“Foot Pain is Inevitable” – and Other Myths, Misunderstandings, and Falsehoods About Feet
With the rise of social media, came the startling idea that the truth is not always apparent. Anybody can post to Twitter or Facebook, but what they say isn’t necessarily true. And even though myths and falsehoods have always been with us, social media has helped them flourish. Today, we’d like to quash some common myths about feet that persisted even before the internet made spreading misinformation fast-as-lightning possible.
- Myth #1 – Foot pain is inevitable. Although 75% of all adults will eventually experience foot pain, the myth lies in thinking that you have to live with it. Podiatrists have numerous tools at our disposal to help fix your pain, including custom orthotics, pain medications, physical therapy, and foot or ankle surgery.
- Myth #2 – You can’t do anything about a broken toe. This myth also tells us to tape the broken toe to its neighbor, and all will be fine. But simple taping isn’t foolproof. A toe that doesn’t heal well may become permanently bent, causing corns as it rubs in places it shouldn’t, and inviting arthritis. For thorough healing of a suspected broken toe, get an x-ray and qualified advice from our podiatrists.
- Myth #3 – Going barefoot on the beach is fine. The sand between your toes may feel good, but you risk puncturing your soles with things that are not sand – for example, sharp shells and glass fragments. It’s safer to wear flip-flops or water shoes at the shore.
- Myth #4 – Flat feet need fixing. Flat feet generally require managing via shoes with good arch support or custom shoe inserts. There’s no need to “fix” them if they don’t hurt.
- Myth #5 – High heels cause bunions. People with bunions are thought to have a genetic tendency to develop them. High heels may accelerate their formation, but don’t actually cause them.
Our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, and Dr. Jim Swienconek, always strive to tell you the truth about your foot pain and discuss with you the best treatment options. Call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving our patients from Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.
