Bunion, hammer toe, fusion, ankle replacement — here are the honest recovery timelines for the most common foot surgeries.
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what how long foot surgery recovery takes means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Surgery Essentials
HOKA Ora 3 Recovery Slide
Max-cushion recovery sandal — comfort for post-surgical swelling.
Hoka Bondi 9
Max-cushion walking shoe — ease into return-to-walking post-surgery.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
Foot and ankle surgery in 2026 is dramatically different than a decade ago — most procedures are now minimally-invasive, outpatient, and allow weight-bearing within days. Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot/ankle surgeries with modern techniques. If another surgeon has recommended a traditional open procedure, a second opinion may reveal a faster, less-invasive option.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Dr. Tom’s Recovery Recommendations
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Natural arnica + menthol for post-procedure soreness. We use this in our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics for post-injection recovery. FSA-eligible, pump bottle.
DASS Medical Compression Socks — Graduated medical compression for post-surgical swelling. Proper sizing and diabetic-friendly knit — not the generic S/M/L socks.
Disclosure: We earn a commission if you purchase — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we use in our clinic.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-week evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Same-week appointments available. (810) 206-1402
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.