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 Brighton 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 Brighton.
Bunion Treatment Near Brighton, MI
If you’ve noticed a bony bump forming at the base of your big toe — and you’re in Brighton, Hamburg Township, or the surrounding Livingston County area — you’re within 10 minutes of specialized care. Bunions are progressive deformities: the metatarsal bone drifts outward, the big toe angles toward the others, and over time the joint itself becomes arthritic. They do not reverse without surgery, but the right conservative care can slow progression significantly and keep you out of the OR for years.
- 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, Dr. Biernacki evaluates bunions with standing weight-bearing X-rays to measure the intermetatarsal angle — the precise angle of deformity that determines whether conservative or surgical management is appropriate at this stage. The three-number grading (mild/moderate/severe) guides every decision.
Key takeaway: A bunion splint will NOT straighten your bunion — this is the most common misunderstanding we address. Splints slow progression; only surgery corrects the underlying bone deformity. We’ll tell you honestly where yours is and what your options actually are.
Conservative vs. Surgical Treatment
For mild-to-moderate bunions with manageable pain, conservative care focuses on slowing progression and reducing symptoms: wide toe-box footwear (the single most effective intervention), custom 3D orthotics to control the biomechanical forces driving deformity, and bunion pads to cushion the joint in tight shoes. For women wearing dress shoes, Foot Petals cushions can provide targeted relief at the joint. These measures won’t correct the deformity — but they can make it livable for years.
When pain becomes constant, limits walking, or the deformity is severe (intermetatarsal angle >20°), surgical correction is typically recommended. Dr. Biernacki performs bunion surgery at our Howell location — the most common procedure is an Austin/Chevron osteotomy for mild-moderate cases, and a Lapidus fusion for severe or recurrent bunions. Most patients walk the same day in a surgical shoe and return to regular footwear within 6–8 weeks.
⚠️ See a podiatrist promptly if:
- Sudden severe pain and warmth at the bunion — may be gout or bursitis
- Open sore or wound developing over the joint
- Progressive loss of big toe motion (may be hallux rigidus, not bunion)
- The bunion is changing rapidly in shape or size
Why Brighton-Area Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM has performed over 3,000 foot and ankle surgeries and is the founder of Balance Foot & Ankle’s Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations. His educational YouTube channel has nearly 1 million subscribers — and his bunion content is among the most viewed. Many Brighton patients arrive having already watched his videos and come in knowing exactly what questions to ask. We hold a 4.9-star rating across 1,100+ patient reviews.
Getting here from Brighton is simple: take Grand River Avenue west approximately 10 minutes to 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell MI 48843. Ample parking, no hospital wait times, and we typically see new patients within 1–2 business days — same-day for urgent issues.
Insurance & Scheduling
Bunion consultations and surgical procedures are covered by most PPO insurance plans and Medicare when medically indicated. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, and Medicare. Pre-authorization for surgery is handled by our office. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online — referrals not required for most plans.
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
Doctor Answer
How does a podiatrist treat a bunion in Brighton, MI?
Bunion treatment in Brighton, MI at Balance Foot & Ankle begins with conservative care: wider footwear, bunion pads, custom orthotics to offload the joint, and anti-inflammatory injections. When pain persists despite these measures, surgical correction (bunionectomy or osteotomy) realigns the metatarsal and provides lasting relief. Dr. Tom Biernacki provides both non-surgical and surgical bunion treatment in Brighton, MI, tailoring the approach to each patient’s severity, activity level, and goals.
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.