With medical advice just a quick internet search away, it can be tempting to rely on peers and common knowledge to make informed decisions about foot health. Unfortunately, many commonly held beliefs are not accurate or only tell part of the story. In this article, we have included several common myths people believe about foot health – and why they are not true. If you have any questions about these myths or another piece of advice that you heard, our staff at Best Foot Doctor is knowledgeable and can help you get real, reliable answers. Give our offices a call today to schedule an appointment.
Myth #1: To get rid of corns on the bottom of your feet, you have to find the root.
Corns do have a hardened center, but they do not have a root. Digging around for one in your foot is dangerous and painful and should never be done. Corns are caused by shoes rubbing on the feet and the only way to cure them is to address the source issue.
Myth #2: Tight shoes cause bunions.
We can understand why people would think this, as tight shoes can be a risk factor for bunions and will certainly aggravate or worsen the condition. However, bunions are genetic and are not caused by any outside source. Wearing comfortable shoes and resisting the urge to wear tight or narrow footwear can prevent bunions from worsening or becoming painful.
Myth #3: If you can walk on your foot or ankle, it isn’t broken.
Everyone has a different level of pain tolerance. Some people may be able to walk on a broken foot for days, while others may not be able to walk at all on a sprain. If you have severe pain, especially after a fall or twist, it is best to get checked out by your podiatrist.
Myth #4: Heel pain will go away on its own.
If you are experiencing intermittent heel pain, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Sore heels after a long day on your feet may not be a cause for concern, but continuous heel pain could be caused by plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. The only way to know for sure what is causing your heel pain is to get checked out by your local foot doctor.
Myth #5: Toenail fungus is just a cosmetic issue.
While toenail fungus does indeed yellow and thicken toenails and can cause some embarrassment, it is not just about looks. It is actually a fungal infection that is highly contagious and should be dealt with as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can even fully disintegrate your toenails, leaving your feet permanently scarred and open to further infections.
How To Find A Food Doctor in New York City (NYC)
Understanding the truth behind common myths about foot health can enable you to care for your feet better and make better choices. If you are in the Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens boroughs of New York City (NYC), your local Best Foot Doctor has the answer to your foot health questions. Call us today to schedule an appointment.