Debunking 4 Common Foot Deformity Myths

Bunions, hammertoes, claw toes, flat feet, high arches- the world of foot deformities are vast, and foot structures can vary widely. However, most people don’t know exactly what deformity entails, how it got to that point, or what to do about it. Today, we at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center are here to change that and offer invaluable clarity on the 4 biggest foot deformity myths we’ve heard.

“Foot Deformities Are Just a Cosmetic Problem”

While a bunion or hammertoe might initially appear as just a bump or bend, foot deformities are far from purely cosmetic. They can cause significant pain, inflammation, nerve irritation, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear.

And if you leave a foot deformity untreated, it can lead to painful corns, calluses, ulcers, and gait abnormalities, which can cause secondary pain in the knees, hips, and back.

“All Foot Deformities Are Inherited”

While genetics certainly plays a role in predisposing some individuals to certain foot structures (like flat feet or the foot type prone to bunions), many common deformities are acquired over time.

For instance, it’s common knowledge that many senior ladies end up with bunions from years of wearing high heels, but this can really happen to anyone who has consistently worn uncomfortable shoes over the years.

Injuries, repetitive stress, and underlying medical conditions like arthritis can also lead to acquired deformities.

“Surgery Is the Only Way to Fix My Foot Deformity”

For many foot deformities (especially in their early stages), conservative management is highly effective. We often recommend a range of non-surgical treatments, including wearing wider, supportive footwear, using custom orthotics to correct biomechanical imbalances, padding to alleviate pressure, physical therapy exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Surgery is typically considered a last resort when conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief or when the deformity is severe and significantly impacts function.

“Flat Feet and High Arches Are Always a Problem”

The presence of a flat foot or a high arch doesn't automatically mean there's a problem. Many individuals with variations in their arch height live entirely pain-free lives. That said, the critical factor is whether the foot structure is causing distress.

A flexible flat foot that causes no pain or functional issues generally doesn't require aggressive intervention. Similarly, a high arch only needs treatment if it leads to pain, instability, or conditions like metatarsalgia or stress fractures.

Treatment is always guided by symptoms and the impact on daily life, not solely by the appearance of the arch.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.