Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery 2026: Less Pain, Faster Reco relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery: Bunions, Hammer Toes & Tendons!
We provide office Minimally invasive foot & ankle surgery: Bunion surgery, Hammertoe correction surgery, wound care, tendon surgery & aesthetic surgery.
Look:
- In the right patient, minimally invasive surgery can save $, time and have less pain.
- Minimally invasive surgery can prevent scar formation and even allow for faster healing.
- We believe in getting our patients better as FAST as possible and with as little STRESS as possible!
See us for a NO obligation consultation!
(810) 206-1402 Consult Us TodayMinimally Invasive Foot Surgery Michigan
How does minimally invasive surgery work?- If you’re wondering how are we able to perform these surgeries through tiny little “holes.” The answer is called fluoroscopy!
- Fluoroscopy is an advanced x-ray machine to see inside the body without having to make large incisions.
- We can complete complex and delicate procedures without exposing the patient to any unnecessary risks.
- While surgery is often the last resort for treating conditions that cause pain, we will suggest minimally invasive surgery whenever possible to provide a better patient outcome.
- There should be fewer risks in the right patient selection than with a traditional ‘open’ surgery.
- While some risks are associated with any surgery, including minimally invasive techniques, the risks should be significantly reduced compared to an open surgical procedure.
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Book Your Consultation Today – Minimally Invasive Relief Starts Here. Ready to Find Relief with Less Downtime?
Schedule a consultation with Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist—proudly serving Bloomfield and surrounding Michigan communities. Our expert podiatrist specializes in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery, offering advanced solutions with smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery—so you can get back on your feet with comfort and confidence.
Benefits of MIS (Minimally Invasive Surgery) Over the Traditional ‘Open Foot Surgery’:
PROS:
The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:
- Less injury means less trauma, this means faster recovery!
- Quicker recovery
- Less $
- Less risk of infection
- Minimal Blood Loss
- Decreased post-procedural pain: Limited discomfort
- Decreased surgery time
- Procedures are performed under local anesthesia. No general anesthesia. Only the treated area is locally anesthetized.
- Quicker return to work and normal activities
- Less Scarring: Scars can barely be seen. These may range anywhere between 1-3 mm in length.
- Procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art, In-office surgical suite instead of the conventional outpatient or hospital setting.
Foot and Ankle Problems That Can Be Treated with Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery
Bunions:
- Painful or aesthetically unpleasing bunion deformities.
- Minimally invasive bunion surgery.
- Painful or aesthetically unpleasing hammertoe deformities.
- Minimally invasive hammer toe surgery.
Corns & Calluses:
- Painful or aesthetically unpleasing corns or calluses (anywhere in the foot)
- Minimally invasive corn or callus surgery.
Foot Bone Spurs:
- Painful bone spurs.
- Excision of painful bon spurs.
Ball of the Foot Pain:
- Metatarsal pain or metatarsalgia (pain along the ball of the foot)
- Hammer toe or metatarsal procedures to correct this deformity.
Plantar Fasciitis:
- Heel Pain or plantar fasciitis.
- Tendon or bone spur augmentation procedures.
Achilles Tendonitis:
- Achilles Tendon Pain.
- Haglund bump or spur debridement procedures.
Ankle Pain:
- Ankle Arthritis.
- Bone spur debridement or ankle arthroscopy.
Big toe joint arthritis:
- Big Toe Arthritis (hallux limitus).
- Minimally invasive bone spur shaving of the big toe joint.
Flat Feet:
- Some aspects of flat feet.
- Bunion or tailor’s bunionette minimally invasive surgery.
Wound care or Diabetic Ulcers:
- Ulcer Prevention.
- Shaving of foot deformity or bone spurs.
Minimally invasive foot surgery is now accepted as a medical standard with numerous high level publications supporting its usage. More and more physicians believe that it is the choice for treatment whenever possible. This is supported by the scientific literature.
Delivering Balance Foot & Ankle Surgery to the Michigan Community – Minimally Invasive, Maximally Effective.
Michigan’s Trusted Name in At-Home Foot & Ankle Care – Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists Come to You.
Experience professional, personalized podiatry without the hassle of travel. From Howell to nearby communities, we bring expert foot and ankle care right to your doorstep—because healing should happen where you’re most comfortable.
7 FAQs for Minimally Invasive Foot & Ankle Surgery
What is minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery?Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) uses small incisions and specialized instruments to treat foot and ankle conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and tendon issues. This technique results in less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.
What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive surgery?Common conditions treated include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Bone spurs
Tendon injuries
Tailor’s bunions
Some forms of arthritis or joint pain
Your podiatrist will evaluate if MIS is the best option for your specific condition.
Unlike traditional surgery that requires large incisions and more soft tissue disruption, MIS uses tiny openings and causes minimal trauma. This typically results in reduced swelling, faster healing, and a lower risk of complications.
Is minimally invasive foot surgery painful?Most patients report only mild discomfort, which is often managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Because the incisions are small, post-operative pain is usually significantly less than with traditional surgical methods.
How long is the recovery time?Recovery varies by procedure and patient, but many can walk the same day and return to normal activities within a few weeks. Your podiatrist will provide a personalized recovery plan based on your needs.
Will I need physical therapy after surgery?Some patients benefit from physical therapy, especially if the surgery involved joint movement or tendon repair. Your podiatrist will guide you through exercises or therapy if needed to help you regain strength and flexibility.
Is minimally invasive surgery covered by insurance?In most cases, yes—especially if the procedure is medically necessary. Our team can help verify your insurance coverage and provide clarity on any out-of-pocket costs before your treatment.
Related Treatment Guides
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
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Clinical References
- Maffulli N, et al. “Minimally invasive surgery of the foot and ankle: current state of the art.” Journal of Surgery and Surgical Research. 2020;6(1):38-47.
- Bauer T, et al. “Percutaneous hallux valgus surgery: a prospective multicenter study of 189 cases.” Orthopaedics and Traumatology: Surgery and Research. 2010;96(4):424-431.
- De Prado M, et al. “Minimally invasive foot surgery: a 20-year evolution.” Foot and Ankle Clinics. 2020;25(3):xiii-xiv.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, 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 Hills
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.


