Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Toenail fungus treatment near Novi without a fungal culture risks treating the wrong organism — because 25% of discolored nails aren’t fungal at all, and oral antifungals that work for dermatophytes don’t work for Candida or mold species. Call (810) 206-1402 — nail evaluation in Novi.
Toenail Fungus Treatment Close to Novi, MI
Toenail fungus — onychomycosis — affects roughly 10% of adults and won’t resolve without targeted treatment. If you’ve been using OTC antifungal creams for months without improvement, there’s a reason: topical creams can’t penetrate the nail plate to reach the infection underneath. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we serve patients from Novi and West Oakland County at our Bloomfield Hills office.
In our clinic, we evaluate nail cultures or perform KOH testing to confirm fungal infection before recommending treatment. This matters because nail psoriasis, nail trauma, and keratin granulation can all look like fungus — and they require completely different approaches.
Treatment Options for Toenail Fungus
We offer a tiered approach based on severity. For early-stage infections with less than 50% nail involvement, topical terbinafine (Jublia/Kerydin) combined with nail debridement gives good results. For moderate-severe infections, oral terbinafine for 12 weeks has the highest cure rates of any single treatment (approximately 70%). For patients who prefer a drug-free option or who can’t tolerate oral antifungals, laser toenail fungus treatment is available at our office.
Key takeaway: The most common mistake with toenail fungus is stopping OTC treatment when nails look better. Fungus lives in the nail bed — you need a full 12-week course and then 6 months of new clear nail growth before declaring a cure.
Why Balance Foot & Ankle for Toenail Fungus Near Novi
Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM has dedicated a large portion of his practice to nail conditions — including a popular YouTube series on podiatrist-recommended toenail fungus treatments viewed by hundreds of thousands of patients. He takes a practical, evidence-based approach: start with the treatment most likely to work for your specific nail condition, not the most expensive option.
Our Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208, is conveniently accessible from Novi via Haggerty Rd north to M-5 east, approximately 15 minutes.
⚠️ See a podiatrist urgently if you have:
- Spreading redness or warmth around the nail (possible paronychia or cellulitis)
- Nail lifting completely from the nail bed
- Diabetes or poor circulation — nail infections are higher risk
- Odor or discharge from beneath the nail
Insurance & Scheduling
Nail debridement and fungal testing are typically covered by insurance. Laser treatment may be cosmetic depending on your plan. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online for a new patient appointment.
American Academy of Dermatology: Nail Fungus
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Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
For a complete clinical overview: Toenail Fungus Complete Treatment Guide — oral, topical, laser and home remedy evidence reviewed
How quickly can I get a podiatry appointment in Southeast Michigan?
Same-week appointments available at our Howell, Milford, Fenton, Hartland, and surrounding locations.
What does Balance Foot & Ankle specialize in?
Comprehensive foot and ankle care — plantar fasciitis, bunions, toenail conditions, ankle surgery, diabetic foot care, and custom orthotics.
Doctor Answer
How does a podiatrist treat toenail fungus effectively?
Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is treated with topical antifungal lacquers for mild cases and oral antifungal medications for more extensive infections. Laser therapy is also an effective option for patients who cannot tolerate oral medications. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides evidence-based toenail fungus treatment in Novi, MI, clearing the infection and restoring healthy nail appearance.
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.