Whether or not Bigfoot is really out there is a myth that remains unresolved.
But, here are 15 foot-related myths that we have been able to bust that you should stop believing right away.
1. Myth: Shoes cause bunions.
Truth: Ill-fitting shoes or heels can cause bunions, but bunions are actually genetic. Ill-fitting shoes can make bunion pain hurt more, but they do not cause them to appear in the first place.
2. Myth: Ingrown toenails can be cured with a notch in the toenail.
Truth: Cutting a notch in an ingrown toenail will not direct your nail to grow in a different direction. An ingrown toenail needs to be handled by a professional to remove the part of the nail growing downward. If you cut a notch into your ingrown toenail, you invite infection to an already painful appendage.
3. Myth: Plantar warts can be cured with duct tape.
Truth: While some regular warts can be handled by starving them of oxygen, plantar warts (warts on the feet) are different. Exposure to HPV causes warts on the feet. They also run extremely deep into the feet, so depriving them of oxygen does not affect them. The best way to find a plantar wart cure is to pay a visit to your favorite podiatrist.
4. Myth: If you can walk on your foot, it isn’t broken.
Truth: A few factors can come into play when it comes to whether or not you can walk on a broken foot.
- Which bone is broken
- Your pain tolerance
- The severity of the break
It is possible to walk on a broken foot. If you think your foot is broken, you need to have it examined by a podiatrist and get an x-ray.
5. Myth: Corns have roots.
Truth: While the plants may have roots that hold corn stalks down, corns on feet do not have roots. Corns are tender spots on your feet that result from friction, but you are more likely to find them on the top of the feet instead of on the weight-bearing parts.
6. Myth: Feet shrink as you age.
Truth: As you age, your feet don’t become smaller. They might, however, appear to change sizes due to the loss of the fatty padding that can wear out in your older years. Some people need to go up a shoe size as they age. With time the ligaments in your feet can lose their elasticity. When they don’t hold things together as tightly anymore, you need larger shoes.
7. Myth: Epsom salts will cure ingrown toenails.
Truth: Epsom salts can be a great way to alleviate pain, but they are not a long-term solution for ingrown toenails. If you suffer from ingrown toenails, soak them in Epsom salts while you call your podiatrist to schedule an appointment.
8. Myth: Toenail fungus is just cosmetic.
Truth: While toenail fungus is unsightly, it’s more than just a visual displeasure. A fungal infection causes toenail fungus, and it can cause the toenail to completely crumble away.
9. Myth: Broken toes don’t need to be seen by a doctor.
Truth: You want to encourage proper healing whenever you break a bone. A doctor can help ensure the bones are lined up correctly for regrowth. Otherwise, you will be in for a much more painful experience, re-breaking it to realign it later.
10. Myth: Barefoot is always best.
Truth: Walking barefoot can help strengthen some of the muscles in your feet, but you don’t want to expose your feet to the elements. Going barefoot makes your feet more susceptible to cuts or fungal infections, especially if you have diabetic neuropathy from higher blood sugars.
11. Myth: Podiatry is only for the elderly.
Truth: Anyone at any age can encounter problems with their feet and ankles. Seeing a podiatrist early can help you avoid further damage.
12. Myth: Expensive shoes are best.
Truth: Just because a shoe is expensive doesn’t mean it will provide you with the best support. Shoes can be costly because of the brand name, celebrity endorsements, or aesthetics. You can find good shoes that are not expensive; alternatively, you can find expensive shoes that are not good for your feet.
13. Myth: Your blood alcohol level can increase by soaking your feet in alcohol.
Truth: Through an experiment 14 years ago, Danish scientists were able to dispel this myth. After soaking their feet in vodka, there was no increase in their blood alcohol levels.
14. Myth: Shoe inserts solve all foot pain.
Truth: Shoe inserts can help alleviate some foot pain. A better alternative to over-the-counter shoe inserts would be custom orthotics designed by a podiatrist who is helping you relieve your specific foot pain.
15. Myth: The pain is just how my feet are.
Truth: You should not have to endure foot pain. If you are experiencing pain in your feet or ankles, reach out to a podiatrist to figure out the cause and make a plan to become pain-free.
And Bigfoot, if you’re reading this, give us a call about those fallen arches.
