Why the Worst Advice About Foot Pain Still Keeps You Stuck
Alright, let’s be honest for a second: arthritis and foot pain are no joke. If you’ve ever had them, you know the struggle. The constant ache, the way it can stop you in your tracks, even something as simple as walking feels like a challenge. And then, the advice starts rolling in from every corner. “Just rest,” “Get a new pair of shoes,” or, my personal favorite, “It’s just part of getting older. You’ll have to deal with it.”
So why is it that terrible advice about arthritis and foot pain still runs rampant, even in 2025? Well, I’ll tell you why—it’s easy. It’s simple. And it’s easier to believe than it is to actually address the real issues. It’s like slapping a bandaid over a wound without ever cleaning it out first. It’s comforting—until you realize it doesn’t work.
The problem with these myths? They mislead people into thinking that the pain is just a part of life—there’s nothing you can do about it. Or, worse, they trick you into ignoring effective treatments that could change your life. And that’s what we’re here to fix.
In this article, we’re going to rip apart the most overhyped myths about arthritis and foot pain. You’ve probably heard them all before. You’re going to hear the truth now—backed by science, expert opinions, and personal experience. Ready to have your mind blown? Let’s do this.
Myth #1: “Arthritis is Just a Part of Getting Older—There’s Nothing You Can Do About It”
The Advice
“Don’t worry, it’s just arthritis. It happens to everyone when they get older. You’ll just have to live with it.”
Why This Is a Load of Crap
Okay, this one is a biggie. You’ve heard it, I’ve heard it—we’ve all heard it. Arthritis is just something you “have to live with,” they say. As if the second you cross the big 50 line, your joints automatically start falling apart. Sorry, but no. That’s not how arthritis works, and it’s not how the body works.
Sure, arthritis becomes more common with age—but age doesn’t automatically mean that your feet have to be in constant pain. In fact, I know plenty of people over 50 who don’t experience a single ounce of arthritis pain. Not to mention, arthritis doesn’t just happen, it’s often caused by a combination of factors—like wear and tear, injury, genetics, or lifestyle choices.
The Reality-Based Truth
Just because arthritis is common doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. Managing arthritis—especially in your feet—doesn’t have to be this doom-and-gloom affair. The truth is, arthritis can be effectively managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, exercise, and proper footwear. Heck, even eating the right foods—full of anti-inflammatory properties—can help reduce pain and improve mobility. Don’t just resign yourself to pain. There’s more you can do than just wait for it to worsen.
Myth #2: “Rest is the Best Remedy for Foot Arthritis”
The Advice
“Just rest your feet. Don’t walk too much and you’ll feel better in no time.”
Why This Is Over-Simplified and Dangerous
You know what they say about too much of a good thing? Yeah, well, rest is one of those things that can go too far. Sure, after an acute flare-up, resting makes sense—but staying off your feet indefinitely can actually make things worse. Believe me, I’ve tried it (and regretted it).
I once had a friend who had persistent foot pain. She decided that the best way to treat it was to stay off her feet completely for a couple of weeks. Guess what? She ended up with stiffness that didn’t go away. That’s the problem with too much rest—it’s like letting a car sit for months without moving. The tires flatten, the oil coagulates—everything just gets worse.
The Reality-Based Truth
Active rehabilitation is actually one of the best things you can do for foot arthritis. You don’t have to be running marathons or hitting the gym hard—but you need movement. Gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, and low-impact activities like swimming or cycling are all amazing for keeping your joints flexible and strong. The best advice? Don’t completely rest—just move sensibly. Focus on strengthening the muscles around your affected joints, which can take some of the load off the arthritis itself.
Myth #3: “Surgery Is the Only Way to Fix Arthritis and Foot Pain”
The Advice
“Once arthritis gets bad enough, surgery is the only way to truly fix it.”
Why This is Drastically Overblown
I know, surgery sounds like the quickest fix, right? After all, if you cut the problem out, it’s gone, right? But this idea that surgery is the only answer for foot arthritis is simply incorrect. Sure, in extreme cases—where joint damage is severe—surgery might be necessary. But surgery is the last resort, not the first step.
The reality is, most arthritis cases—even severe ones—can be managed without the need for invasive procedures. If your doctor is suggesting surgery right off the bat, it might be worth getting a second opinion.
The Reality-Based Truth
There are plenty of non-surgical ways to deal with arthritis pain. From physical therapy and pain management techniques to the use of orthotics and anti-inflammatory medications, many people find relief without going under the knife. Surgery should be reserved for those whose arthritis has reached an irreversible stage, not something you jump into at the first sign of pain. Give non-surgical methods a chance—you might be surprised by how much they can help.
Myth #4: “Arthritis Pain Means You Shouldn’t Exercise”
The Advice
“Stop working out. If you have arthritis, moving will only make things worse.”
Why This Is Nonsense
I get it—when your feet hurt, the last thing you want to do is exercise. It sounds counterintuitive. “How can moving hurt less if it’s making the pain worse?” But here’s the thing: movement is healing. It’s like trying to build muscle. You need stress (the right kind) to get stronger. Sitting still, on the other hand, is what makes you weaker and more vulnerable to further injury.
The Reality-Based Truth
Exercise, when done correctly, is a game changer for managing arthritis. It keeps your joints lubricated, improves flexibility, and strengthens the muscles around your joints, providing better support. Low-impact activities—think swimming, biking, or walking—are ideal. Don’t shy away from movement. It will make your joints more stable and actually help decrease pain over time. The trick is doing it wisely, and listening to your body. But don’t think for a second that avoiding exercise will make you feel better in the long run—it won’t.
Myth #5: “Foot Pain Is Just a Part of Getting Old—Nothing You Can Do”
The Advice
“Once you’re older, foot pain is just something you have to live with. It’s a part of aging.”
Why This is the Worst Myth of All
Stop. Right. There. Who ever said foot pain was a necessary part of aging? I don’t know about you, but I’m not planning to settle for a life of limping just because I’m getting older. Foot pain doesn’t have to be an inevitability, and it certainly isn’t a reason to simply give up on the quality of your life.
Just because you’re aging doesn’t mean your feet have to start falling apart. Foot pain is often preventable or at least manageable. Yes, wear and tear happens, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take action to minimize discomfort.
The Reality-Based Truth
Older adults can have healthy, pain-free feet with the right attention. Regular foot care, appropriate shoes, strengthening exercises, and professional check-ups are all ways to prevent and manage pain. Your feet might take more work as you age, but that doesn’t mean they have to slow you down. Treat your feet well, and they’ll keep you going strong for years. It’s never too late to start—so get proactive about your foot health.
Time to Stop the Myths—Start Taking Control of Your Foot Health
Alright, so now you’re armed with the truth—no more myths, no more easy shortcuts. When it comes to managing arthritis and foot pain, you don’t have to settle for what others tell you. Arthritis doesn’t have to be a life sentence of pain and immobility, and foot pain doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks. With the right steps—whether that’s exercise, proper footwear, or pain management strategies—you can reclaim your quality of life.
The real key to success is understanding your body, not just accepting what’s been handed to you. Don’t settle for what’s comfortable—start focusing on real, actionable solutions for your feet. Because you’re not just walking—you’re running this thing called life. Let’s make sure your feet can keep up.