🩺 Shop by Foot Condition
Not sure where to start? Dr. Tom has curated specific product guides for each common foot condition he treats in clinic. Click your condition below to go straight to the right products.
Curated by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-certified podiatric surgeon, 3,000+ surgeries, 4.9★ (1,123 reviews)
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, we’ve tested hundreds of foot care products in our clinic and on real patients. These are the products Dr. Tom personally recommends — each one selected for clinical effectiveness, patient outcomes, and value. Every product on this page is available through our Foundation Wellness affiliate partners, and purchasing through our links supports the practice at no extra cost to you.
Our Top Product Recommendations by Category
Compression Therapy
Best Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis — Our top pick is the DASS Medical 20-30mmHg graduated compression sock. Purpose-built for plantar fasciitis recovery with targeted arch and heel compression zones. We recommend these to patients dealing with heel pain, plantar fasciitis flares, post-activity inflammation, and circulatory issues. Read our full review with sizing guide and comparison chart.
Topical Pain Relief
Best Pain Relief Gel for Foot Pain — Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel replaced Doctor Hoy’s Natural Healing Pain Relief in our clinic protocol. It uses natural arnica and menthol instead of synthetic chemicals, delivers faster absorption, and works better for the conditions we treat most — plantar fasciitis, arthritis, Achilles tendinitis, and post-surgical discomfort. Our guide includes condition-specific application protocols and three recovery kit combinations.
Hiking & Trail Insoles
Best Hiking Insoles — The CURREX HikePro is our #1 recommendation for Michigan trail enthusiasts and serious hikers. Its dynamic arch support adapts to varied terrain without the rigidity that causes hot spots on long hikes. We also cover insole options for day hikers, backpackers, and patients transitioning from custom orthotics to OTC insoles for trail use.
Women’s Shoe Comfort
Best Heel Cushions for Women’s Shoes — Foot Petals Heavenly Heelz are the gold standard for women who need cushioning in dress shoes, heels, and flats. We see patients every week with metatarsalgia, neuroma irritation, and ball-of-foot pain from inadequate shoe cushioning. This guide covers our recommended cushion types for different shoe styles and foot conditions.
Sock Inserts & Liners
Best No-Show Socks for Use with Inserts — FLAT SOCKS are a category of their own — ultra-thin moisture-wicking liners designed to work seamlessly with orthotic insoles. They solve the common complaint of socks bunching under orthotics and provide an additional layer of odor control and moisture management. Essential for patients wearing custom orthotics or PowerStep insoles daily.
Dr. Tom’s Recovery Kits
For the most effective at-home treatment, Dr. Tom recommends combining products into condition-specific recovery kits:
Plantar Fasciitis Recovery Kit — The 4-product protocol Dr. Tom prescribes to his clinic patients: DASS compression socks, Doctor Hoy’s pain relief gel, PowerStep orthotic insoles, and proper supportive footwear. Read the full guide to understand the clinical rationale behind each product and how they work together.
Book an Appointment
These products work best as part of a complete treatment plan. If home care hasn’t resolved your pain after 4–6 weeks, it’s time to see Dr. Tom in person. We treat the underlying biomechanical cause — not just the symptoms.
📞 (810) 206-1402 Book Online →
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Howell · (810) 206-1402 Bloomfield · (248) 335-0322