What does a podiatrist treat?

Podiatrists specialize in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They diagnose and treat heel pain, bunions and hammertoes, tendon injuries, nerve conditions (Morton's neuroma, neuropathy), toenail disorders, skin conditions (warts, calluses, ulcers), fractures, sports injuries, diabetic foot complications, ankle instability, and perform foot and ankle surgery. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, Dr. Carl Jay DPM, and Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM AACFAS serve Howell, Bloomfield Hills, and surrounding Michigan communities.

How often should a healthy person see a podiatrist?

Annual foot exams are beneficial if you are over 60, are an active runner or athlete, have diabetes, have a family history of foot problems, or notice any changes in foot shape, nail appearance, or skin texture. Preventive visits catch problems early — before bunions require surgery or a small nail issue becomes an infection.

Can foot problems cause knee, hip, or back pain?

Yes — the foot is the foundation of the kinetic chain. Overpronation causes the tibia to internally rotate, increasing stress on the knee and altering hip alignment. High arches transmit shock poorly, overloading the ankle and knee. Custom orthotics that correct foot mechanics frequently improve knee, hip, and back symptoms — one of the most underappreciated benefits of podiatric care.

When should I see a podiatrist versus an orthopedic surgeon?

Podiatrists specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower leg — making them the most experienced providers for most foot and ankle conditions. For foot and ankle surgery, a DPM with high case volume is appropriate. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle has performed over 3,000 foot and ankle procedures. Call (810) 206-1402.

Dr. Toms Recommended Foot Products 2026

Quick answer: Dr. Tom’s most-recommended foot products are the PowerStep Pinnacle insole for everyday arch support, Doctor Hoy’s gel for topical pain relief, and FLAT SOCKS for friction-free comfort — each one he tests in clinic before recommending it.

Jump to: pain relief · insoles · toenail fungus · socks · footwear

Podiatrist Recommended Products 2026 | Dr. Tom’s Top Picks

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle | Last reviewed: April 2026

I test every product on this page personally before recommending it to my patients. As a practicing podiatrist with 15+ years of clinical experience, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. These are my genuine top picks for 2026 — no paid sponsorships, just honest clinical recommendations.

Best Pain Relief Products

Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel is the product I recommend most to my patients for topical pain relief. It contains camphor, menthol, and arnica — clinically relevant ingredients that penetrate deeply without the harsh chemicals in products like Biofreeze. I switched my entire practice to Doctor Hoy’s after testing it on myself first. Available at Amazon.

Best OTC Orthotics & Insoles

PowerStep Pinnacle is the OTC insole I recommend most often to patients who aren’t ready for custom orthotics. It has a semi-rigid arch, a deep heel cup, and dual-layer cushioning that lasts. I use it myself in my everyday shoes. Works for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and general fatigue. Find it on Amazon.

CURREX RunPro is the best insole for runners and active patients. It offers dynamic arch support that adapts to your foot’s movement. If you’re a runner or spend long hours on your feet, this is the upgrade from PowerStep Pinnacle. Available on Amazon.

Best Toenail Fungus Products

For toenail fungus, the most effective OTC treatments contain either undecylenic acid, tolnaftate, or clotrimazole. I recommend Fungi-Nail for mild-to-moderate cases, applied twice daily for at least 6 months. Pair it with FLAT SOCKS for the best moisture management. For severe or resistant cases, you’ll need a prescription — call us at (810) 206-1402.

Best Socks for Foot Health

FLAT SOCKS are the most innovative sock design I’ve seen in years. They eliminate the bunching and friction that causes blisters and irritation. I recommend them to all my patients who are on their feet all day. Find them at Amazon.

Copper-infused socks (like Copper Fit) help control odor and provide mild antifungal protection. While not a substitute for antifungal treatment, they’re a good adjunct for fungus-prone patients. Available on Amazon.

Best Footwear Recommendations

The best footwear combines a firm heel counter, a stiff midsole for torsional control, and a wide enough toe box that your toes aren’t compressed. My current top recommendations by category:

Best overall walking shoe: New Balance 990v6 — Amazon
Best for plantar fasciitis: Brooks Ghost 17 — Amazon
Best max cushion: HOKA Bondi 9 — Amazon
Best stability shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 — Amazon

See my full Podiatrist Recommended Shoes guide for detailed reviews of 20+ shoes by condition.

Need Custom Orthotics or In-Office Treatment?

OTC products help mild cases — but if you have persistent pain, custom orthotics and in-office treatment get better results.

Book Your Appointment →

Call: (810) 206-1402 | Howell & Bloomfield Hills MI

As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on Dr. Biernacki’s clinical experience.

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available

Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.

Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402

Book online → | Meet Dr. Tom Biernacki →

Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Products for Your Job or Stage of Life

On your feet all day? We’ve built dedicated guides with Dr. Tom’s product picks for specific professions and needs:

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a podiatrist?

If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).

What does treatment cost?

Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.

APMA: Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Care Products

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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.