Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Sesamoiditis Treatment 2026: Big Toe Pain Guide Podiatrist 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
Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: EPAT Shockwave for Heel Pain →
Best Shoes & Best Insoles
Second Toe Capsulitis & Plantar Plate Injury [HOME Treatment & Taping]
We have you covered with our second capsulitis taping treatment, second toe plantar plate treatment and second toe
hammer toe
treatment guide!
👉– LINKS –👈
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
(With some links, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission. Check with your doctor prior to using any product!)
Hammer toes: Yoga Toe Stretcher:
https://geni.us/YogaToeStretcher
(Amazon)
Hammer Toe Gel Support:
https://geni.us/BLuBAY
Toe Separator (Can work with sock):
https://geni.us/ToeSeparator
(Amazon)
Less Budget Friendly
Bunion
Socks (Combine with Socks):
https://geni.us/BunionSocks2
(Amazon)
Budget Bunion Variety Gel Pack(See which one works best):
https://geni.us/BunionGelPack
(Amazon)
Best Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic:
https://geni.us/PowerStepOrthotics
(Amazon)
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic:
https://geni.us/HeavyDutyOrthotics
(Amazon)
Best Women’s Orthotic:
https://geni.us/BestWomensOrthotic
(Amazon)
Best Affordable 3/4 Orthotic:
https://geni.us/ShortLengthOrthotics
(Amazon)
Best sub $25 Soft Orthotic:
https://geni.us/BudgetSoftOrthotic
(Amazon)
Best sub $25 Budget Orthotic:
https://geni.us/BudgetOrthotic
(Amazon)
Best Carbon Insole(For Broken or Stiff Toes)
https://geni.us/CarbonInsole
(Amazon)
Bunion:
Best Budget Bunion Socks(Combine with gel pad):
https://geni.us/BunionSock
(Amazon)
Less Budget Friendly Bunion Socks (Combine with Socks):
https://geni.us/BunionSocks2
(Amazon)
Budget Bunion Variety Gel Pack(See which one works best):
https://geni.us/BunionGelPack
(Amazon)
Best Bunion Gel Pad:
https://geni.us/BestBunionPad
(Amazon)
Bunion Night Splint:
https://geni.us/BunionSplint
(Amazon)
Adhesive Bunion PowerStep Pads:
https://geni.us/BunionGluePads
(Amazon)
How to Stretch Shoes:
Best Budget Shoe Stretcher:
https://geni.us/6HKrL
(Amazon)
Best Budget Shoe Spray:
https://geni.us/RqBBIg
(Amazon)
Best Heavy Duty Shoe Stretcher:
https://geni.us/VDKcse
(Amazon)
Best Leather Shoe Spray:
https://geni.us/5VSTW
(Amazon)
Gel Pads & Thin Socks: Best Heel Gel Pad:
https://geni.us/fMCAXW
(Amazon)
Best Bunion Gel Pad:
https://geni.us/BestBunionPad
(Amazon)
Best Compression Socks:
https://geni.us/vpayb
(Amazon)
Ultra Thin Women’s Socks:
https://geni.us/R4dksV9
(Amazon)
Ultra Thin Business Black Socks:
https://geni.us/RnpOf
(Amazon)
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Second Toe Pain or Crossover Deformity?
Plantar plate injuries worsen without treatment. Our podiatrists provide taping, orthotics, and surgical repair to stabilize the toe and relieve pain.
Clinical References
- Nery C, et al. “Plantar plate lesions of the second metatarsophalangeal joint.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2014;53(4):440-445.
- Barg A, et al. “Diagnosis and treatment of plantar plate injury.” Foot and Ankle Clinics. 2014;19(3):451-469.
- Klein EE, et al. “Clinical examination of plantar plate abnormality.” Foot and Ankle International. 2013;34(6):800-804.
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
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Top-Rated Arch Support Insole
Universal podiatrist-recommended insert for pain relief and prevention.
Foot Massage Ball
Daily 3-minute roll reduces most forms of foot and heel pain.
Moisture-Wicking Sock
Prevents fungus, blisters, and odor — the basics matter.
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 foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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 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.
- 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

