Foot, Ankle, and Heel Spur: Myths You’ve Been Told, Debunked
Ah, foot pain. The thing that gets so many of us in the mornings—like a reminder that, no matter how strong or healthy we feel in other parts of our body, our feet can still bring us to our knees. And let’s face it, whether it’s heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, or general ankle misery, we’ve all had our fair share of foot troubles.
But what’s more frustrating than the pain? The advice. The advice that’s given by well-meaning friends, doctors, or that random online forum that seems to have all the answers. “You just need better shoes.” “Rest, and it’ll heal.” Or—my personal favorite—“You’re just getting older, that’s normal.” Uh, no. No, it’s not. And frankly, hearing that enough times might just make you want to kick something (and yes, we’re aware that’s probably the thing that caused your heel pain in the first place, but let’s not dwell).
Here’s the kicker: Bad advice gets passed around because it’s easy. It’s comforting. We want quick fixes, easy solutions, and we don’t always want to face the reality that sometimes, foot pain isn’t just about a new pair of shoes or a bit of rest. It’s often more complicated than that.
In this article, we’re going to rip apart some of the worst, most overhyped, and totally misguided advice about foot, ankle, and heel health. We’ll make it clear: no, you don’t need to suffer through your heel pain with a smile and a pair of shoes that “might work eventually.” It’s time to get real.
Myth #1: “Foot Pain is Just a Part of Getting Older—You’ll Have to Live With It”
The Belief
Here’s the myth I hate more than most. “It’s just aging,” they’ll say. “Foot pain comes with the territory. You’re getting older, and your feet just can’t keep up anymore.” This kind of advice? It’s everywhere. And honestly, it’s the kind of advice that makes you feel like you should just accept it and keep limping along, right? Ugh.
Why It’s Ridiculous
Let’s break this down. Foot pain is not inevitable just because you hit a certain age. That’s like saying every old car is bound to have engine problems. Does it make sense? No. While it’s true that your feet, like the rest of your body, may experience wear and tear over time, that doesn’t mean you have to just deal with it. Some people experience pain from overuse, poor footwear, or things like flat feet or bunions—and age isn’t always a factor.
And guess what? When you’re told “it’s just part of getting older,” you’re putting the brakes on addressing the real issue. Why? Because you think, “Eh, it’s just my age, I can live with it.” The truth? You don’t have to. No one has to. You can take action. You can find treatment and make your feet feel better, no matter how many candles you’ve blown out.
The Reality
If you’ve got foot pain, don’t assume it’s just part of aging. That’s a cop-out. Yes, your body changes as you age, but that doesn’t mean you should just accept pain as the new normal. There are ways to manage and treat foot pain—whether through proper footwear, physical therapy, or sometimes more advanced treatments. Don’t settle for less—your feet deserve better, no matter your age.
Myth #2: “Just Rest Your Foot—It’ll Get Better on Its Own”
The Belief
“Just rest it. No need to worry about it. Take it easy, and that foot will heal itself.” Rest—such a magical word, right? If only it worked the way people seem to think it does. It’s like when someone tells you to take a nap to cure all ills. Maybe it works for a headache, but rest for foot pain? Not quite that simple.
Why It’s Misleading
Ah, rest. Yes, it’s important for healing. But here’s the truth: over-resting can hurt more than help. The human body isn’t made to just sit around—it needs to move, especially after an injury. Without gradual movement or exercise, your muscles and tendons can get weak, and that means they won’t heal correctly. You can’t just wrap your foot in a blanket, rest it for months, and expect it to magically go back to normal.
Plus, not moving could lead to more stiffness or even additional issues with alignment, which can make the initial injury worse. Resting too much? It’s not the answer, and here’s why: your body forgets how to properly support itself without any movement. And when you go back to activity, guess what? You’re at risk of re-injury or prolonged pain.
The Reality
You need to rest, sure—but don’t rest too much. You need controlled activity to maintain strength in your foot. Stretching, strengthening exercises, and proper rehabilitation can actually help speed up recovery. Rest alone won’t get you there, so don’t let someone fool you into thinking you can just kick back and wait. Your recovery depends on active participation, not passive waiting.
Myth #3: “If Your Shoes Hurt, Just Power Through—They’ll Eventually Break In”
The Belief
“You’ll be fine. Just wear them in! Shoes always break in after a few weeks.” Oh, sure. Because our feet are designed to just stretch and mold themselves to whatever shoe you throw on. I mean, why not wear that super cute pair of heels you can barely walk in? Eventually, your feet will “get used to it.” Right? Wrong.
Why It’s Ridiculous
Whoever told you shoes “break in” probably hasn’t had a real foot problem in their life. If your shoes don’t fit properly from the start, they’re not going to magically get comfortable. If your shoes hurt, they’re the wrong shoes. Period. Wearing them with the hope that they’ll “get better” is like trying to force your foot into a too-tight glove and hoping it turns into a comfy mitt.
And here’s where it gets worse: the longer you wear shoes that don’t fit, the more you’re setting yourself up for long-term foot problems. Blisters, bunions, calluses, plantar fasciitis—yep, all the things you don’t want, just because you thought you could “power through” a little discomfort. Bad call.
The Reality
The truth is simple: proper fit is everything. If your shoes hurt on the first wear, they probably aren’t the right shoes. If they’re pinching your toes, causing blisters, or creating pressure points, it’s time to admit that the “breaking-in” phase isn’t going to happen. It’s a myth. Do yourself a favor and get shoes that fit well from the start. Your feet deserve better than to suffer for fashion.
Myth #4: “Foot Problems Are Always Caused by Flat Feet”
The Belief
“Flat feet? Yeah, that’s definitely the cause of your heel pain.” So many times I’ve heard this. The idea that flat feet are always the culprit when it comes to foot issues is an oversimplification of a very complex problem. It’s almost like saying, “Oh, you have a headache? It’s probably just stress.” Sure, stress might contribute, but it’s not the whole story.
Why It’s Misleading
While flat feet can indeed cause problems like heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, they aren’t the only villains. High arches, improper walking posture, poor footwear, and even overuse can contribute to foot pain. Flat feet don’t always have to lead to foot problems—it depends on how your entire body functions. Posture, muscle imbalance, and even how you walk can be contributing factors. By pinning everything on flat feet, we ignore other potential causes—and that’s a problem.
The Reality
Foot problems aren’t just about flat feet. Yes, they can be a contributing factor, but it’s about the whole body. If you have foot pain, get a comprehensive assessment from a doctor or podiatrist. Your gait, your posture, and your muscles all play a role in your foot health. Don’t settle for a quick, blanket diagnosis. Dig deeper.
Myth #5: “Surgery Should Always Be a Last Resort—Never Consider It Until You’ve Tried Everything”
The Belief
“Surgery is only for when all other treatments have failed.” This myth makes surgery seem like something that should only be considered if you’re at your wits’ end. So, you wait, suffer, try every possible option, and hope that things magically get better on their own. But here’s the truth: sometimes, surgery is the right call—sooner than you think.
Why It’s Ridiculous
Look, I’m not saying surgery is always the best option—but sometimes it’s the right option. If physical therapy, stretching, orthotics, and everything else you’ve tried just isn’t cutting it, surgery might be what finally gets you relief. Waiting until you’re in constant pain isn’t always the smartest approach. By the time you’re exhausted, frustrated, and limping around, you’ve lost time that could’ve been spent healing. Surgery might be your best shot—and there’s no shame in that.
The Reality
Surgery isn’t always a last resort, and it’s not something to fear. If you’ve tried other methods, and they haven’t worked, don’t wait until the problem becomes a much bigger issue. Surgery, like endoscopic surgery for heel spurs, can provide long-term relief when other treatments have failed. It’s about timing. Don’t wait until you’re at your breaking point—consult with your doctor and get an informed opinion.
Time to Get Real About Foot Health
There you have it. Some of the worst, most overhyped myths about foot, ankle, and heel health—debunked. The truth is, foot health isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It’s a puzzle that requires the right pieces—proper care, right footwear, proper treatment, and sometimes even surgery when needed.
Stop falling for the easy fixes, the quick advice, and the “well-meaning” tips from people who’ve never experienced real foot pain. Take your health into your own hands. Ask the right questions, seek professional advice, and don’t let anyone talk you into just “toughing it out.”
Your feet carry you through life—treat them with the care and respect they deserve. It’s time to stop listening to the myths, and start focusing on what really works.