Our feet take a beating each and every day, and hundreds of thousands of people deal with new or recurrent cases of foot pain each day. However, many people don’t know the best way to treat this pain because they believe in some common misconceptions or are simply misinformed about the onset of their pain. In today’s blog, we hope to clear up five of those common misconceptions so you can put an end to your foot pain.
Common Misunderstandings About Foot Pain
Here’s a look at five common misconceptions about foot pain and some tips for effectively treating foot pain the right way.
1. Shoes Protect Your Feet – Shoes are designed to protect and cushion our feet, but don’t get us wrong, they can absolutely be the source of your foot pain. Shoes that are too tight can contribute to bunion onset, ingrown toenails and a host of other foot issues. They may protect you from stepping on a sharp object, but know that shoes could also be the source of your pain, so make sure your feet are in comfortable and supportive shoes that are not overly tight.
2. You Can Walk Off An Ankle Sprain – When you roll or sprain your ankle, you may think the best thing you can do is “walk it off.” This is a bad idea because your ankle ligaments are already in a weakened state because of the injury, so you’re at an elevated risk for another sprain. On the flip side, long term rest isn’t the best option either. Short-term rest (24-48 hours) followed by stretching and physical therapy exercises can help your sprain heal quickly.
3. Foot Pain Is Normal As You Get Older – While older individuals may be more prone to certain conditions simply because they’ve put more mileage on their feet, it’s important to recognize that foot pain is never normal. If you’ve developed new foot pain or discomfort, don’t ignore it. Address it and know that it is not normal.
4. Once You’re An Adult, Your Foot Size Doesn’t Change – Your feet certainly don’t grow like the do when you’re younger, but that doesn’t mean they don’t change even as an adult. You should always have your feet measured and fitted to the shoe when choosing footwear, even as an adult. Even if your foot doesn’t change, it’s important to remember that shoe sizes aren’t standard across different brands. A size 11 Nike could fit differently that a size 11 Chuck Taylor. Get your feet measured each time you buy new shoes.
5. Asymptomatic Deformities Don’t Need Attention – Although these misconceptions are about foot pain, this one is about asymptomatic conditions. Some people have visual deformities on their feet that aren’t causing any pain, so they assume that no intervention is needed. The early stages of bunions, hammer toes and claw toes aren’t typically painful, but they can become painful if left untreated. Moreover, intervention is more effective at these early stages, which is another reason to seek out early treatment.