Five more foot care myths

Myth 6: Foot pain is normal as we get older.
Reality: Foot pain is not normal at any age. Foot and ankle surgeons can provide relief for painful conditions such as arthritis, corns, bunions, hammertoes, and complications of diabetes.

Myth 7: All children have "growing pains" at one time or another.
Reality: There is no such thing as “growing pains.” Children who complain about leg and foot pain they might have flat feet or another disorder that should be evaluated immediately.

Myth 8: I can’t get skin cancer on my feet.
Reality: Skin cancers can occur anywhere on the body, regardless of sun exposure. Foot and ankle surgeons recommend routine foot self exams to spot suspicious moles, freckles and other spots on your feet that show the signs of melanoma.

Myth 9: Duct tape can remove a plantar wart.
Reality: Although there are many folk remedies for warts, patients should be aware that these remain unproven and may be dangerous. Patients should never try to remove a wart themselves—this can do more harm than good.

Myth 10: Putting cotton under an ingrown toenail will relieve the pain.
Reality: Cotton placed under the nail can be harmful. It can easily harbor bacteria and encourage infection.

The end! Go back to the beginning.