Exactly what are bunions of the foot? what causes them? what cures them?

there is a bone sticking out the side of my foot that is very tender especially in certain shoes & it hurts very badly all the way across my foot when barefoot. someone suggested to me this could be a bunion. I'm not sure if this is even how you spell it. Will I have to have surgery? If so will it come back? will it keep getting larger & more painful over time if I can't get it fixed? Do most insurances cover the cost?
Please help

Your bunion may not cause any symptoms. Or you may have pain in your big toe, red or irritated skin over the bunion, and swelling at the base of the big toe. The big toe may point toward the other toes and create problems in other toes, such as hammer toe. A bunionette can cause similar symptoms to occur at the base of the little toe.
Currently, no strong medical evidence points to the best treatment for bunions. In most cases, bunions can be treated at home. Nonsurgical treatment includes taking medication to relieve toe pain, wearing shoes that do not hurt your feet (for example, avoiding high heels or narrow shoes), wearing pads to cushion the bunion, and in some cases, using custom shoe inserts (orthotics).

Surgery to correct a bunion may be considered if other treatment does not relieve pain. There are many different types of surgery for bunions. The type of surgery used depends on the specific type of problem found in the toe bones and soft tissue.

I have heard they are caused from wearing heels and alot of uncomfortable shoes...... And i know that you have to go get them removed by a sergon..... i ma not sure if there is anything to treat them because... i think it is the bone that is sticking out....

Bunions are some times caused by wearing shoes that put to much pressure on a spot on your foot, generally your big toe. Over time it causes a joint to move much like Braces would your teeth. Only in your feet, it's a bad thing, shoes that have high heels force your foot into a position that is not natural for it and over time can cause all kinds of foot problems. Or maybe you were wearing shoes that were so tight that your toes were pushed togather. What does your Dr. say?

bad shoes,not wearing them