Bunion Doctor in Michigan: Expert Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
⚡ Quick Answer
Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills MI treats bunions from conservative padding and orthotics through lapiplasty and traditional bunionectomy. Most patients start with 6–8 weeks of conservative care. If pain persists, a surgical consultation with Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM or Dr. Carl Jay DPM determines the best correction approach. Same-week appointments available: (810) 206-1402.
Last Updated: March 2026 | Reading Time: 6 min
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Schedule an appointment for personalized care.
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Bunion Doctor Michigan [The BEST Bunion Podiatrists & Bunion Foot Doctors!]
Do you have bunion pain? Our Podiatrists & Foot Doctors can help with bunion treatment and minimally invasive Bunion Surgery in Michigan!
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- If you have bunion pain we can provide the BEST bunion treatment.
- We can offer non surgery options which can relieve pain and help.
- We can also provide minimally invasive bunion surgery!
Come see us for an evaluation in michigan!
Bunion Causes:
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List of services podiatrists provide:
- Toenail Fungus Treatment (Oral or Laser ).
- Toenail Trimming.
- Orthotics Fitting.
- Ingrown Toenails.
- Infected Ingrown Toenails.
- Trimming of Corns, Trimming of Calluses, and Treatment of Pressure Blisters.
- Diabetic Foot Care & Diabetic Foot Wounds.
- 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.
- Podiatrist medical pedicure.
- Extra-Depth Shoes for Patients with Diabetes.
- Diabetic Shoes.
- Gout Treatment.
- Prescription (Refills).
- Telehealth appointments.
- Shockwave therapy (AKA ESWT or EPAT therapy)
- Cold laser therapy (In the office).
- MLS laser therapy (Multi-Wave Locked System laser therapy).
- Laser for peripheral neuropathy (In-Office).
Procedures our podiatrists provide:
We can perform toenail, toe, foot, heel & ankle surgery in the office!
We can help with:
- Minimally invasive foot surgery.
- Minimally invasive bunion surgery.
- Minimally invasive hammertoe surgery.
- Corn and callus removal surgery.
- Plantar wart removal surgery.
- In-office permanent ingrown toenail removal surgery.
- Removal of unwanted spurs, bumps, or lumps on your feet.
- Shockwave therapy (AKA ESWT therapy or EPAT therapy)
- Cold laser therapy.
- MLS laser therapy (Multi-Wave Locked System laser therapy).
- Laser for peripheral neuropathy.
- 3D custom orthotic scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a podiatrist?
A: Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, DPM. Podiatrists are also known as podiatric physicians, foot doctors, or podiatric surgeons. Podiatrists often diagnose and treat the foot, ankle, and other related structures of the leg.
Podiatrists receive similar training that other doctors complete. They complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training.
The podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists have received extra training such as fellowships beyond residency and board certifications by the board of foot and ankle surgery and the board of podiatric medicine.
Q: Do podiatrists accept insurance?
Yes, podiatrists do except insurance. We set most major insurance plans as podiatrists and foot doctors. This includes Medicare, Medicare plus blue, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health, Aetna health. Humana, Blue Care Network, Oscar Health.
Q: Is toenail trimming covered by insurance?
Yes, this service may be covered for people with help issues that cannot help themselves. If your foot is in pain or has a health issue, a podiatrist is recommended to evaluate you, and this is a covered option.
If you have foot pain, please call our office and schedule a no-obligation consultation with our podiatrists to assess your eligibility for foot care.
Q: Are ingrown toenails covered by insurance?
Yes, ingrown toenails are covered by insurance. Don’t wait to come in if you have a toe infection or a foot infection. Let us help!
Q: What parts of the body do podiatrists treat?
A: Podiatrists in Michigan are licensed to treat the foot, ankle, and lower leg below the knee.
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, we specialize in toenail problems, toe problems, foot problems, heel problems, ankle problems, minimally invasive surgery, advanced diagnostic techniques, and advanced treatment options. We pride ourselves on being your choice for all foot and ankle problems!
Q: When should I call a podiatrist for an appointment?
A: No pain is normal, especially if it has been going on for longer than one week. This means that most insurance plans will cover a visit if you feel you have a problem developing with your feet.
The longer you wait, the more serious the pain may become. This can potentially lead to hospitalization or further foot problems.
It would help if you had it evaluated and treated to avoid long-term problems.
Q: What are corns and calluses?
A: Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin. Development of corn and callouses occur when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure.
The most common areas of development are on your feet and toes. If corns and calluses are causing you discomfort, you should seek treatment. We provide treatment for these somewhat unsightly painful conditions. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Q: Does insurance cover the treatment of corns and calluses:
If you feel you have a foot problem that you cannot take care of on your own, and evaluation and diagnosis are covered. We provide a no-obligation consultation to let you know if this is the case for you. In general, foot pain and a painful lesion for the foot have covered the visit.
Q: What is a Hammertoe?
A: A Hammertoe is a contracture (bending) of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes.
We provide advanced imaging such as ultrasound and digital X-rays to diagnose immediately in the office.
This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing painful problems.
Conservative and surgical treatment options are available for the treatment of Hammertoes.
Q: What causes heel pain?
A: Typically, heel pain is not caused by one single incident or injury. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, which can lead to long-term pain that may one day require surgical treatment if not corrected.
Repetitive stress/pounding of the heel can cause heel pain.
Other common causes can include inflammation of the plantar fascia, inflammation of the back of the heel, inflammation of the heel pad, progressive degeneration of the Achilles tendon, or a stress fracture caused by repetitive stress to the heel.
Q: What are orthotics or insoles?
A: Orthotics or insoles are custom foot supports that replace the over-the-counter supports that come in shoes you buy off the shelf at the store. These are designed to hug your foot more efficiently than over-the-counter products to significantly aid in balancing the biomechanical inadequacies of your feet and legs.
Q: How can you tell if you have an infected ingrown toenail?
A: You may have an infected ingrown toenail if there are any signs of redness, swelling, pain, and drainage, such as puss coming from the area.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your podiatric physician immediately.
Q: What is plantar fasciitis?
A: The plantar fascia is the thick connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.
- This tissue connects the heel bone to the toes. It is responsible for creating the arch in your foot.
- Plantar Fascitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia.
Q: Does Medicare pay for diabetic shoes and inserts?
A: Medicare will cover diabetic shoes and inserts with some patients.
- Patients must meet and have specific qualifying conditions that must be verified by the Physician managing their diabetes.
- If you have diabetes, you should have an annual foot evaluation performed by a foot doctor or podiatrist to determine if you are eligible for this benefit through Medicare and/or other insurance carriers.
Related Treatment Guides
Updated April 2026. A bunion doctor in Michigan specializes in treating hallux valgus deformity through conservative management including orthotics, toe spacers, and shoe modifications, as well as surgical correction using modern minimally invasive techniques when needed. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive bunion care at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Medical References & Sources
📍 Board-certified bunion specialist in Michigan. Same-day appointments available.
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Book Online →
Same-day appointments. Howell & Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted.
⚠️ Most Common Mistake When Choosing a Bunion Doctor
The most common mistake we see is patients waiting until their bunion is severe before seeking surgical consultation. I see patients who spent years in wide shoes and bunion pads hoping the problem would resolve on its own — and by the time they came in, the joint had deteriorated to the point where a more complex reconstruction was needed. Conservative treatment works well in the early and moderate stages. If you have had bunion pain for more than 6 months and conservative measures are not giving you 60–70% improvement, that is the time to get a proper surgical evaluation — not when you can no longer walk comfortably.
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Bunions
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Bunions
- PubMed Research — Hallux Valgus Treatment
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📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Our Bunion Specialists
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Founder of Balance Foot & Ankle, double board-certified, 15+ years experience, 935K+ YouTube subscribers. Specializes in conservative bunion management and custom orthotics.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS — Cleveland Clinic-trained, specializes in modern bunion correction surgery with minimally invasive techniques and faster recovery times.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM — Surgical reconstruction specialist for complex bunion revision cases and associated deformities.
Bunion Treatment Services at Balance Foot & Ankle
We offer a complete spectrum from conservative to surgical: biomechanical evaluation, custom 3D orthotics (slows progression), padding and splinting, cortisone injections for acute flares, and minimally invasive bunion surgery when conservative measures fail. Two convenient Michigan locations — Howell (4330 E Grand River Ave) serving Livingston County and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208) serving Oakland County.
Learn about our bunion treatment options →
Ready to get your bunion evaluated? (810) 206-1402 | Book your appointment →
Recommended Bunion Products
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles — The OTC orthotic I recommend most in our clinic. Slows bunion progression by correcting overpronation. Not ideal for: severe bunion deformity.
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Natural topical pain relief. Apply to bunion joint 3-4x daily. Not ideal for: open skin over bunion.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission on purchases.
Browse all bunion products → Shop Now
Related Bunion Guides
- Bunion Causes
- Can Bunions Be Reversed Without Surgery?
- Best Shoes for Bunions 2026
- Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette)
- Bunion Hub
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunion Doctors in Michigan
How do I choose a bunion doctor in Michigan?
Look for a board-certified podiatrist (DPM) with specific bunion surgery experience, not just general foot care. Ask about their surgical volume, technique options (minimally invasive vs traditional), and complication rates. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Gutkin trained at Cleveland Clinic in advanced bunion correction and offers modern techniques with shorter recovery times.
How much does bunion surgery cost in Michigan?
With insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically range from $500-$2,500 depending on your plan’s deductible and coinsurance. Most PPO plans cover bunion surgery when conservative treatment has failed (usually documented 3-6 months of orthotics, shoe modifications, and anti-inflammatory therapy). Our office verifies your benefits before scheduling. Call (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.
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