What do you know about foot arthritis?

1. What are the symptoms of arthritis?

A. Stiffness or swelling of the joints

B. Pain

C. Difficulty moving or walking

D. All of the above can be symptoms of arthritis

2. Match the type of arthritis to the correct description:

A. Osteoarthritis

B. Psoriatic Arthritis

C. Rheumatoid Arthritis

D. Posttraumatic Arthritis

1. This type of arthritis can affect many joints of the foot, but most commonly affects the joints closest to the nail. This causes toes to turn red and swell into a sausage shape.

2. This type of arthritis causes inflammation of the joints at the ball of the foot. Bones can start to push against the skin at the bottom of the foot.

3. This is the most common form or arthritis, and is caused by normal wear and tear of the joints.  This type of arthritis can develop in the many joints of the foot.

4. This type of arthritis develops after an injury to the foot or ankle

3. Which type of arthritis is an autoimmune disease?

A. Osteoarthritis

B. Rheumatoid Arthritis

C. Psoriatic Arthritis

4. Osteoarthritis can result on bone rubbing on bone. This can produce painful osteophytes. What are osteophytes?

A. Bone spurs

B. Bunions

C. Stress Fractures

5. True or False? An injured joint is more likely than an uninjured joint to become arthritic.

Check the comments below for the correct answers.

Image by Bob Jenkins. Foot. (2010). Flickr.

Shoes for the Whole Family

We all know the importance of wearing shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support. If you are doing the shoe shopping in your family, here are some good tips for all members.

Women

A lot of women are guilty of wearing shoes they know are too small, don’t fit properly, or even hurt. High heeled shoes, pointed toes and even ballet flats can cause orthopedic problems. Heels should be kept to 2” max, and even these should be worn in moderation. Your foot sits in an unnatural position when the heel is elevated too much. Shoes that have a heel one inch or lower and a roomy toe box are ideal. Look for a shoe that blends fashion and comfort. If you are wearing a heeled shoe, try not to wear it all day. Wear sneakers or a sturdy pair of flats for part of the day.

Men

Make sure the toe box is roomy and the heel is low, no higher than half an inch. Think about what you need in a shoe. If you are standing for long periods of time, shoes with softer, cushioned soles will keep you the most comfortable. If you are required to wear dress shoes, make sure there is enough room to move toes around. Some shoes are made out of hard materials and taper at the toes; this can leave little wiggle room. Shoes should be alternated on a daily basis, so buying 3-5 shoes for your work week is advisable.

Children

Your child’s shoe is probably the most important shoe you will shop for. Choosing the right shoe plays a critical role in musculoskeletal development. Infants who are just learning to walk do not typically need shoes. Walking barefoot helps the foot to grown normally, develop muscle strength and encourage toe grasping. Since children grow at such a fast rate, you should have their feet measured every time you are shopping for shoes. If one foot is larger, fit the larger foot. Make sure there is room to wiggle toes, there is a firm heel and the shoe does not slip off the heel. Have your child try them on and walk around. Look for any signs of discomfort. 

Image by Jennifer Feuchter. Family Shoe Photo. (2013). Flickr.

Plantar Fibromas

A plantar fibroma is a benign nodule that develops in the arch of the foot. They grow within the thick tissue of the plantar fascia, which extends from the heel to the toes.

Plantar Fibromas are:

• Slow growing masses
• Most commonly, a solitary nodule, although multiple nodules are possible.
• Not typically painful themselves, but as the nodule becomes larger, the pressure it puts on the nerves and blood vessels within your foot may be painful.
• Most commonly seen in the mid-arch region, but can develop anywhere along the underside of your foot.

These are not life-threatening tumors, but they do need to be treated properly. They can be uncomfortable and painful, can reduce your mobility, change your gait, and impair your ability to walk or even wear shoes. Some common treatments include:

• Stretching exercises
• Changing footwear to distribute weight evenly across the foot
• Anti-inflammatories
• Surgery to remove the nodule

 Image by heelsandfeet. Well Shaped Foot. (2007). Flickr.

Heel Fissures and Calluses

Heel Fissures and Heel Calluses are two common heel issues that start as cosmetic problems, but can lead to serious medical problems. Let’s learn about these two conditions.

Heel Fissures

Heel Fissures are cracked heels. They occur when the skin on heel becomes hard, dry and flaky. Heel Fissures can become painful and the cracks can be severe enough to bleed. They can develop from wearing open-backed shoes or from skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Wearing proper shoes and routinely moisturizing feet can reduce the dryness of this condition.

Heel Calluses

Heel calluses develop when one metatarsal bone is longer/lower than the others, causing it to hit to ground with more force than it should. As a result, the skin thickens, resulting in a callus that can be both irritating and painful. Most of the time a physician can treat your callus without surgery. Wearing shoes with proper padding in the heel region will help to reduce the added pressure, which will reduce the severity of the callus.  

If you notice any cracking or thickening of the skin on your heel, see a physician before the problem starts to progress into a more serious issue. 

Image by Quinn Dombrowski. Foot Callus. (2008). Flickr. 

What do you know about a broken foot?

1. The human foot has how many bones?

A. 14

B. 22

C. 26

D. 30

2. 1 out of every “blank” broken bones occurs in the foot.

A. 5

B. 10

C. 15

D. 20

3. There are three parts to the foot. The long part of the foot (forefoot) contains the most bones. True or False?

4. Small cracks that form over a long period of time due to repeated strain on the bones is called what?

A. Tension Fracture

B. Pressure Fracture

C. Stress Fracture

5. Which is more common? A broken bone caused by an accident, or a broken bone caused by the answer to number 4.

6. Are broken bones more common in children or adults?

7. In children, which is stronger? Ligaments and tendons or bone and cartilage?

8. What are the signs of a broken foot?

A. Pain

B. Swelling

C. Bruising

D. All of the above can occur

Check out the answers to the quiz in the comments below.

Image by Valerie Everett. Questions? (2008). Flickr.

Bunion Treatment

Bunions can develop because of genetics, arthritis, leg length discrepancies, or from wearing poorly fitting shoes. Shoes that do not leave enough room for your toes can gradually push the foot bones into a new shape. The unnatural bony hump that forms is called a bunion (at base of the big toe) or bunionette (at base of the little toe). Bunions can be very painful since they occur where the toe bends when you walk. A doctor can confirm your diagnosis via a physical exam and possibly an x-ray.

Depending on the severity of your bunion, he will recommend treatment. Here are some typical treatments:

Pain reliever and/or medication to reduce swelling and inflammation

Heat or ice to relieve pain

Bunion pads, splints and shoe inserts

Correctly fitting shoes or sometimes prescription shoes

Surgery

Some bunions may be the result of another deformity, like flat feet. In these cases, the primary foot problem needs to be treated first. 

Image by andy_5322. My Feet. (2007). Flickr.

Fun Shoe Facts

We all know the importance of finding and wearing a shoe that fits properly. Some good tips to follow are to fit the larger foot, go shoe shopping at the end of the day when feet are their biggest, get sized by a professional, and make sure there is enough room for your toes to move around. Shoes have come a long way over the years. The first shoes were made from animal skins, leather cords, leaves, rawhide, wood, etc. Here are a few fun historical foot facts.

Where did the term “two left feet” come from? Up until the 17^th Century, there was no distinction between shoes made for the left or right foot.

During the 16^th Century, women began to wear such high heeled shoes, that a law was enforced limiting the size of the heels on shoes because of the danger they posed.

Shoes used to be an indicator of class.

In Ancient Egypt, slaves did not wear shoes, commoners wore sandals, and those in higher society wore pointed sandals.

Sneakers were invented in 1917. They were named sneakers by an advertising agency since the rubber soles made the shoes “sneaky”.

Image by YellowBecky. Shoes. (2012). Flickr.

Toenail Problems

Toenail problems extend beyond just fungus. There are an array of nail diseases and disorders that can cause changes in the color, shape, and/or texture of the nail. These changes may be directly related to an issue with your toenail or they can be an indicator of an underlying health problem. You should examine your toenails often, and discuss any changes with your physician. Here are a couple of things to pay close attention to when checking out your toenails:

Has the color changed?

• Do your nails seem to be getting thicker?
• Are your nails splitting often?
• Are your nails becoming brittle?

Here are a couple reasons your nail color can change:

• Green nails can indicate a bacterial or fungal infection.
• Pale white nails can be a sign of anemia or a zinc deficiency.
• White specs on the nail can be from minor injuries to the nail bed.
• Yellow nails can be the result of a respiratory condition.

Here are a couple reasons your nail texture and shape can change:

• Brittle nails that can split vertically and peel can be hereditary or due to using strong solvents, such as cleaning solutions.
• Over-thickening of the nail can be due to an internal disorder.
• Horizontal lines on the nail can be due to any interruption in the protein formation of the nail plate, such as trauma, illness or malnutrition.
• Concave nails with raised ridges can be due to iron deficiency.

It is best to have any unexplained changes in your nails examined by a physician.

Image by andy_5322. Spread Toes 1. (2006). Flickr.

What do you know about Running Injuries?

1. Plantar Fasciitis is:

A. One of the most common causes of heel pain

B. Inflammation in the bottom of the foot

C. A sharp, tight, painful sensation at the base of the heel

D. All of the above

2. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is known as:

A. Achilles rupture

B. Achilles tendinitis

3. Pain along the shin bone is referred to as:

A. Shin splints

B. Band syndrome

C. Morton’s neuroma

4. True or False? If your foot is too stiff to bear the impact of running, a stress fracture could result.

5. True or False? If your foot is too unstable to land in a controlled manner, you could develop runner's knee.

6. This small crack in the bone causes pain and discomfort, and typically affects runners in the shin and feet.

A. Broken bone

B. Stress Fracture

C. Shin splint

7. A small tear in your muscle is known as muscle strain. Runners may feel a popping sensation when this occurs. The best treatment for this is:

A. Continuing to exercise

B. Stretching the muscle

C. Rest, ice, compression and elevation

8. Runners will sometimes twist or roll their foot inward. Accidental stretching or tearing of the ligaments around the ankle is knows as:

A. An ankle fracture

B. An ankle sprain

C. An ankle strain

Please see answers in comments below.

Image by Veronique Debord-Lazaro. What? (2010). Flickr.

Achilles Tendon Problems

Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy begins with small tears in the tendon. These can cause no symptoms, mild pain, or even severe pain. As tearing continues, tendon pain may become constant and nodules may form, thickening the tendon.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Achilles tendon rupture occurs when a sudden, forceful motion stresses the calf muscle. This can happen during physical activity. If not treated, the rupture will cause weakness when you walk.

Achilles Paratenonitis

Achilles paratenonitis is inflammation of the covering of the Achilles tendon. It is caused by overuse, repetative movements or poorly fitting shoes. You can experience tenderness, pain and swelling.

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis 

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is inflammation of the fluid filled sac between the back of the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. This develops gradually, most often from the pressure of the back of a shoe. It can cause pain, tenderness and swelling on the back of the foot.

If you suspect any problems involving your Achilles tendon, be sure to be examined by a physician. 

Image by ouchcharley. Poised. (2009). Flickr.

Hammertoes

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or both joints of the toe abnormally bends. It occurs from an imbalance between the muscles and ligaments around toe joint, and causes your toe to curl like a claw. The condition can be present at birth, or may develop over time due to poorly fitting shoes.

What are the two types of hammer toes?

Flexible hammertoes: If the toe can still move at the joint. At this point, hammertoes are more easily treated, typically by several different options.

Rigid hammertoes: If the toe can’t be moved. This happens when the tendons in the toe become rigid and press the joint out of alignment. At this point, surgery may be needed.

Because hammertoes can progressively worsen over time, and they do not get better without some kind of treatment, see your doctor early on. Symptoms can often be treated by nonsurgical measures. Some of these include padding your corns and calluses, changing your shoes, wearing orthotic devices, corticosteroid injections, and splints. 

Image by Debra Roby. Toe Pre-surgery. (2007). Flickr.

Toenails

You may not think much about your toenails unless you are getting them painted or if you stub your toe. But what exactly makes up a toenail?

Toenails are produced by living skin cells in the toe. They are composed mostly of keratin, which is a hardened protein that is also in the skin and the hair. The different parts of the nail include:

Nail Plate: The visible part of the nail

Nail Bed: The skin beneath the nail plate

Cuticle: The tissue at the base of the nail

Nail folds: The skin folds that support the nail

Lunula: The whitish half-moon at the base of the nail

Matrix: The hidden part of the nail under the cuticle.

Toenails grow from the matrix at an average of 0.1 mm each day. As new cells grow, older cells are pushed out and compacted into what you see as that flattened hardened form. How quickly toe nails grow can depend on a number of things. Typically they grow quicker in younger people, males, and during the summer. Toenails grow slower than fingernails.

Toenails not only provide protection to your toes, but can be an indicator of other health issues. If you notice a color or texture changes in your toenails, have a medical professional check them out. 

Image by Caitlin Regan. Feet. (2008). Flickr.

What do you know about shoes?

1. A “pump bump” is in reference to what?

A. The painful knot on the back of the heel that  is caused by wearing high heeled shoes.

B. A callus on the bottom of the foot due to hard soles.

C. A blister on your toe due to shoes that are too small.

2. Wearing ballet flats can lead to knee, hip and back problems because

A. They are too tight

B. There is no arch support

3.  Shoes can be made more comfortable and functional by adding in inserts or orthotics. Which one of these has to be prescribed by a doctor?

4. What are the risks of wearing flip flops?

A. No arch support

B. Splinters and cuts or scrapes

C. Twisted ankles

D. All of the above

5. When wearing shoes without proper arch support, it is possible to develop this common condition that causes heel pain.

A. Bunion

B. Plantar Fasciitis

C. Corn

6. True or False? If the heel is much higher than the toe area, the shoe will put pressure on the metatarsal bones.

7. A pointy toe shoe can cause which of the following problems?

A. Nerve pain

B. Bunions

C. Blisters

D. Hammertoes

E. All of the above

8. Wearing shoes that are too small can cause which of the following problems?

A. Arthritis

B. Foot deformities

C. Calluses, blisters, bunions and corns

D. All of the above

Find the correct answers in the comments below.

Image by Micky Aldridge. Question Mark Cloud. (2003). Flickr.

Broken Foot Bones

Each foot houses 26 bones, so it’s no surprise to hear about 1 out of every 10 broken bones occurs in the foot.

Bones of the Foot

Talus: where the foot attaches to the leg

Calcaneus: forms the heel

Navicular, cuboid and cuneiforms: make up the midfoot

Metatarsals and phalanges: make up the toes

Sesamoid bones: small pebble-like bones that don’t perform any necessary function

Causes

Most bones break due to accidents that cause you to crush, bend, twist or stretch the bone. Bones can also break due to stress fractures. These occur when small cracks form in the bones from repeated stress on that area.

Diagnosing

Broken bones and sprains both cause bad pain, swelling and bruising, so it is usually not possible to tell if the foot is actually broken without an x-ray. Depending on the severity, the doctor may have you come into his office, or send you straight to the hospital. You should go to the emergency room immediately if your foot is blue, cold, numb, misshapen, deformed, pointing in the wrong direction, if there is a large wound, or if you are in severe pain.

Treatment

How your broken bone is treated will depend on which bone it is and the severity of the break. You may need crutches, a splint, a cast or surgery to repair the bone. 

Image by Jerrica Benton. IMG_3882. (2011). Flickr.

Spring Cleaning: Shoes

Have you caught the spring cleaning bug yet? While you’re cleaning out your closet this year, pay special attention to your shoes. Evaluate each pair and decide if they are worth keeping or if they should be donated/ thrown away.

Do they fit? Try on each pair to make sure they still fit properly. Feet can change for many reasons; weight loss or gain, pregnancy, and aging can all change the size and/or shape of your foot. Make sure shoes fit comfortably and leave enough room for toes to move around. Don’t just go through your shoes and look at the size. Focus on how the shoe feels since sizes vary by manufacturer.

Are they still in good shape? Soles wear out over time, and stop providing the support that they once did. All shoes have an expiration date on them, and should be replaced when they reach that point. Even if you’ve gotten used to that pair of running shoes, it’s best to replace them about every 300-500 miles.

Are you using them? If you haven’t worn them in the last year, clear them out. If they are still in good shape, donate them so someone else can enjoy them. If they are old and worn out, toss them.  

Are you hanging on because of guilt? You spent the money on them, but they don’t fit how you expected - don’t force it. Shoes do not “break-in”. If they are not comfortable the first time you wear them, they will not magically get better. Chose function over fashion. Your feet will thank you.

Image by Stephen Harris. _MG_9171. (2006). Flickr.

Easy Foot and Nail Care

Keep feet looking great this spring with these easy tips.

• Keep calluses as bay by soaking feet to soften the skin, followed by gently rubbing a pumice stone on the thickened skin.
• Use heel creams or balms to help soften tough calluses.
• If heels are dry and cracked, use a thick moisturizer. If cracking is severe, see a podiatrist for treatment.
• Prevent foot and nail fungus by cleaning and drying feet thoroughly each day.
• If wearing sandals, don’t forget to protect your feet from the sun by wearing sunscreen.
• Prevent foot problems by wearing comfortable shoes. Inserts may help to make shoes even more comfortable and more supportive.
• Do not cut your cuticles, as it can lead to infection. An alternative is to push the skin back.
• Be sure to cut nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
• Some nail polishes and removers can dry nails out. Cuticle cream and vitamin E oil can add some moisture back in.

Check your feet often. Yellowing nails and dry, cracked skin not only look bad in sandals, but may be the sign of a more serious problem like fungus or athlete’s foot. If you think there may be an underlying problem, seek the advice of a medical professional.

Image by Alex Bellink. Anchors Away. (2011). Flickr.

What do you know about Diabetes Related Foot Problems?

1. True or False? For people with diabetes, having too much glucose (sugar) in their blood for a long time can cause some serious complications, including foot problems.

Diabetes can cause two problems that can affect your feet. Diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.

2. What is diabetic neuropathy?

A. Nerve damage

B. Poor blood flow

3. What problems does neuropathy pose?

A. Not being able to feel heat or cold

B. Not being able to feel a cut or sore on your foot, causing it to get infected

C. Muscles of the foot may not function properly

D. All of the above

4. What is peripheral vascular disease?

A. Nerve damage

B. Poor blood flow

5. What problem does peripheral vascular disease pose?

A. It takes longer for a sore or cut to heal

B. It creates too much pressure in one area of the foot

C. It causes to foot to not align properly

Foot ulcers occur because of neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.

6. It is estimated that what percentage of people with diabetes will develop foot ulcers?

A. 10%

B. 25%

C. 30%

For those with diabetes, it is important to check feet daily to avoid infections. Getting infections treated properly early on can help to avoid them becoming a bigger issue, such as ulcers or gangrene (when body tissue dies).  If you experience any lower extremity pain or notice any open sores, see a physician right away. 

Check out the answers to the quiz in the comments below.

Image by Charli Lopez. Feet. (2011). Flickr.

Clubfoot

Clubfoot is a term used for any of the following unusual characteristics:

• The foot is smaller than normal.
• The foot points downward.
• The front of the foot is rotated toward the other foot.
• The foot is turned in.
• The bottom of the foot is pointed up.

A number of these characteristics may be present, and can vary from mild to severe.

Causes of Clubfoot

• Clubfoot can be present at birth and can be due to the position of the baby inside the mother’s womb.
• Clubfoot can also be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Treatment of Clubfoot

Clubfoot will not straighten itself out. It should be treated right away to avoid further problems down the road. Most commonly, clubfoot is treated with casts or splints positioned to move the foot closer to a normal position.

Image by Qi Wei Fong. Baby Feet. (2009). Flickr.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoids are bones that are connected only to tendons or embedded in muscle. The foot houses two of these pea-shaped bones in the ball of the foot, just beneath the big toe. The sesamoids in the foot assist with weight-bearing. Sesamoids can fracture, or the tendons around the big toe can get irritated or inflamed, which is called sesamoiditis. Sesamoiditis is a form of tendinitis. It is most common among athletes and dancers.

The most common symptom is pain on the ball of the foot, just under the big toe. Pain may develop gradually, and may be more prominent when bending the big toe. Swelling and bruising can be present, and there may be some tenderness in the surrounding tissue.

Sesamoiditis is most common among athletes and dancers due to repeated stress on the area or trauma to the sesamoid bones. It can also come about from osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. High heels can also be a culprit.

To treat sesamoiditis, rest and ice the area and were comfortable shoes. If you are having persistent pain, visit a podiatrist for further treatment. Steroid injections may be helpful in some cases.

Image by Ale Art. Feet. (2013). Flickr.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

The skin on your foot is red and tender after coming into contact with something, you could have an allergy. Your immune system thinks your body is under attack, so it releases chemicals, including histamine. This is what causes an allergic reaction - i.e. an itchy rash.

Some common triggers for contact dermatitis on your feet include:

• Leather or latex rubber on your shoes
• Poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac
• Fragrances in soaps or lotions

Some symptoms for contact dermatitis include:

• Raised red rash
• Itchy, burning skin
• Blistering of the skin

If you can narrow down what your skin had a reaction to, try not to come into contact with that material again. If your rash is not clearing up after a couple days, your doctor may prescribe steroid pills or ointment or an antihistamine. 

Image by Holly Lay. Day035. (2012). Flickr.

What do you know about Corns and Calluses?

1. What do corns and calluses have in common?

A. They are both areas of thickened, dead skin.

B. They both form on your feet to protect the skin from excessive pressure or friction.

C. They are made from the same material.

D. All of the above

2. Which is not a cause of corns and calluses?

A. Shoes that do not fit correctly.

B. Walking or running on hard surfaces.

C. Ingrown toe nails

D. Flat feet

3. Calluses develop on (you can choose multiple answers):

A. Ball of the foot

B. Heel

C. Big toe

D. Tops of toes

E. Between toes

4. Corns develop on (you can choose multiple answers):

A. Ball of the foot

B. Heel

C. Big toe

D. Tops of toes

E. Between toes

5. What color are corns and calluses?

A. Yellow or grayish

B. Red

C. Blue

6. Is the following a description of a corn or callus?

A spread out, flat area of thick skin

7. True or false? Some corns can look like open sores.

Check the comments below for the correct answers.

Image by Simon Adriaensen. Iconscollection - Question.(2007). Flickr.

Foot Care for the Whole Family

Children

Children’s feet grow rapidly in the first couple years of life. Check for things like flat feet or feet that turn out or in. These are some common problems that can be treated.

• Make sure shoes and socks fit properly. There should be enough room to move around freely and wiggle toes.
• Pay attention to your child’s stride when they start to walk. Early walkers can appear pigeon-toed or walk on their tippy-toes. If these habits continue, talk to your doctor. Treatment is more effective if started early.

Adults

These simple tips should be followed by everyone to help avoid foot and nail issues.

• Keep your toenails neatly trimmed. Avoid hangnails and ingrown nails by cutting them straight across and not too short. Keeping nails trimmed can help avoid the invasion of fungus into the nails.
• Wash and properly dry feet daily. Prevent fungal infections by keeping feet dry. Change socks often if you have sweaty feet.
• Wear shoes that fit properly. This will help avoid an array of problems; calluses, blisters, bunions, hammer toes, etc.

If anyone in your family is experiencing foot issues, make an appointment to see a podiatrist. 

Image by Christoph Lehmann. Foot Family. (2010).

Bunion Surgery

Bunions can sometimes be treated non-surgically, but when is it time to have bunion surgery? It is time to consider it if one of the following is true:

• You have persistent severe pain.
• Your daily activities are limited because of your bunion.
• You have severe foot deformity.

What does bunion surgery entail?

Typically an incision is made in the top or the side of the big toe joint area. Soft tissue and bone are removed or realigned.

What are the goals for bunion surgery?

• Relieve pain
• Restore normal alignment to the toe joint
• Allow you to bear weight on your feet normally
• Return to normal daily activities

What do I need to consider about surgery?

• There are different types of surgery when it comes to bunions. Each case is different, so surgery needs to be personalized.
• Bunions can return after surgery, especially if you wear shoes that promote bunions.
• Surgery can reduce the range of motion of the big toe.
• Recovery requires you to stay off your foot for a while.

Surgery should be discussed at length with your physician. Many things need to be considered before it is decided if surgery is the best course of action. 

Image by andy_5322. My Feet. (2007). Flickr.

Myths about Toenail Fungus

Nail polish acts as a barrier for toenail fungus.

Nail polish actually traps moisture, and fungus grows best in warm, wet places.

Over-the-counter medications cure fungus.

Fungus is stubborn and should be treated by a physician. They are able to prescribe oral or topical medications to fight fungus.

You cannot contract fungus from another person.

You can catch toenail fungus from public showers, pools, locker room floors, etc. Anywhere that someone with fungus comes into contact with can be a potential breeding ground for the fungus. You can even catch it from sharing bed sheets with someone who is infected.

Nail breakage is typically the first sign.

Discolored nails are often the first sign of fungus. Nails can turn white, yellow or brown.

Only older people get toenail fungus.

Although it is more likely to get toe nail fungus as you get older, young people can get it too.

Fingernail fungus is just as common as toenail fungus.

Since your toes are stuck in shoes most of the time, it is a lot easier to get toe nail fungus. Toes are in a wet, warm environment when they are covered up.

Toenail fungus is harmless.

Toenail fungus can lead to a more serious infection if not treated properly.

Image by Nicholas A. Tonelli. Floored. (2005). Flickr.