Bunion is latin for enlargement. A bunion is an enlarged joint. It predominantly affects the big toe joint (also called the first metatarsophalangeal joint). The big toe usually moves across toward the other toes (this is known as hallux valgus). It is more common in females and this is assumed to be due to their tendency to wear tighter fitting shoes. The tighter shoes push the big toe over. These can become painful, either due to pressure on the enlarged joint or due to arthritis in the joint as the toe moves over. There is no cure for bunions. They can only be got rid of by surgery.