Podiatrists Debunk 11 Feet Myths | Debunked | Science Insider
False. Toenail fungus is caused by a fungus that lives on the skin. It can be spread through contact with an infected person or object, or it can develop if your feet are kept moist and warm. Pedicures can actually help to prevent toenail fungus by removing dead skin and nails, which can harbor the fungus. 2. Cutting the sides of my toenail will prevent an ingrown toenail.
False. Cutting the sides of your toenails can actually make an ingrown toenail worse. This is because it can push the nail into the skin even further. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is best to see a podiatrist to have it removed properly. 3. You have warts because your feet are dirty.
False. Warts are caused by a virus, not dirt. They can be spread through contact with an infected person or object. While keeping your feet clean can help to prevent the spread of warts, it will not prevent you from getting them. 4. Only athletes get athlete’s foot.
False. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can affect anyone. It is more common in people who have sweaty feet or who wear tight-fitting shoes. However, anyone can get athlete’s foot. 5. Bunions are caused by wearing heels.
False. Bunions are caused by a misalignment of the bones in the foot. While wearing heels can make bunions worse, they are not the only cause. Bunions can also be caused by genetics, muscle imbalances, and other factors. 6. My feet are fine because I trained them to walk in stilettos.
False. No amount of training can make your feet immune to the pain of wearing high heels. High heels can put a lot of stress on your feet and ankles, and can lead to problems like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. If you are going to wear high heels, it is important to do so in moderation and to take breaks often. 7. You can’t do anything for a broken toe.
False. There are things that can be done for a broken toe, such as splinting or casting it. A broken toe can also be treated with pain medication and rest. If you think you have a broken toe, it is important to see a doctor to get it properly diagnosed and treated. 8. It’s normal for your feet to hurt from standing all day.
False. While it is normal for your feet to feel tired after standing all day, it is not normal for them to hurt. If your feet hurt after standing all day, it could be a sign of a problem, such as plantar fasciitis or a stress fracture. If your feet are hurting, it is important to see a doctor to get them checked out. 9. All inserts are the same.
False. Not all inserts are the same. There are different types of inserts available, each designed to address a specific problem. If you are having foot pain, it is important to see a podiatrist to get fitted for the right type of insert for your needs. 10. Sprained ankles are no big deal.
False. Sprained ankles can be a serious injury, especially if they are not treated properly. A sprained ankle can take weeks or even months to heal. If you sprain your ankle, it is important to see a doctor to get it properly diagnosed and treated. 11. If I can walk after an injury, I don’t need to see a doctor.
False. Just because you can walk after an injury does not mean that you do not need to see a doctor. Some injuries, such as stress fractures, can be difficult to diagnose without imaging tests. If you have been injured, it is always best to see a doctor to get it checked out.