Summer is here, and there’s nothing quite like exploring the stunning trails around Salt Lake City, Utah. From breathtaking viewpoints at Big Cottonwood Canyon to leisurely lakeside walks in Red Butte Garden, our local hiking spots promise adventure and relaxation.
But if you have bunions, you might be wondering how to enjoy these picturesque hikes without discomfort or pain. Dan Preece, DPM; Darren Groberg, DPM; and Christian Smith, DPM, of the Utah Musculoskeletal Specialists are here to help you hit the trails in comfort and style.
Whether your bunion flares up after a long walk, or it’s a chronic issue that’s holding you back, we’ve got expert tips to ensure bunions don’t stop you from enjoying your outdoor adventures.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe joint, often caused by pressure or misalignment. This condition can make hiking challenging because close-toed shoes or long walks often aggravate symptoms like swelling, soreness, and joint pain.
If you’ve experienced these issues on hikes, here are our best tips to stay comfortable while enjoying your favorite trails.
Hiking with bunions requires a proactive approach to support your feet and minimize discomfort. Here's what we recommend to patients who love the great outdoors.
When you have bunions, footwear matters. Look for shoes or boots with the following features:
Brands like Altra and HOKA are popular among hikers for their foot-friendly designs. If you’re unsure what works best for your bunions, we’re happy to guide you during a consultation.
Custom orthotics work wonders when you slip them into the right hiking shoes. These made-for-your-foot inserts give you personalized support and reduce strain on your toes and bunion-affected areas.
If you have bunions, pace yourself. Instead of heading straight for a strenuous hike, choose flat or low-impact trails like Bonneville Shoreline or Jordan River Parkway. These routes give you a chance to enjoy nature without putting excessive strain on your feet.
Toe spacers or bunion pads ease friction, reduce irritation, and shield your bunion from pressure caused by hiking boots. These inexpensive pads are a simple but effective way to hike comfortably.
Hiking often means spending hours in warm, enclosed shoes — conditions that can irritate bunions. Bring these essentials to care for your feet throughout your hike:
After your hike, soak your feet in cool water to reduce swelling, and then apply a soothing foot cream.
Resting periodically on long hikes can make a big difference. Sit down, elevate your feet when possible, and gently stretch your feet to ease tension, especially in the toe joints and arches.
If bunions prevent you from doing what you love, it might be time to explore treatment options with us at Utah Musculoskeletal Specialists. We offer both nonsurgical and surgical solutions, depending on the severity of your condition.
We often recommend starting conservatively with options like:
If these approaches don’t provide enough relief, it may be time to talk about surgery.
When nonsurgical measures aren’t enough to relieve chronic discomfort, surgical intervention may be the best solution to address the root issue. Procedures like the Austin surgery correct the deformity by readjusting the bone and soft tissue in your toe.
Remarkably, most patients can walk immediately after this minimally invasive surgery, although a full recovery takes time.
If bunions are affecting your ability to enjoy the great outdoors this summer, call us in Salt Lake City at 801-532-1822, or request an appointment online. With the right strategy, shoes, and care, you can say goodbye to hiking pain and hello to breathtaking views!
