Just about every field has its own myths and podiatry is no different. In this post, we serve up the facts on the podiatry myths we hear most often.
1. Bone Doctors Are Better than Podiatrists to Treat Foot Injuries
We know we’re a bit prejudiced, but we have to disagree.
Orthopedic surgeons (the “bone” doctor of the myth) are qualified to treat bones, joints, and soft tissues throughout the body. However, they do not have the highly specialized training of a podiatrist. We spend seven years – four years in medical school and three in surgical residency – focused entirely on the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. In addition, our podiatric specialty means we remain up to date on the latest techniques and procedures.
2. Ill-Fitting or High-Heeled Shoes Cause Bunions
This myth may have risen due to the fact that wearing narrow or tight-fitting shoes often causes bunions to hurt more. Also, bunions tend to get worse over time, which helps feed the myth that something you do causes them.
Bunions are actually genetic, a particular foot type in which the bones of the big toe “point” toward the other toes, instead of growing straight out. This creates the bump that signals a bunion.
3. Podiatrists Aren’t “Real” Doctors
We have to admit it, this one hurts a little.
Yes, podiatric physicians are “real” doctors. After earning our bachelor’s degree, we complete four years in a podiatric medical school. Then, like other doctors, we complete a three-year surgical residency.
For more information on what it takes to become a podiatrist, please read “Becoming a Podiatric Physician” by the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine. For more information on Dr. Jarman’s and Dr. Weintrub’s qualifications and educational backgrounds, please see our About Us page.
4. You Can Ease the Pain of an Ingrown Toenail by Cutting a Notch in It
Ingrown toenails typically occur when the nail grows downward, toward the skin. Cutting a notch into the toenail does nothing to stop this downward growth. It may even make the pain worse or cause additional issues, like infection.
5. Duct Tape Is Great for Removing Warts
Some warts can be killed by depriving them of oxygen. So generally speaking, this is true. However, this is not an effective treatment for plantar warts, also known as verruca. That’s because plantar warts are caused by an infection related to the human papillomavirus (HPV). They also extend fairly deeply into the skin. Simply starving verruca of oxygen does not kill the wart.
6. If I Can Walk on It, My Foot or Ankle Can’t be Broken
Another fallacy. The severity of these injuries often varies, and there are many types of foot fractures. What’s more, pain thresholds are not universal. Walking on a broken foot or ankle may cause complications and make your injury worse. Always rest an injured foot until you can get it examined by a podiatrist.
7. Podiatrists Cannot Perform Surgeries
While we usually pursue conservative treatment as our first option, podiatrists not only can perform foot and ankle surgeries, they have the best training to do so. Both Dr. Jarman and Dr. Weintrub spent three years in surgical residency. During this time, they each received extensive training in advanced foot and ankle surgery, forefoot and rearfoot surgery, emergency trauma, and more.
8. Doctors Cannot Treat a Broken Toe
Doctors can, in fact, treat a broken toe. Treatment varies according to the unique situation, but it may include inserting a pin, plate, or screw. This helps reposition the bone and bring it back into alignment. Ignoring a broken toe may cause a permanent deformity.
9. Podiatrists Only Go to School for 2 Years
If only! It takes twice this long just to get the bachelor’s degree you need before you can enter podiatric medical school (assuming you can graduate in four years). Then, it’s another four years in medical school, followed by a three-year surgical residency. All told, you’re looking at 11 years of schooling, not two.
10. Shoe Inserts Solve Foot Pain
This is one of those “sort of true” myths. The truth is, custom orthotics are a treatment option for some types of foot pain, like plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and tendinitis. But, it’s also true that the wrong type of shoe insert can make your foot pain worse instead of better. The only way to know for sure what will or won’t help is to talk to your podiatrist.
11. Only Seniors Need Podiatry Treatments
The idea that quality footcare is only needed by a particular age group is bizarre to us. The truth is that foot problems can happen at any age, even to newborn babies. Podiatrists treat a wide range of foot conditions, no minimum age required.
12. Improper Trimming Causes Ingrown Toenails
This is a very persistent myth but the truth is, ingrown toenails are usually the result of the nail growing in a way that the edges curve downward. This causes the nail to grow into the skin. The excessive curving is typically hereditary, although nerve damage may be to blame.
13. Foot Pain Is a Normal Part of Aging
Foot pain is never normal, no matter how old you are. If you’re experiencing foot pain, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist.
14. Heel Pain Goes Away by Itself
It’s possible your heel pain will go away without treatment. Particularly if it’s a one-time issue, the result of a day spent on your feet without proper foot support or something similar. Usually, though, heel pain results from conditions like plantar fasciitis or an inflamed Achilles tendon. And, left untreated, it can reoccur for years.
15. Corns Have Roots
We aren’t sure where this idea came from, but it could be the fact that, considering their size, corns can cause a lot of pain when pressed.
Like calluses, corns develop because of friction and repeated pressure. Unlike calluses, corns typically develop on areas of the foot that don’t bear your weight, usually on the tops and sides of your toes. However, you may also develop a corn on a weight-bearing area, like the ball of the foot. You can prevent corns by wearing shoes that fit properly and taking care of issues like hammertoe and bunions.
16. Toenail Fungus Is Only a Cosmetic Issue
As the name implies, toenail fungus is actually a fungal infection – one that’s highly contagious and spreads easily. Its symptoms are mainly cosmetic, with the toenail usually becoming thick and discolored. But the infection also gets worse over time. Eventually, the nail may break down and even crumble.
17. Bunion Surgery Is Very Painful
Most surgeries cause a certain amount of discomfort, particularly during the recovery period. But podiatrists have the training needed to perform this fairly common surgery in a way that maximizes your comfort. We also provide detailed after-care instructions. Following these helps minimize pain and discomfort during recovery.
It’s also important to note that we focus on conservative treatment options for bunions. Surgery is typically reserved for extreme cases.
Did we cover your favorite myth? Leave a comment below and we’ll reply and add it to the list!
