Final answer:
A bunion is a painful swelling at the base of the big toe; most commonly caused by tight-fitting shoes with narrow toe boxes and high heels. Proper footwear can prevent their development.
Step-by-step explanation:
A bunion is a painful swelling that occurs at the base of the big toe, at the first metatarsophalangeal joint. This condition can become particularly significant if left untreated. Tight-fitting shoes, especially those with a narrow toe box and high heels, are most likely to cause bunions because they put excessive pressure on the toes, forcing them into an unnatural position. Wearing properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box and avoiding high heels can help prevent the development of bunions. Additionally, if bunions become severe, surgery may be required to correct the alignment of the toe.