★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Board-Certified Michigan Podiatrists
Ready to be seen? Book a real appointment time online, 24/7 — Howell or Bloomfield Township. Same-week openings are usually available.
Foot Bracing & AFOs Howell, MI
Custom and Semi-Rigid Ankle-Foot Orthoses
Custom and semi-rigid bracing provides support, stability, and pain relief for foot drop, chronic ankle instability, diabetic neuropathy, and post-surgical recovery. Our Howell podiatrists fit and fabricate AFOs in-office.
Custom Foot Bracing Solutions
in Howell & Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Foot bracing is a non-invasive solution designed to support weakened muscles, stabilize foot and ankle alignment, and aid in injury recovery. Whether you’re dealing with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, or post-surgical rehabilitation, our foot bracing service provides personalized solutions for your condition.
Request a Consultation for Foot Bracing
Accepting New Patients
Board Certified Podiatrists — Howell & Bloomfield Township
Find Expert Foot Bracing Service at the Location Nearest You.
Howell
4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Book Now in Under 5 Minutes: 24/7
Bloomfield Township
43494 Woodward Ave # 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Book Now in Under 5 Minutes: 24/7
2026 Top Foot Braces
You Need To See
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we offer custom bracing options for patients in Howell and Bloomfield Township using the latest orthopedic techniques to improve comfort, reduce pain, and restore mobility.
Watch: Best Ankle Braces: Sprains & Instability
![Insertional Achilles Tendonitis HOME Treatment [Stretches & Exercises]](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/d1628cf95e4e98943c1421c8033d2d0a.jpg)
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM explains the clinical basics — then covers what we do differently in our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics. Subscribe on YouTube for weekly walkthroughs.
When Is Foot Bracing Needed?
Foot bracing may be considered when foot deformities or injuries do not respond to rest, activity modification, or medication alone — or when extra support is needed during recovery from injury or surgery.
An off-the-shelf brace helps some feet and does nothing for others — a custom AFO fitted to your specific instability, drop foot, or tendon problem is a different tool entirely. Book our Howell office or Bloomfield Township online to be fitted properly.
How We Fit Your Brace
We assess your gait, alignment, and the underlying problem, then fit or fabricate the right brace or custom AFO in-office — adjusting it to relieve pressure, improve stability, and support your recovery.
Benefits of Foot Bracing and Taping
-
Pain relief
-
Improved foot alignment
-
Enhanced mobility
-
Better shoe fit
-
Long-term correction
What to Expect
We guide you through each phase—from initial assessment and imaging to post-op bracing and rehabilitation.
Why Choose Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell & Bloomfield Township?
-
Double Board-Certified Podiatrist Dr. Tom Biernacki
-
Same-day appointments available
-
Personalized foot bracing and surgical plans
-
Modern, minimally invasive techniques
-
Trusted by patients throughout Southeast Michigan
Book Your Podiatrist Visit Now
Struggling with Another Foot Problem? We Can Help.
-
Toenail Fungus Treatment (Oral or Laser)
-
Toenail Trimming -
Orthotics Fitting
-
Ingrown Toenails
-
Infected Ingrown Toenails
-
Podiatrist pedicure
-
Medical pedicure
-
Trimming of Corns
-
Trimming of Calluses, and Treatment of Pressure Blisters
-
Diabetic Foot Care & Diabetic Foot Wounds
-
Podiatrist medical pedicure
-
Extra-Depth Shoes for Patients with Diabetes. -
Prescription (Refills -
Telehealth appointments.
-
Cold laser therapy (In the office)
-
Laser Treatment Neuropathy
-
Athletes Foot, Dry Skin, Eczema.
-
Foot & Ankle Ulcer Care
-
Infection and Abscess Care.
-
Staph Infections in the Toe or Foot Treatment
-
Treatment of Plantar Warts for Your Toes and Feet
-
Foot & Ankle Injections (Steroid or Natural Solutions.) -
Management of Foot & Ankle Fractures (Walking Boots for broken toes or broken feet). -
Heel Pain (Heel Spur or Plantar Fasciitis)
-
Custom Orthotics for children and adults (In the office).
-
Over the Counter Orthotics for children and adults.
-
Gout Treatment
-
Shockwave therapy (AKA ESWT or EPAT therapy)
-
ESWT
-
EPAT Therapy
-
Senior Toenail Cutting & Toenail Trimming Services.
Insurance & Medicare Friendly
Not sure if your foot bracing need is covered? Our staff will verify in minutes.
Foot Taping Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the recovery time?
Recovery varies depending on the procedure, typically ranging from 6–12 weeks.
Will I need physical therapy afterward?
Yes, physical therapy often supports better healing and function.
Does insurance cover the surgery?
Most foot surgeries are covered when deemed medically necessary.
Will I need custom bracing post-surgery?
Yes, bracing may help stabilize your foot during recovery.
Not always. We recommend surgery only after conservative treatments fail.
Support Your Feet, Restore Your Mobility
Expert foot bracing solutions in Howell and Bloomfield Township to relieve pain, improve stability, and help you stay active every day.
Schedule Your Foot Bracing Consultation
(810) 206-1402
Related Treatments You May Need
“The custom foot brace has been a game-changer for my ankle stability. The fitting process was thorough and the brace is comfortable enough to wear all day. Excellent care.”
— Frank C., Foot Bracing Patient
Serving Patients Across Southeast Michigan
Balance Foot & Ankle provides expert podiatric care from two convenient locations. Our Howell office serves patients from Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, South Lyon, and throughout Livingston County. Our Bloomfield Township office serves Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Commerce Township, Novi, and Walled Lake across Oakland County.
Board-certified care at both Michigan locations
Book your visit today
Most insurance accepted · On-site X-ray · Board-certified podiatrists
Howell · (810) 206-1402 Bloomfield · (810) 206-1402Foot & Ankle Bracing — Howell Podiatry
See how custom ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), lace-up ankle braces, and CAM walking boots support foot and ankle injuries, post-surgical recovery, and chronic instability conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a custom AFO and who needs one?
An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is a custom brace extending from below the knee to the foot. It is prescribed for foot drop, post-stroke gait disorders, tibialis anterior weakness, flatfoot deformity, and severe chronic ankle instability. Custom AFOs are far more effective than off-the-shelf braces.
Is ankle bracing covered by insurance?
Custom AFOs and DME ankle braces are covered by Medicare and most insurance plans with proper documentation of medical necessity. Off-the-shelf braces (L1900 codes) are often covered after a sprain or post-surgically. We handle all DME documentation and billing.
How long should I wear an ankle brace after a sprain?
Grade I sprains: 1–2 weeks in a lace-up brace. Grade II sprains: 2–4 weeks, then gradual return to activity. Grade III (complete tear): 4–6 weeks in a walking boot followed by a brace. Chronic instability patients may benefit from long-term brace use combined with physical therapy.
Watch Dr. Tom on Foot & Ankle Bracing
Dr. Tom walks through foot and ankle bracing — AFOs, lace-up braces, Aircast, custom orthoses — and when each is indicated.
Common Foot & Ankle Braces
These four braces cover 80% of patient needs. Dr. Tom’s recommendations for the four most common indications:
Lace-Up Ankle Brace
Chronic ankle instability — the most-worn brace. Effective for prevention during sports and activity.
Check Amazon Price →Aircast Ankle Brace (Acute Sprain)
Acute ankle sprains — rigid bilateral support allows weight-bearing while protecting healing ligaments.
Check Amazon Price →PTTD / Arch Support Brace
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction — medial support prevents progression to rigid flatfoot.
Check Amazon Price →PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
Works with most braces — insoles + brace is more effective than either alone for chronic issues.
Check Amazon Price →Affiliate disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them. We only recommend products we actually prescribe to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Related from Balance Foot & Ankle
Ready to feel better?
Same-week appointments at our Howell office, 4330 E Grand River Ave. Booking is open online around the clock — even after our phones close at 4:30 PM.
📅 Book Online — Howell📞 (810) 206-1402Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan offices.
Book online — pick the office that’s closer
Real-time scheduling is open 24/7. Choose your office below and you’ll see live appointment times without waiting for a callback:
- Book online at our Howell office →
4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 (Livingston County) — closest for Brighton, Hartland, Fenton, Pinckney and Fowlerville. Howell office details. - Book online at our Bloomfield Township office →
43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302 (Oakland County) — closest for Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Royal Oak and Rochester Hills. Bloomfield Township office details.
Same-week appointments are usually available at both offices. Prefer to talk to someone first? Book online or call (810) 206-1402.