At first, a bunion may seem like nothing more than a small inconvenience. In its early stages, it might only appear as a slight bump near the base of the big toe, causing little to no disruption. Over time, however, bunions tend to grow larger, become red or tender, and eventually lead to significant pain. For many people, severe bunion pain can interfere with walking, exercise, work, and even wearing everyday shoes. It’s no surprise, then, that one of the most common questions we hear is: “How can I get rid of a bunion fast?”

The Only Way to Get Rid of Bunions

The truth is that the only way to completely remove a bunion is through surgery. While this fact discourages some patients at first, it’s important to understand how far bunion surgery has come. In the past, traditional bunion surgery was seen as painful, invasive, and inconvenient, often requiring large incisions, stitches, and months of downtime before patients could return to normal activities.

Because of those challenges, many people sought nonsurgical alternatives. Unfortunately, there is no brace, pad, splint, or insert that can reverse a bunion. Non-surgical treatments can reduce pain and help with shoe comfort, but they do not correct the underlying bone misalignment. In other words, while these remedies might mask the symptoms temporarily, the bunion itself will remain and often worsen over time.

Modern advances have changed this picture completely. Minimally invasive bunion surgery, like the procedures performed at Northwest Surgery Center, uses tiny incisions and specialized instruments to realign the bone. This approach eliminates the long recovery associated with traditional surgery and allows many patients to walk out of the operating room and resume daily activities right away.

Dealing with Bunion Pain

If you’re dealing with bunion pain right now and need immediate relief, there are a few steps you can take at home:

Ice and Elevation: Applying an ice pack for 15–20 minutes and elevating the foot can reduce swelling and tenderness.

Protective Pads and Cushions: Over-the-counter bunion pads or gel cushions can reduce friction between the bunion and your shoe, making it easier to walk.

Comfortable Footwear: Shoes with wide toe boxes and good support can minimize irritation. Avoid narrow or high-heeled shoes that place extra pressure on the bunion.

Inserts and Orthotics: Soft shoe inserts can redistribute pressure across the foot and ease some of the discomfort.

Stretching and Strengthening: Gentle toe stretches may help maintain flexibility and prevent further stress on the joint, though they won’t correct the bunion itself.

These strategies can make life with a bunion more manageable, but they should be seen as temporary solutions. For lasting relief and to prevent the condition from getting worse, surgical treatment is the only proven option.

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

As we’ve established above, the only way to permanently get rid of bunions is to have them surgically removed. Thankfully, minimally invasive surgery has substantially improved patient outcomes when compared with traditional bunionectomies.

For one, minimally invasive bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure. The entire process only lasts around two hours. As opposed to traditional bunion surgery, surgeons only have to make very small (¼ inch) incisions to remove a bunion when using minimally invasive techniques. And after the surgery, most patients only require a regular bandage and gauze to cover their foot.

Best of all, patients are typically able to get up and walk around immediately following the surgery. Most patients are able to drive home from the clinic, and depending on their line of work, return to their job the very next day. Note, patients will have to wear a small, post-operative shoe for up to four weeks following the procedure.

To sum up: minimally invasive bunion surgery is fast, painless, and very effective. If you’re tired of dealing with bunion pain, then this is the best solution to your problem!

Contact Us

At Northwest Surgery Center, we specialize in minimally invasive solutions for bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, and other painful foot conditions. Our expert team has years of experience helping patients walk out of surgery the same day with minimal pain, no stitches, and little to no downtime. Unlike traditional hospital procedures, our approach focuses on comfort, safety, and getting you back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

We know how disruptive foot pain can be, and we’re here to make treatment simple and stress-free. That’s why we offer free consultations to evaluate your condition, answer your questions, and provide a personalized treatment plan. Don’t let bunion pain slow you down any longer—contact Northwest Surgery Center today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.