Top 6 Common Myths About Foot and Ankle Injuries

There are many beliefs regarding foot and ankle injuries and some of those beliefs are based on misinformation. When talking about injuries, knowing the real deal will prevent you from getting incorrect treatment or overlooking serious situations. 

 

To help you distinguish facts from myths, we’ve written down the top 6 common myths about foot and ankle injuries.

 

Myth #1: If you have a foot or ankle injury, you should soak it in warm water.

Fact: You should never use heat or hot water on your injured foot or ankle. Heat stimulates blood flow, causing greater swelling which means more pain. Applying ice to the affected area produces a numbing sensation and prevents swelling and pain.

 

Myth #2: If I can move my ankle, it’s not broken.

Fact: In some cases, you can still walk with certain kinds of fractures. This includes small chip fractures of either the foot or ankle bones. Get your ankle x-rayed and seek professional advice to prevent more serious problems and to receive proper treatment.

 

Myth #3: An elastic bandage is enough to treat the injury.

Fact: Although an elastic bandage might temporarily relieve the swelling, the best way to treat a sprained ankle is to receive immediate proper care. An x-ray examination, immobilization by casting or splinting, therapy, or even surgery may be required.

 

Myth #4: I can stop the treatment once the pain goes away.

Fact: It’s always important to follow the healthcare professional’s advice to prevent further injury. The pain may have subsided but this doesn’t mean that the muscles and ligaments are completely healed.

 

Myth #5: The terms ‘break’, ‘fracture’, and ‘crack’ are all different.

Fact: All of these words can be used in describing a broken bone. A ‘fracture’ isn’t less severe than a ‘broken bone’ as it is the exact same thing.

  

Myth #6: Ankle braces get in the way.

Fact: Ankle braces are designed and shaped to the foot and are very streamlined. They are flexible but still add support to your ankles. You can even wear them with your regular shoes, so you can go about your daily activities with ease.

 

We hope this helps debunk the most common myths around foot and ankle injuries.

 

If you need ankle support, check out our wide variety of ankle braces now.