For most people, recovery takes four to six weeks and requires you to wear a splint and surgical shoe. More than half of American women have bunions, which are blamed on wearing tight, narrow shoes and high heels. Nine out of 10 bunions, in fact, occur in women and nine out of 10 women wear shoes that are too small, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons . Bunions not only affect the joint at the base of your big toe, but may also misalign other toes, which can cause the skin on the sole to become thick and painful. When bunions become severe, they can produce chronic pain and arthritis.
Most bunions are treatable without surgery.
Wearing roomy shoes and using protective pads should relieve most of your pain. If your bunion has progressed to the point where you have trouble walking or wearing shoes, you may need surgery. Recovery may take up to six months and require wearing a cast or special shoes. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons . The Health Alliance is the official health care provider for the Miami RedHawks, the Cincinnati LadyHawks, Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, Cincinnati Marlins, University of Cincinnati Bearcats and Northern Kentucky University Norse.