Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Why Use A Lace Up Ankle Brace relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. 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
Why Use A Lace Up Ankle Brace? [Running or Sprained Ankle Brace]
Why use a lace-up ankle brace? We like ankle support braces as a running ankle brace, like a sprained ankle brace & for other ankle injuries!
The Best Shoes to Wear with the lace-up ankle brace:
Recommended:- Low-top sneakers that have a traditional tongue and laces where you can loosen the laces enough to fit the brace in the shoe.
- Good running shoe brands such as Hoka, Asics, Nike, Adidas, On, Saucony, New Balance, and other good brands.
- Sneakers that have a sleeve or collar design that limit the opening of the shoe.
- A slipper with good support may work, but this is not the intended design for these braces, and it can fall off.
- Due to their limiting and tight design, inserting any ankle braces in these shoes is very difficult.
- People are generally not happy combining a brace with these types of shoes.
- Tall boots or sandals.
- Tight of constrictive high-top shoes.
Slow braces to put on:
- The tough part about lace-up ankle braces is that you have to lace them up!
- They are more flexible and can fit well into a shoe but take a few minutes to put on.
Conditions for ankle braces:
Conditions that would benefit from ankle braces include:- Ankle braces for a sprained ankle.
- Ankle braces for a high ankle sprain.
Best Ankle Braces:
Ankle stability ankle braces:
- These are our favorite ankle stability lace-up braces.
- These are not meant for routine athletic wearing, as they can make your ankle too stiff.
- These are the most beneficial when recovering from a recent ankle sprain or injury.
- The goal is to wear this and protect your foot until you are ready to move ahead from your injury.
- If you have a chronic ankle sprain or injury, a different brace can be more beneficial.
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Ankle compression ankle braces:
- These are braces that are a little bit easier to put on.
- This means that you can wear these braces and still play sports, and get through your workday without significant stiffness.
- These do not offer the same protection or stability that a lace-up ankle brace or stronger may provide.
Rigid ankle-foot orthotic [AFO Brace]:
- These are great options for ankle-foot orthoses.
- If you have insurance coverage for a custom rigid AFO brace, that might be the best bet.
- If you live in Michigan and can come to visit us to get fitted for a brace!
Expert Podiatric Evaluation for Michigan Patients: Balance Foot & Ankle
Michigan patients with foot or ankle conditions requiring expert evaluation can schedule with Balance Foot & Ankle, a fellowship-trained podiatric surgery practice serving Livingston County from our Howell office (4330 E Grand River) and Oakland County from our Bloomfield Hills office (43494 Woodward Ave #208). We provide the full spectrum of podiatric care: conservative management including custom orthotics, bracing, injection therapy, and physical therapy coordination; advanced interventional options including EPAT (extracorporeal pulse activation therapy) for tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis; and surgical correction for structural, traumatic, and degenerative foot and ankle conditions. In-office digital X-ray is available at both locations for same-visit imaging. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. Same-week new patient appointments are available — call (810) 206-1402 to schedule with Balance Foot & Ankle.
Foot and Nail Care for Home Care Patients in Michigan: Professional Services Available
Related Treatment Guides
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Bunion Treatment
Michigan home care patients and the caregivers who support them often face challenges with nail care, skin care, and foot monitoring that are difficult to manage without professional assistance. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we provide podiatric services for patients who have difficulty with self-care due to mobility limitations, visual impairment, diabetes, or other conditions — including toenail trimming and debridement, callus and corn treatment, diabetic foot examinations, and wound care for patients with chronic or non-healing foot wounds. For caregivers managing a patient with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or other conditions that increase foot complication risk, regular professional foot care visits are an important component of the patient’s overall health maintenance. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Medicare and most major Michigan insurance plans for covered foot care services. Michigan caregivers seeking professional foot care for their patients can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to discuss services and schedule an appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
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
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
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
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Foot Bracing Howell at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.
Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
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’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
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.