Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Bunion surgery near Auburn Hills has a recurrence rate ranging from under 5% to over 30% depending on procedure selection — and the intermetatarsal angle on X-ray is the primary factor determining which surgery fits your anatomy. Choosing based on recovery time alone leads to the wrong operation. Call (810) 206-1402 — bunion evaluation in Auburn Hills.
Bunion Treatment Close to Auburn Hills, MI
A bunion (hallux valgus) is a progressive bony deformity where the big toe joint drifts outward, creating the characteristic bump on the inner side of the foot. It’s not a growth of new bone — it’s your first metatarsal shifting out of alignment. And it won’t correct itself without surgery.
- REDUCES SHOE FRICTION and PRESSURE
- IMMEDIATE, ALL-DAY PAIN RELIEF
- STAYS ON ALL DAY & NIGHT
- FITS EASILY in shoes
- Water & sweat resistant
At Balance Foot & Ankle, we help Auburn Hills patients understand exactly where their bunion is on the progression scale, and what that means for their treatment options. Most patients don’t need surgery right away — but they do need a plan to slow progression and reduce pain while they decide.
Conservative and Surgical Options
Conservative care for bunions includes wide toe box footwear, custom orthotics to reduce pressure and slow progression, and bunion pads for joint protection. These approaches manage symptoms — they don’t correct the deformity. If pain is significantly limiting your activity or the deformity is affecting your other toes, bunion surgery is worth discussing.
Modern bunion correction is minimally invasive in many cases. Recovery for less severe bunions is typically 4-6 weeks in a surgical boot. In our clinic, we review your X-rays at your first visit and give you a straightforward assessment: this is how severe your bunion is, this is what we recommend, and this is what you can expect.
Key takeaway: Bunion splints and spacers marketed as “correctors” do not move bone. They may provide temporary comfort, but the deformity will progress if the underlying mechanics aren’t addressed with custom orthotics and proper footwear.
Why Balance Foot & Ankle for Auburn Hills Patients
Dr. Tom Biernacki is a board-certified podiatric surgeon with over 3,000 surgeries including hundreds of bunion corrections. His approach is conservative-first: he won’t recommend surgery unless conservative treatment has clearly failed or the deformity is significant enough to warrant it.
Our Bloomfield Hills office is located at 43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208, approximately 10 minutes from Auburn Hills via Opdyke Rd south to Woodward Ave south.
⚠️ See a podiatrist if your bunion has:
- Sudden severe pain or warmth (may be gout flare on a bunion joint)
- Started affecting your second or third toes (crossover toe developing)
- An open sore or skin breakdown over the bump
- Progressive worsening despite wide shoes and orthotics
Insurance & Scheduling
Bunion evaluations and conservative treatment are covered by most insurance plans. Surgical correction coverage varies by plan and severity — we’ll help you understand your benefits before proceeding. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Ready to Get Relief?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
For a complete clinical overview: Bunion Treatment Michigan Guide — non-surgical and surgical bunion options explained
How quickly can I get a podiatry appointment in Southeast Michigan?
Same-week appointments available at our Howell, Milford, Fenton, Hartland, and surrounding locations.
What does Balance Foot & Ankle specialize in?
Comprehensive foot and ankle care — plantar fasciitis, bunions, toenail conditions, ankle surgery, diabetic foot care, and custom orthotics.
Doctor Answer
How does a podiatrist treat a bunion without surgery?
Conservative bunion treatment includes wider footwear, bunion pads, custom orthotics to redistribute pressure, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and slow progression. While these measures cannot reverse the deformity, they effectively manage symptoms for many patients. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides non-surgical bunion treatment in Auburn Hills, MI, helping patients stay active and comfortable.
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.