Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
| Exam Component | What Is Assessed | Clinical Significance | Common Findings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arch Type | Pes planus, cavus, or neutral | Predicts injury pattern & orthotic need | Flat feet in 20–30% of athletes |
| Gait Analysis | Pronation, supination, heel strike | Identifies biomechanical overload zones | Overpronation most common |
| Ankle ROM | Dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, eversion | Restricted DF → Achilles & plantar fascia risk | <10° DF = high risk |
| Subtalar Motion | Hindfoot valgus/varus, neutral position | Guides orthotic posting prescription | Valgus common in runners |
| Toe & MTP Joints | Hallux dorsiflexion, lesser toe alignment | Hallux limitus affects push-off mechanics | Present in 10% of athletes |
| Prior Injury Sites | Scar tissue, instability, tenderness | Previous sprain → 3–5× re-injury risk | Lateral ankle most common |
| Skin & Nail Check | Fungus, blisters, callus, warts | Infectious or structural issues affecting play | Fungal nails in 15% of athletes |
| Footwear Assessment | Wear pattern, fit, support level | Poor fit = 40% of overuse injuries | Worn lateral heel common in runners |
| Sport Category | Primary Foot/Ankle Risk | Key Screening Focus | Recommended Intervention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance Running | Plantar fasciitis, stress fractures | Arch type, DF range, prior fracture | Custom orthotics, footwear upgrade |
| Basketball / Volleyball | Ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy | Ankle stability, peroneal strength | Lace-up bracing, proprioception training |
| Soccer / Lacrosse | Turf toe, sesamoiditis, ankle sprains | 1st MTP dorsiflexion, cleat fit | Morton’s extension orthosis, cleat change |
| Football (linemen) | Plantar fasciitis, metatarsal stress fx | BMI load, arch flexibility | Cushioned insoles, width-appropriate cleats |
| Gymnastics / Dance | Os trigonum, flexor hallucis tendinitis | Posterior ankle impingement test | Activity modification, PT referral |
| Swimming | Plantar warts, athlete’s foot | Skin integrity, web-space moisture | Antifungal prophylaxis, pool shoes |
| Track & Field (jumpers) | Sesamoid stress fractures, heel bruise | Sesamoid palpation, fat-pad integrity | Dancer’s pad, carbon-fiber plate orthosis |
| Wrestling / Martial Arts | Toe fractures, nail trauma | Toe alignment, nail bed health | Protective taping, nail trimming protocol |
A sports physical for the foot and ankle catches injuries before they become season-ending — and proactive evaluation of arch type, gait, and prior injuries guides preventive interventions.
You’re in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what sports physical (foot and ankle) means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
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Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
Related Conditions
In This Article
- What is checked at a sports physical for the feet?
- Why See a Podiatrist for Your Sports Physical?
- What the Exam Covers
- Who Benefits Most
- Custom Orthotics and Equipment Recommendations
- Fast Turnaround for Pre-Season Deadlines
- Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Foot pain?
- Symptoms and warning signs
- Conservative treatment options
- When is surgery considered?
- Recovery timeline and prevention
Why See a Podiatrist for Your Sports Physical?
General practitioners perform sports physicals every day — but they spend an average of 8 minutes per athlete. Foot and ankle problems account for nearly 25% of all sports injuries, yet a standard physical rarely includes a biomechanical gait analysis, arch assessment, or ankle stability test. Dr. Tom Biernacki’s sports physical foot exam fills that gap with a dedicated lower-extremity evaluation built specifically for athletes.
What the Exam Covers
At Balance Foot & Ankle, a sports physical foot exam includes a thorough review of foot structure, ankle range of motion, subtalar joint mobility, Achilles tendon flexibility, and any history of stress fractures or sprains. Dr. Biernacki performs a brief in-office gait analysis, checks for early signs of plantar fasciitis, sesamoiditis, or shin splints, and evaluates footwear appropriateness for the athlete’s sport and foot type.
Who Benefits Most
Young athletes preparing for fall sports seasons — football, soccer, cross country, volleyball — benefit most from a pre-participation podiatric evaluation. Distance runners, dancers, basketball players, and anyone returning from a lower-extremity injury also gain significant value. Parents of middle and high school athletes frequently request this exam specifically to uncover biomechanical issues that haven’t caused pain yet but are risk factors for in-season injury.
Custom Orthotics and Equipment Recommendations
If the exam reveals a structural issue — high arch, overpronation, leg length discrepancy, or tight Achilles — Dr. Biernacki can fit the athlete with custom prescription orthotics or recommend specific over-the-counter insoles matched to the sport. Proper footwear guidance is included at no extra charge. Many athletes leave with both a clearance note and a corrective plan that dramatically reduces their injury risk for the entire season.
Fast Turnaround for Pre-Season Deadlines
Most school athletic departments require physicals 4–6 weeks before the season begins. Balance Foot & Ankle offers dedicated sports physical appointment slots throughout July and August with clearance documentation available same-day. Most insurance plans cover sports physical evaluations with a standard office visit copay.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insole
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum arch support and motion control for high-demand athletes. Ideal for overpronators in running and court sports.
Dr. Tom says: “My son had shin splints every season. Dr. Biernacki recommended these and he finished cross country pain-free.”
Overpronating athletes, runners, court sports players
Athletes with very high arches or supination tendencies
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
FLAT SOCKS Low Cut Athletic Sock
⭐ Highly Rated
Ultra-thin, seamless athletic sock that eliminates bunching inside cleats and athletic shoes. Reduces blister risk during high-activity sports.
Dr. Tom says: “Finally a sock that doesn’t bunch in my cleats. Wore these all soccer season with zero blisters.”
Athletes in cleats, tight-fitting performance footwear
Those who prefer cushioned athletic socks
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
McDavid Ankle Brace with Straps
⭐ Highly Rated
Lace-up ankle brace that fits inside athletic shoes and provides lateral stability for athletes with prior ankle sprains.
Dr. Tom says: “Wore this all basketball season after my ankle sprain. Gave me confidence to cut hard without hesitation.”
Athletes with prior ankle sprains, high-ankle instability sports
First-time ankle injury patients (see Dr. Biernacki first)
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
- Dedicated 20–30 min lower-extremity focus standard physicals skip
- Same-day clearance documentation for school athletic departments
- Custom orthotic fitting available immediately if indicated
- Covers all sports: running, soccer, football, basketball, dance, volleyball
❌ Cons / Risks
- Does not replace full sports physical (cardiac, vision, general health) from PCP
- Orthotics are an additional cost if prescribed beyond OTC recommendations
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Athletes don’t get hurt randomly — they get hurt because of biomechanical vulnerabilities nobody caught before the season. A sports physical foot exam is the best 30 minutes an athlete and their parents can invest before tryouts.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my athlete need a separate sports physical from their regular doctor?
Yes — our sports physical foot exam is a specialized lower-extremity evaluation that complements, not replaces, the general sports physical from your PCP. Many schools require both.
How early should we schedule a sports physical foot exam?
We recommend 4–6 weeks before the season start date so any orthotics or equipment recommendations have time to be broken in before competition.
Will insurance cover the exam?
Most insurance plans cover it as a standard office visit. We verify benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises.
Can Dr. Biernacki fit orthotics on the same visit?
Yes — if the exam reveals a need for orthotics, Dr. Biernacki can take impressions and provide a prefabricated orthotic same-day while custom devices are being fabricated.
Michigan Foot Pain? See Dr. Biernacki In Person
4.9★ rated | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Township
📞 (810) 206-1402 Book Online →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.
Foot pain typically responds best to early podiatrist evaluation, conservative treatments such as supportive footwear and targeted physical therapy, and—when needed—custom orthotics or in-office procedures. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting a structured treatment plan. Schedule an evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office for a clinical assessment.
What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Ready to feel better?
Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
Book Your VisitIn-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle issues, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
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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
What does a sports physical foot exam involve?
Balance Foot & Ankle serves your area — Howell & Bloomfield Township offices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Who needs a podiatric sports physical?
Balance Foot & Ankle serves your area — Howell & Bloomfield Township offices. Call (810) 206-1402.
What foot conditions do sports physicals catch?
Balance Foot & Ankle serves your area — Howell & Bloomfield Township offices. Call (810) 206-1402.
When should an athlete see a podiatrist for a sports physical?
See Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle — same-day appointments. Call (810) 206-1402. Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
Does insurance cover sports physical foot exams?
Most PPO and Medicare plans cover medically necessary foot care. We accept BCBS and most Michigan insurers. Call (810) 206-1402.
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.