Far more often than not, the advice we receive from friends and family is helpful, but sometimes their advice ends up being less than stellar. It’s not uncommon to receive bad health-related advice from a loved one, and that’s partly because health-related issues are so unique to the individual. However, other pieces of advice are simply rooted in misunderstandings and misconceptions. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some bad foot-related advice that we hear on a regular basis, and we explain why you shouldn’t just blindly trust these pieces of advice.
Poor Foot Advice
Let’s take a look at some of the advice we hear from patients, and why this advice may not be best for their long-term health.
“Just walk it off” – If you’ve ever had a coach or a parent tell you to just “walk off” a sprained ankle, they probably weren’t thinking about your long-term health. Pushing through an ankle sprain leaves you at risk for a more severe sprain, and it can make it more difficult for you to make a strong recovery from the initial injury. Rest your injured ankle, gradually reintroduce it to athletic activities and pursue some physical therapy exercises for best results. Don’t just “walk it off.”
“No pain, no gain” – This one is a little more exercise focused, but this is a reminder that whatever exercise or physical activity you pursue should not be painful. Good exercise will push you out of your comfort zone, but it should never be painful. If your movements have progressed beyond uncomfortable and have become painful, it’s time to stop and reassess your health.
“Foot pain is normal as you get older” – Some foot conditions are certainly more common as you get up there in age, but that doesn’t mean that foot pain is ever normal. If you’re experiencing foot pain during exercise, when you’re at rest or with your first few steps in the morning, know that this isn’t normal and you should seek out a consultation with a foot specialist. Foot pain is not normal, and you shouldn’t just accept it as a part of getting older.
Round Off Your Toenails – Some people believe that a toenail that is rounded on the edges offers a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, as it matches the rounded shape of your toes. However, rounding off your toenails significantly increases your risk of developing an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails are no fun, and they can cause additional problems for your health if an infection develops. Cut your toenails straight across so they are less likely to grow into the side of your toe.
For more advice, or for help with a different foot issue, connect with Dr. Silverman today.