast Michigan?
Same-week appointments available at our Howell, Milford, Fenton, Hartland, and surrounding locations.
What does Balance Foot & Ankle specialize in?
Comprehensive foot and ankle care — plantar fasciitis, bunions, toenail conditions, ankle surgery, diabetic foot care, and custom orthotics.
📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
At our Auburn Hills podiatry office, we offer comprehensive plantar fasciitis treatment including custom foot orthotics, stretching protocols, night splints, cortisone injections, MLS laser therapy, and EPAT shockwave therapy. For chronic cases that do not respond to conservative care after 6 months, we also offer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and, rarely, endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. The vast majority of patients – over 90% – resolve with our conservative treatment protocol within 3 to 6 months. We also evaluate gait and footwear to address underlying causes.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) 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 made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
Where can I get Plantar Fasciitis treatment near Auburn Hills, MI?
Balance Foot & Ankle serves Auburn Hills, MI patients at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM provides same-day Plantar Fasciitis treatment. Call (810) 206-1402.
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Auburn Hills, MI?
Most Auburn Hills patients reach our Howell office (4330 E Grand River Ave) in 10–25 minutes. Bloomfield Township: 43494 Woodward Ave #208. Call (810) 206-1402 to book.
Does insurance cover Plantar Fasciitis treatment in Michigan?
Most PPO plans cover Plantar Fasciitis when medically indicated. We accept BCBS, Medicare Part B, and most Michigan insurers. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify coverage before your visit.
Who treats Plantar Fasciitis at Balance Foot & Ankle?
Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM (double-fellowship trained) leads Plantar Fasciitis care. Also: Dr. Carl Jay DPM and Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM AACFAS. Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township. (810) 206-1402.
What is the fastest way to cure plantar fasciitis?
The fastest resolution comes from combining multiple treatments simultaneously: aggressive calf and plantar fascia stretching (Achilles stretch, towel stretch, plantar fascia-specific stretch before first steps), night splints to maintain dorsiflexion during sleep, custom orthotics or quality arch support, and activity modification. EPAT shockwave therapy accelerates healing in chronic cases with a 70u201380% success rate after 3 sessions. Relying on a single treatment (stretching alone, insoles alone) produces much slower results.
How long does plantar fasciitis last without treatment?
Untreated plantar fasciitis typically lasts 12u201318 months and often becomes chronic. With proper treatment, 90% of cases resolve within 12 months. The key distinction: plantar fasciitis that has been present for less than 6 weeks responds much faster to conservative care than chronic cases (3+ months), which have developed tendinopathic changes in the fascia that require more intensive intervention.
Is it OK to walk on plantar fasciitis?
Walking is generally acceptable with plantar fasciitis, provided it doesn't significantly worsen pain during or after activity. The goal is active recovery, not complete rest. However, high-impact activities (running, jumping) should be avoided during acute flares. Wearing supportive footwear at all times u2014 including first thing in the morning (never barefoot) u2014 is critical. Walking barefoot on hard floors is one of the most common reasons plantar fasciitis fails to resolve.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.