Associated Podiatrists, P.C. evaluates and treats bunions at its Novi, Michigan office, where care may begin with nonsurgical treatment and in-office X-rays when appropriate. If a bunion causes persistent pain, makes shoes difficult to fit, or limits daily activity, board-certified podiatric surgeons Marc Borovoy, DPM, and John Miller, DPM, can discuss whether surgical correction should be considered. Treatment recommendations are based on symptoms, examination findings, X-rays, joint condition, previous care, and individual goals.
Contact Us About Bunion Treatment in Novi | Call (248) 348-5300
★ Bunion care in Novi is provided by Marc Borovoy, DPM, and John Miller, DPM, both board-certified podiatric surgeons. Dr. Borovoy has more than 30 years of podiatric-care experience, and Dr. Miller has practiced at Associated Podiatrists since 2002.
What Is a Bunion, and Can It Go Away on Its Own?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the alignment of the bones in the front of the foot gradually shifts, causing the big toe to lean toward the other toes. The Mayo Clinic describes it as a change in alignment at the front of the foot, and the Cleveland Clinic notes that bunions do not simply go away on their own. A smaller version, called a tailor’s bunion or bunionette, can form on the little-toe side of the foot.
Several factors contribute, and footwear is only part of the story. Inherited foot structure and foot mechanics play a central role, and narrow or high-heeled shoes can increase pressure and worsen or accelerate symptoms rather than create a bunion from nothing. Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and prior foot stress or injury can also contribute. Because the underlying structure cannot be changed by willpower or shoes alone, a bunion tends to be a progressive condition, which is why evaluation matters.
Signs It Is Time to Have a Bunion Evaluated
Not every bunion needs immediate treatment, but certain changes are worth an evaluation. These include persistent pain at the base of the big toe, increasing difficulty fitting into shoes, visible progression of the bump or toe drift, redness, swelling, stiffness or reduced big-toe movement, calluses from uneven pressure, and changes in how you walk to avoid discomfort. If a bunion begins interfering with work, exercise, footwear, or daily activities, an evaluation can clarify what is changing and which options may help. Associated Podiatrists’ bunion causes and treatment article also explains how bunions develop and which early symptoms may deserve attention.
These reviews reflect individual patient experiences with Associated Podiatrists, P.C. They are not specific to bunion treatment and do not guarantee the same experience, diagnosis, treatment, or medical outcome for every patient. Care needs and experiences vary by individual.
“Dr. Borovoy’s office staff is always friendly and efficient. Dr. Borovoy is extremely intelligent and is very honest about treatment. I would highly recommend this office.”
How a Bunion Evaluation Works at the Novi Office
A thorough evaluation is the foundation of good bunion care. At the Novi office, the podiatrist reviews your symptoms and history, examines the foot and the big-toe joint, and checks how the foot moves and bears weight when relevant. Convenient in-office X-rays are used to measure the bunion, assess the severity of the deformity, evaluate the condition of the big-toe joint including any arthritis, and rule out other issues. This information, combined with a discussion of your goals and how the bunion affects your life, is what guides the recommendation, whether that is nonsurgical care, surgical consultation, or a combination. The Mayo Clinic similarly notes that diagnosis is based on examination and X-rays used to help determine treatment.
Nonsurgical Bunion Care: Relieving Pressure and Pain First
When appropriate, conservative treatment is generally considered first, with the goal of reducing pain and pressure and helping you stay comfortable and active. Depending on your situation, the Novi team may recommend options such as:
- Roomier, better-fitting footwear with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the joint
- Padding, bunion shields, or toe separators to cushion and protect the area
- Custom orthotics to help redistribute pressure and support foot mechanics
- Night splints or bandages used as directed to ease discomfort
- Anti-inflammatory or other medication, where appropriate, to manage pain and swelling
- Selected injection therapy for certain inflamed, painful joints when indicated
Several of these approaches may be used together. Custom orthotics are designed around the individual foot to help redistribute pressure and support foot mechanics, while footwear changes, padding, or other measures may address different sources of irritation. Your podiatrist tailors the conservative plan to your symptoms, foot type, and goals rather than applying one approach to everyone.
“I was very impressed with Dr. Miller . When I left my appointment I had a full explanation and knowledge of my condition. I am so very happy to have found him and highly recommend him to anyone needing care.”
What Can Nonsurgical Bunion Treatment Change, and What Can It Not Correct?
Nonsurgical care can reduce pain and pressure, improve comfort in shoes, and help some patients remain active without immediately considering surgery. What it cannot do is permanently straighten or reverse the structural deformity. Padding, orthotics, splints, and footwear changes do not move the bones back into lasting alignment. Surgery is the option that addresses structural realignment when symptoms and clinical findings warrant it. This distinction helps patients judge whether conservative care is meeting their needs or whether a surgical discussion may be appropriate.
When Is Bunion Surgery Considered?
Surgery is generally considered when the bunion causes frequent pain or limits daily activities and simpler treatments have not provided enough relief. The Mayo Clinic notes that surgery is based on symptoms and limitations, and importantly that it is not usually recommended simply to improve the appearance of the foot. The decision at the Novi practice weighs several factors together: how much pain and limitation you have, whether nonsurgical care has helped, how the deformity is progressing, what the X-rays show, the condition of the big-toe joint, and your personal goals. Surgery for a bunion is a considered decision made with your podiatric surgeon, not an automatic step because a bump looks large.
How a Podiatric Surgeon Chooses the Right Bunion Procedure
There is no single bunion operation that is right for everyone. Possible approaches can include osteotomy to cut and realign bone, arthrodesis to fuse a joint, Lapidus-type correction at the midfoot, exostectomy to remove a bony prominence, or another technique selected for the individual deformity. The choice depends on the pattern and severity of the bunion, the condition of the joint, whether instability or arthritis is present, X-ray findings, overall health, and treatment goals. At Associated Podiatrists, the surgeon explains why a particular approach may fit the foot being treated. The bunion deformity resource provides additional background on how deformity and joint factors can influence surgical planning.
“Dr. Borovoy is exactly the kind of physician you want. Smart, thorough, answers questions in ways a lay person can understand and it is obvious he cares about his patients. He operated on my foot to correct multiple life long problems. I had complete confidence in him and not a moment of concern. Dr. Miller took out my stitches and he was excellent. Highly recommend these doctors and their practice. Office staff is great too. Thank you all very much!”
How Minimally Invasive and Open Bunion Surgery Compare
Minimally invasive bunion surgery uses smaller incisions than traditional open approaches, but whether it is appropriate depends on the specific deformity and surgical plan. Cleveland Clinic notes that minimally invasive osteotomy is becoming more common, while a PubMed-indexed systematic review describes minimally invasive hallux valgus techniques as promising but notes limitations in the quality of comparative evidence. No single minimally invasive technique should be treated as universally better or as providing a faster recovery for every patient. If surgery is being considered, the surgeon can explain which approach fits the clinical findings and why. Associated Podiatrists’ minimally invasive bunionectomy article provides additional background on minimally invasive techniques.
What Recovery After Bunion Surgery Generally Involves
Recovery varies by the procedure performed and the individual patient. Most bunion operations are outpatient, while weight-bearing instructions may involve a protective shoe or boot and depend on the specific correction. Cleveland Clinic notes that bone healing commonly takes about six to twelve weeks, that return to usual physical activities may take around three months, and that swelling can continue longer. Mayo Clinic notes that full recovery can take up to about six months. These are general ranges rather than a personal recovery schedule, and your surgeon will give aftercare, activity, and follow-up instructions for the operation you actually have.
What Are the Risks and Recurrence Considerations After Bunion Surgery?
Like any surgery, bunion correction carries risks, and a balanced view is part of making a good decision. Possible risks include infection, nerve irritation or numbness, scarring, prolonged swelling, delayed bone healing or nonunion, and recurrence of the bunion over time. These do not occur equally with every technique or every patient, and your surgeon discusses the risks relevant to your specific procedure. It is also honest to say that surgery does not guarantee a bunion will never return; recurrence is a recognized possibility. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain and realign the structure when symptoms warrant it, with realistic expectations set in advance, which is exactly what a surgical consultation is for.
Tailor’s Bunions and Related Foot Conditions That Affect Planning
Bunions do not always occur in isolation, and related conditions can affect treatment planning. A tailor’s bunion (bunionette) forms on the little-toe side and is evaluated and treated on its own terms. A longstanding bunion can also be associated with hammertoe changes, calluses, or pain under the neighboring toes as pressure shifts across the foot, and arthritis in the big-toe joint can change both nonsurgical and surgical planning. When another deformity or joint problem is part of the picture, the podiatrist accounts for it in the overall plan rather than treating the bunion in isolation.
Bunion Care in Novi: Surgical Experience, X-Rays, and Conservative Options
Associated Podiatrists combines nonsurgical bunion care, in-office diagnostic imaging, and access to board-certified podiatric surgeons at its Novi practice. Relevant features of the practice include:
- Board-certified foot and ankle surgeons: Dr. Marc Borovoy and Dr. John Miller are both board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, so both evaluation and surgery are guided by recognized surgical training
- Decades of podiatric experience in Novi: Dr. Borovoy has provided podiatric care for more than 30 years, and Dr. Miller has practiced at Associated Podiatrists since 2002
- A conservative-first philosophy: the practice generally considers nonsurgical treatment first when appropriate, reserving surgery for when symptoms and findings warrant it
- In-office X-rays for treatment planning: on-site X-rays can help the team measure the deformity, assess the big-toe joint, and guide treatment decisions when imaging is appropriate
- Procedure selection matched to your foot: rather than one standard operation, the surgeon chooses an approach based on your X-rays, deformity, and joint condition and explains the reasoning
- Honest expectations: the team is clear about what conservative care can and cannot do, and that recurrence remains possible after surgery, so you can decide with full information
- Care for patients of all ages: the practice treats children through seniors and serves Novi and the surrounding Southeast Michigan communities
Meet the Podiatric Surgeons Who Treat Bunions in Novi
Bunion care, especially when surgery is involved, is a surgical decision, so a surgeon’s training and judgment matter.
Marc A. Borovoy, DPM
Dr. Borovoy is a podiatrist and podiatric surgeon in Novi with more than 30 years of podiatric-care experience. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland and completed postgraduate training in podiatric surgery at Straith Memorial Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. He is board certified in foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, served for 14 years as chief of the podiatry section at Providence Hospital in Southfield, and treats bunions among many foot and ankle conditions.
John D. Miller, DPM
Dr. Miller is a podiatrist and podiatric surgeon who joined Associated Podiatrists in 2002. A Michigan native, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, then completed surgical training in foot and ankle reconstruction at Highlands/Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver. He is board certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons.
Where Associated Podiatrists Provides Bunion Care in Novi
Associated Podiatrists, P.C. evaluates bunions at 26750 Providence Parkway, Suite 130, in Novi. The Novi Civic Center and Fuerst Park are part of the Ten Mile Road civic area, while ITC Community Sports Park is on the west side of Novi. Bunion evaluations take place at the Providence Parkway office, where patients can call (248) 348-5300 or use the Contact Us page for appointment and location questions. For privacy, do not submit symptoms, test results, or other private health information through the general website form.
Bunion Evaluation at the Novi Office
If a bunion is causing pain, making shoes difficult to fit, or limiting your activities, contact Associated Podiatrists to ask about an evaluation at the Novi office. The team can examine the foot, use in-office X-rays when appropriate, and explain whether nonsurgical care or a surgical consultation should be considered.
- Address: 26750 Providence Parkway, Suite 130, Novi, MI 48374
- Website: https://associatedpodiatristspc.com/
- Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Tuesday and Thursday, 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM. Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Call (248) 348-5300 | Contact Us About Bunion Treatment in Novi
Associated Podiatrists, P.C., 26750 Providence Pkwy #130, Novi, MI 48374
Common Questions About Bunion Treatment and Surgery in Novi
Bunion Treatment, Surgery, and Related Foot Care Resources
Associated Podiatrists offers additional information on bunions, orthotics, hammertoes, arthritis, and the podiatrists providing care in Novi. Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic also provide independent medical information on bunion symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and surgery.
Associated Podiatrists Bunion and Foot Care Resources
- Bunion causes and treatment (education article)
- Minimally invasive bunionectomy (education article)
- Bunion deformity (patient-education resource)
- Custom orthotics
- Hammertoe care
- Arthritis care
- Dr. Marc Borovoy, DPM
- Dr. John Miller, DPM
- Contact and appointments
Independent Bunion Information From Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic
- Mayo Clinic: bunions symptoms and causes
- Mayo Clinic: bunions diagnosis and treatment
- Cleveland Clinic: bunions (hallux valgus)
- Cleveland Clinic: bunion surgery (bunionectomy)
Talk With a Novi Podiatric Surgeon About Your Bunion
If a bunion is causing persistent pain, changing shoe fit, or limiting daily activities, Associated Podiatrists can evaluate the foot and explain the available options. Care may include nonsurgical treatment, continued monitoring, or a surgical discussion depending on symptoms, examination findings, X-rays, joint condition, and individual goals.
Bunion Treatment Appointments at the Novi Office
Contact Us About Bunion Treatment in Novi | Call (248) 348-5300
Associated Podiatrists, P.C., 26750 Providence Pkwy #130, Novi, MI 48374
https://associatedpodiatristspc.com/
Hours:
Monday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed