Five Foot Care Myths

"Bunions are caused by shoes." The source of most bunions is an inherited faulty structure of a person's foot. Certain types of feet are more prone to developing a bunion and although some treatments can alleviate the pain, only surgery can correct the deformity. "Doctors can't fix a broken toe." Of the 26 bones in the foot, 19 are toe bones. If a broken toe is not treated correctly, wearing shoes and walking may prove difficult.

Doctors can x-ray the toe to learn about the fracture and, if the toe is out of alignment, a pin, screw, or plate can be inserted to reposition the bone. "Corns have roots." Corns are small build-ups of skin caused by friction. The cause of the condition is usually a hammertoe deformity, where the knuckle rubs against the shoe.

 Corns have a central core of hard material but they do not have roots. Attempting to cut off a corn or applying medicated corn pads can lead to serious infection. For more information, visit FootPhysicians.com.or to receive treatment.