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 Fenton has a recurrence rate that varies from under 5% to over 30% depending on the procedure chosen — and the X-ray angle measurement (intermetatarsal angle) is the primary factor that determines which surgery is appropriate. Choosing based on cosmetics alone leads to the wrong operation. Call (810) 206-1402 — bunion evaluation in Fenton.
Bunion treatment close to Fenton
If you’re a Fenton resident noticing a growing bump at your big toe, increasing pain in certain shoes, or your big toe beginning to angle toward the lesser toes, Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell is the closest specialist — 20 minutes north on US-23. A bunion is a structural problem: the first metatarsal bone drifts outward, and no amount of stretching, splinting, or padding can correct the bony position. But the right treatment plan can significantly slow progression and keep you functional.
- REDUCES SHOE FRICTION and PRESSURE
- IMMEDIATE, ALL-DAY PAIN RELIEF
- STAYS ON ALL DAY & NIGHT
- FITS EASILY in shoes
- Water & sweat resistant
In our Howell clinic, we see bunions at every stage. We start with conservative care: custom-molded orthotics address the flat-foot and over-pronation mechanics that accelerate bunion progression; proper wide toe box footwear prevents friction and pressure on the prominence; bunion pads protect irritated skin. When conservative care no longer controls symptoms, we discuss bunion surgery — and we offer minimally invasive options for appropriate candidates with shorter recovery. See our bunion surgery page.
Key takeaway: Bunions are graded mild, moderate, and severe on X-ray. Mild bunions managed early with orthotics and appropriate footwear may not require surgery for years or ever. Severe bunions often need more complex procedures with longer recovery. Early evaluation means more options.
What to expect at your appointment
At your first visit, we take weight-bearing X-rays in-office, measure the deformity angles, and assess joint flexibility and skin condition over the prominence. We review your shoe history — often the simplest intervention is a shoe change combined with orthotics. We also screen for associated hammertoe of the second toe, which commonly develops when bunion deformity pushes the big toe toward it.
If surgery is appropriate, we plan it around your schedule and lifestyle. Recovery typically involves 6–8 weeks in a surgical boot or cast non-weight-bearing on the operated foot, then progressive return to activity. Our Howell office performs outpatient bunion surgery at a local surgical center, minimizing travel burden for Fenton patients. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day evaluation.
⚠️ When to see a podiatrist promptly:
- Sudden severe pain, warmth, redness at bunion — rule out acute gout
- Skin breakdown or open sore over bunion prominence
- Big toe crossing over or under second toe
- Inability to find any comfortable footwear even with modifications
Why Balance Foot & Ankle for Fenton patients
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM has performed over 3,000 foot and ankle procedures and specializes in both conservative and surgical bunion management. For Fenton patients, the 20-minute drive to Howell via US-23 brings you to a specialist with in-house X-ray, orthotics, and surgical capability — all in one location.
We accept most major insurance plans. Insurance typically covers bunion surgery after documented conservative care failure — we track that documentation from your first visit to streamline approval if surgery becomes needed. 4.9★ | 1,100+ reviews.
Insurance & scheduling for Fenton patients
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. From Fenton: take US-23 North approximately 20 minutes, exit at Grand River Ave, proceed east to 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell MI 48843.
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
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 Fenton, 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.