5 Foot Myths

Foot and ankle emergencies occur every day so immediate treatment from a podiatric physician is a necessity. There are myths surrounding foot care that deters people from seeking medical attention. Let's address these myths so if you or someone you know finds themselves with an ankle or foot problem, the correct medical attention is sought.

Myth 1: 

I can move my foot/ankle so it can't be broken. This is false. One can still walk or move their lower extremity and still have a fracture that needs attention by a podiatric physician.

Myth 2:

I don't need to see a Podiatric physician for a broken toe. This is false. Broken toes do need to be assessed by a physician because they can X-ray to look for a displaced or angulated break which would require realignment of the fracture. This helps prevent improper or incomplete healing.

Myth 3:

Soak your foot or ankle injury in hot water immediately. This is false. Heat promotes blood flow which causes swelling and greater pressure on the nerves causing more pain. Use ice, it has a contracting effect on blood vessels, numbness, and prevents swelling and pain.

Myth 4:

If I have a sprained ankle, all I have to do is wrap it up with an elastic bandage. This is false. Ankle sprains are torn or severely stretched ligaments and it requires an X-ray. Treatment options are usually casting or splinting. In severe cases, surgery.

Myth 5:

‘Fracture', ‘Break', and ‘Crack' mean different things. This is false. These terms all describe a broken bone.

Image by Anton Diaz. (2011). Myth of the human body.