Myths that are perpetuated regarding health care can be rather funny, like jumping up and down to cure hiccups. On the other hand, many myths about feet can be dangerous and harmful. Today, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA is dispelling 5 of the most common foot myths.
1. You can cure ingrown toenails by cutting a small “V”-shape in the nail. Toenails grow from the nail base that is located just underneath the skin at the bottom of the nail. The notion that cutting a small “V” notch at the top of the nail, allowing the edges to pull away from the skin as the nail develops at the “V” is not medically possible.
2. Warts can be stifled with a salve or duct tape. Though warts are active viruses, they cannot be treated effectively by suffocation. Warts can develop anywhere. Only those that are on the sole of the foot are plantar warts.
3. Heel spurs are calcium residue. A heel spur is often the result of stress on the fascia and muscles of the foot. This stress can cause a spur to develop on the bottom of the heel. And while most spurs are painless, some can create chronic pain. Depending on the chronic nature of the disease, heel surgery may provide relief from pain and restore mobility.
4. Fungal toenails are infectious. Fungal infection of the toenail is often dismissed because it can exist for years without causing any pain. But unlike the flu or the common cold, being around someone with this condition usually does not pose a risk of transmitting the infection.
5. If an ulcer doesn’t hurt, it can’t be too bad. In patients who live with diabetes, an ulcer on the bottom of the foot should not be ignored, regardless of whether or not it is painful. Diabetes can produce nerve damage in the feet and legs, which results in the inability to experience pain. When there is inadequate blood flow, sores, or cuts on the feet that go unnoticed, these lead to hard-to-heal wounds. It’s of the utmost importance for diabetic patients to schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist.
If you are dealing with pain in your feet or think you may have one of these conditions, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, today to schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.
