5 Common Myths About Foot Health, Debunked 

Health-related rumors are a dime a dozen, thanks in part to social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. These platforms make it easy to learn from experts and interact with people who have similar interests, but they also serve up plenty of misinformation, too.

At The Foot Institute in Shreveport and Natchitoches, Louisiana, Angelo Morreale, DPM, is regularly asked about various foot health practices. In honor of Foot Health Awareness Month this April, he’s here to debunk five of the most common foot health myths.

By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll have a better grasp of which foot health advice is accurate and which isn’t, so you can protect your feet and your mobility.

Myth 1: Foot pain is a normal part of getting older

Fact: It’s true that your feet change with age. The fat that pads your heels becomes thinner, your skin becomes more susceptible to friction injuries, like blisters, and the joints in your feet and toes become less flexible. However, these natural changes don’t necessarily cause pain.

In reality, foot, heel, or toe pain often points to an underlying condition, such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or tendinitis. If you experience pain that persists for more than a week and doesn’t improve with at-home care, it’s important to have it evaluated.

Myth 2: Cutting a “V” in your nail can prevent ingrown toenails

Fact: A popular myth is that cutting a “V” shape in the center of a toenail can help prevent it from becoming ingrown. This sounds nice in theory, and it’s easy to do, but ingrowth happens on the edges of the nail bed — so it won’t do any good. 

It’s best to trim your nails straight across without curving the edges, and wear shoes with plenty of toe room. Both of these strategies are more effective, but if ingrown toenails are a regular problem, Dr. Morreale can offer professional treatment options. 

Myth 3: If you can walk on it, it’s not broken

Fact: Many people think that after a traumatic foot injury, the best way to tell if there’s a broken bone is to start walking. The reasoning goes that if it’s too painful to stand or place weight on the foot, there must be a fracture.

The problem with that theory is that after a serious injury, adrenaline surges. Adrenaline can dull pain for several hours, so it can easily mask symptoms. At the same time, stress fractures and other similar injuries don’t necessarily affect your ability to bear weight.

The bottom line? If there’s any question, it’s important to get X-rays as soon as possible.

Myth 4: Flat feet always require treatment

Fact: About 30% of people have flat feet, meaning their arches don’t make complete contact with the ground when standing. Pop culture often suggests that flat feet are bad, but reality isn’t so cut and dry. Many cases of flat feet are due to genetics, and low arches often function perfectly fine. 

Other times, flat feet are caused by injury, excess weight, or diseases like diabetes. When these issues are to blame, it’s more likely for people to experience pain, fatigue, and instability — the kind of symptoms that can benefit from expert care.

Myth 5: Foot problems will go away on their own

Fact: The internet loves sharing home remedies for various foot problems, from ankle pain to nail disorders. In some cases, this advice is good. For example, soaking an ingrown nail in warm water can help soften the nail and make it easier to trim. 

But at the other end of the spectrum are problems such as bunions, hammertoe deformities, and nail disorders, which tend to worsen over time. Trying to manage these conditions on your own with over-the-counter measures can set your progress back, so it’s important you don’t wait to ask for professional help. 

Get the facts about foot health

Are you struggling with a foot issue and wondering whether at-home care can work? If so, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. For peace of mind, schedule a visit with Dr. Morreale at The Foot Institute. Call your nearest office in Shreveport or Natchitoches, Louisiana, today.