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 Novi 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 Novi.
Bunion Treatment close to Novi
Novi residents with a bunion that’s been getting worse have a specialist option at Balance Foot & Ankle in Bloomfield Hills — about 15 minutes east via Haggerty to M-5. A bunion is a progressive structural deformity. Without proper management, the first metatarsal continues to drift outward, the big toe continues to angle inward, and the joint gradually develops arthritis. The goal of early evaluation is to slow this progression and preserve your treatment options.
- REDUCES SHOE FRICTION and PRESSURE
- IMMEDIATE, ALL-DAY PAIN RELIEF
- STAYS ON ALL DAY & NIGHT
- FITS EASILY in shoes
- Water & sweat resistant
In our Bloomfield Hills clinic, we provide conservative management for bunions not yet causing significant functional limitation: custom orthotics to slow metatarsal drift, appropriate wide toe box footwear, bunion pads, and anti-inflammatory management for flares. When pain is constant, shoe fitting is impossible, or the deformity is graded moderate-to-severe on X-ray, we discuss bunion surgery. We offer minimally invasive procedures (Lapiplasty) and traditional osteotomies depending on your bunion type and severity. See our bunion surgery options.
Key takeaway: For Novi patients: bunion surgery has come a long way. Modern minimally invasive techniques have shorter recovery times and better cosmetic outcomes than traditional open procedures from a decade ago. If surgery is eventually appropriate, the sooner you’re evaluated and informed, the better prepared you’ll be.
What to expect at your appointment
At your first visit, we take weight-bearing X-rays in-office to grade the deformity. We assess joint flexibility, cartilage status, and any associated second toe hammering. This determines whether conservative care can slow progression meaningfully or whether surgical correction is the appropriate recommendation.
If surgery is appropriate, we plan it around your life and schedule. Recovery typically involves 6–8 weeks in a surgical boot followed by 3–4 months to full activity. Novi patients: same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402.
⚠️ When to see a podiatrist promptly:
- Sudden severe pain, warmth, and redness — rule out gout or acute joint infection
- Open sore over bunion prominence
- Big toe crossing over second toe
- Complete inability to find comfortable footwear despite modifications
Why Balance Foot & Ankle for Novi patients
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM specializes in bunion surgery including minimally invasive and traditional techniques. Our Bloomfield Hills office is 15 minutes from Novi — the closest surgical destination for West Oakland County bunion patients.
Insurance covers bunion surgery after conservative care failure is documented — we track that documentation from your first visit. We accept most major insurance plans. 4.9★ | 1,100+ reviews.
Insurance & scheduling for Novi patients
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, and Medicare. From Novi: Haggerty Rd north to M-5 east, then Woodward Ave south to 43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Hills MI 48302.
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
📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
Bunions near Novi can be effectively managed without surgery to relieve pain and slow progression. Our podiatrist serving Novi recommends wide toe box footwear, bunion-specific pads, and custom orthotics to correct the underlying foot mechanics driving the deformity. Night splints and toe spacers provide alignment support between activities. Anti-inflammatory therapy manages painful flares. While conservative measures cannot reverse the deformity structurally, they control symptoms effectively for many patients for years. When daily activities become significantly limited and conservative care no longer helps, a bunionectomy with osteotomy provides lasting realignment. Patients near Novi receive individualized surgical planning based on the severity and type of deformity.
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.