Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle conditions across Southeast Michigan — but the most important factor in outcomes isn’t getting seen quickly. Our podiatrists explain what to do in the first 24-48 hours before your appointment that most patients skip entirely. Call (810) 206-1402 — expert podiatric care across Michigan.
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise, but it is also one of the most injury-prone. Studies show that 50-70% of runners sustain an injury each year significant enough to affect their training. Podiatrists specialize in the biomechanical assessment and treatment of foot and ankle conditions that drive most running injuries.
Plantar Fasciitis
The most common running injury, causing sharp heel pain worst with the first steps in the morning. Caused by traction overload of the plantar fascia — worsened by flat feet, tight calves, and sudden increases in mileage. Treatment includes stretching, orthotics, night splints, and corticosteroid injections.
Metatarsal Stress Fractures
Hairline cracks in the metatarsal bones from cumulative impact loading. The second and third metatarsals are most common. Require 6-8 weeks in a walking boot. Investigate bone density and vitamin D levels for recurrent stress fractures.
Achilles Tendinitis and Tendinopathy
Insertional type and non-insertional type require different treatment approaches. Eccentric heel drop exercises are first-line treatment. Chronic tendinopathy may benefit from PRP injections or surgery.
Shin Splints and Biomechanical Assessment
Pain along the inside of the tibia aggravated by increasing mileage too quickly. A podiatric biomechanical evaluation analyzes foot type, gait pattern, leg length discrepancy, and flexibility — identifying the structural factors predisposing to injury and guiding custom orthotic prescription.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
ASICS Gel-Kayano Running Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Premium stability running shoe with exceptional cushioning and motion control
Dr. Tom says: “My top stability running shoe recommendation for runners with flat feet or overpronation”
Flat feet, overpronation, plantar fasciitis, high injury history
Neutral foot type or supinators — too much correction
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller
⭐ Highly Rated
Deep tissue foam roller for calf, IT band, and plantar fascia self-release
Dr. Tom says: “An essential recovery tool for runners — regular calf rolling reduces plantar fasciitis and Achilles injury risk”
All runners for injury prevention and recovery
Acute muscle tears or stress fractures — rest is required
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Biomechanical evaluation identifies injury root cause
- Custom orthotics dramatically reduce recurrence
- Most running injuries resolve without surgery
- Early treatment prevents chronic conditions
❌ Cons / Risks
- Stress fractures require 6-8 week training break
- Chronic tendinopathy may require PRP or surgery
- Orthotics require shoe break-in period
- Gait change is slow and requires professional guidance
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
I love treating runners because they are motivated, compliant, and want to get back to their sport. Most running injuries come down to three things: training errors, poor biomechanics, and inadequate footwear. A thorough evaluation addresses all three and gets you back on the road safely. Do not guess with your running injuries — get properly evaluated.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run through plantar fasciitis?
Short answer: no. Running on active plantar fasciitis prolongs healing and increases risk of plantar fascia rupture. Modified activities like cycling and swimming are better during treatment.
Are custom orthotics worth it for runners?
For runners with biomechanical factors driving injury, custom orthotics are among the highest-ROI investments for injury prevention.
How do I avoid running injuries?
Increase mileage no more than 10% per week, include recovery runs, cross-train, replace shoes every 300-500 miles, and address biomechanical issues with orthotics.
What is a gait analysis and do I need one?
Gait analysis assesses how you walk and run — identifying overpronation, supination, stride mechanics issues. Recommended for any runner with recurrent injuries.
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.
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.
APMA: Podiatric Medicine — Services, Conditions & Patient Resources
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.