There are myths out there about everything from crossing your eyes and spilling salt to carrying a “lucky” rabbit’s foot. There are even myths about foot care. And the podiatrists at We Treat Feet have heard it all. So we would like to share our favorite foot care myths and the realities behind them.
Foot Care Myth #1: Cutting a notch (a “V”) in a toenail will relieve the pain of ingrown toenails.
Reality: When a toenail is ingrown, the nail curves downward and grows into the skin. Cutting a “V” in the toenail does not affect its growth. New nail growth will continue to curve downward. Cutting a “V” may actually cause more problems and is painful in many cases.
Foot Care Myth #2: My foot or ankle can’t be broken if I can walk on it.
Reality: It’s entirely possible to walk on a foot or ankle with a broken bone. It depends on your threshold for pain, as well as the severity of the injury, however it’s not a smart idea. Walking with a broken bone can cause further damage.
It is crucial to stay off an injured foot until diagnosis by a foot and ankle surgeon. Until then, apply ice and elevate the foot to reduce pain.
Foot Care Myth #3: Shoes cause bunions.
Reality: Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It is not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types make a person prone to developing a bunion. While wearing shoes that crowd the toes together can, over time, make bunions more painful, shoes themselves do not cause bunions.
Although some treatments can ease the pain of bunions, only surgery can correct the deformity.
Foot Care Myth #4: A doctor can’t fix a broken toe.
Reality: Nineteen of the 26 bones in the foot are toe bones.
In reality, there are things we can do to make a broken toe heal better and prevent problems later on, like arthritis or toe deformities. Placing toes back into their “normal” position, and making sure there isn’t a dislocation or movement of the fracture is crucial to caring for these injuries.
From bunions to broken toes, the foot and ankle surgeons at We Treat Feet have heard it all
If you have any questions about Foot Care Myths or if you wish to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!
About We Treat Feet Podiatry:
We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.
From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.
