Foot Care Myths Revealed

"Step on a crack and you'll break your mother's back."
Growing up we believed this and other old wives' tales or myths. We found them to be quite funny. But there are other myths that are no laughing matter, especially when they involve your health.

From bunions to broken bones, doctors with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) have heard it all. Here is a small collection of myths about foot care and the realities behind them.

Myth: It can't be broken, because I can move it.
Reality: This widespread idea has kept many fractures from receiving proper treatment. The truth is that often you can walk with certain kinds of fractures. Some common examples: Breaks in the smaller, outer bone of the lower leg, small chip fractures of either the foot or ankle bones, and the often neglected fracture of the toe.

Myth: Applying an elastic bandage to a severely sprained ankle is adequate treatment.
Reality: Ankle sprains often mean torn or severely overstretched ligaments, and they should receive immediate care. X-ray examination, immobilization by casting or splinting, and physiotherapy to ensure a normal recovery all may be indicated. Surgery may even be necessary.

Myth: Cutting a notch (a "V") in a toenail will relieve the pain of ingrown toenails.
Reality: When a toenail is ingrown, the nail curves downward and grows into the skin. Cutting a "V" does not affect the growth of the toenail. New nail growth will continue to curve downward. Cutting a "V" may actually cause more problems and is painful in many cases.

Myth: The terms 'fracture,' 'break,' and 'crack' are all different.
Reality: All of those words are proper in describing a broken bone.

Myth: Shoes cause bunions.
Reality: Bunions are most often caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot. It's not the bunion itself that is inherited, but certain foot types make a person prone to developing a bunion. While wearing shoes that crowd the toes together can, over time, make bunions more painful, shoes themselves do not cause bunions.
Although some treatments can ease the pain of bunions, only surgery can correct the deformity.

Myth: If you break a toe, immediate care isn't necessary.
Reality: A toe fracture needs prompt attention. If X-rays reveal it to be a simple, displaced fracture, care by your podiatric physician usually can produce rapid relief. However, X-rays might identify a displaced or angulated break. In such cases, prompt realignment of the fracture by your podiatric physician will help prevent improper or incomplete healing. Often, fractures do not show up in the initial X-ray. It may be necessary to X-ray the foot a second time, seven to ten days later. Many patients develop post-fracture deformity of a toe, which in turn results in a deformed toe with a painful corn. A good general rule is: Seek prompt treatment for injury to foot bones.

Myth: Corns have roots.
Reality: A corn is a small build-up of skin caused by friction. Many corns result from a hammertoe deformity, where the toe knuckle rubs against the shoe. The only way to eliminate these corns is to surgically correct the hammertoe condition.
Unlike a callus, a corn has a central core of hard material. But corns do not have roots. Attempting to cut off a corn or applying medicated corn pads can lead to serious infection or even amputation. A foot and ankle surgeon can safely evaluate and treat corns and the conditions contributing to them.

Myth: I can't get skin cancer on my feet.
Reality: Skin cancers can occur anywhere on the body, regardless of sun exposure. Foot and ankle surgeons recommend routine foot self exams to spot suspicious moles, freckles and other spots on your feet that show the signs of melanoma.

Myth: If you have a foot or ankle injury, soak it in hot water immediately.
Reality: Don’t use heat or hot water on an area suspect for fracture, sprain, or dislocation. Heat promotes blood flow, causing greater swelling. More swelling means greater pressure on the nerves, which causes more pain. An ice bag wrapped in a towel has a contracting effect on blood vessels, produces a numbing sensation, and prevents swelling and pain. Your podiatric physician may make additional recommendations upon examination.

Myth: Duct tape can remove a plantar wart.
Reality: Although there are many folk remedies for warts, patients should be aware that these remain unproven and may be dangerous. Patients should never try to remove a wart themselves - this can do more harm than good.

Myth: Putting cotton under an ingrown toenail will relieve the pain.
Reality: Cotton placed under the nail can be harmful. It can easily harbor bacteria and encourage infection.

Founder Spotlight - Al's Podcast Interview

As the inventor of Z-CoiL footwear, Al Gallegos was invited to be a special guest at the Sixth Anniversary Open House Celebration of Seattle's Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear® store, held February 6-8, 2009.

As always, Al greatly enjoyed meeting customers old and new, personally fitting them in the shoes, and listening to their stories of how his invention has changed their lives for the better.

The owner of the store, podiatrist Dr. Lotchie Kerch, also interviewed Al for a special podcast now posted on the Z-Blog Reporter blog. They talk about a wide range of subjects, from the process Al went through to make his vision a reality, to the significant pain relief benefits his footwear provides and his plans for the future.

Al says that, at 78, he doesn't have the quite the same energy and flexibility he used to have, but he makes a point of staying active. In fact, he still does sprints in his Z-CoiL® shoes!

Testimonial of the Month for February 2009

This month's testimonial comes in from Avon, IN.

Due to Chemotherapy, my wife suffered from extreme neuropathy in her feet. In the beginning, it was so bad she couldn’t even walk. For two days we had to wheel her around in her computer chair until the wheelchair arrived. She couldn’t even go grocery shopping without using the wheelchair. At night when we were sleeping, she would wake up screaming if I accidentally bumped her feet. In June of last year, she even had to quit the job she loved very much.

Months passed by, and her quality of life went down to almost zero. She was in pain 24/7. To lighten the mood we would call her feet "Happy Feet" after the movie, because she always had to gently hop from foot to foot when she did manage to stand. This product, Z-CoiL, which I was at first leery of has been a God send. The results were so impressive we even bought her another pair!

I am so grateful Z-CoiL shoes have given my wife her life back. Instead of sitting around the house, worrying and feeling despondent, she has gone back to work (8 hours a day, no less) on concrete floors; as happy as a lamb once again. She can go anywhere; do anything, as long a she has on Z-CoiL shoes. I am so impressed! I posted your shoes on my Vietnam Company’s website. Due to Agent Orange and its effects, many Vets have problems that we think this can help. Z-CoiL needs to go to one of the VA hospitals and introduce your shoes. You can help so many regain their lives back. Thank you so much for your product, it works! It’s not hype!

Fred
Avon, IN

Shoe Buzz - Lima, OH

Here is a very inspirational and emotional testimonial from one of our newest distributors in Lima, OH.

Shoe Buzz - Avon, Indiana Newspaper Article

"Z-CoiL shoes offer relief from pain"

Hendricks County Flyer Newspaper Article by Wade Coggeshall

Stefanie and Greg Davis love their Z-CoiL shoes so much they decided to open a franchise. “They’re really comfortable,” Stefanie said. “They’re designed to relieve pain in your feet, knees, hips, and back. And it helps with impact reduction. When you walk, you’re putting two to three times your body weight on your feet. These reduce the impact by 50 percent.”

Read full article...

Z-CoiL Testimonial of the Month - January 2009

I would like to express how much Z-CoiL shoes have improved and helped many areas in my life. I was hit by a car when I was 11 years old; since then I have suffered a lot of lower back pain, and have had a major operation and several procedures performed on my upper and lower back. Four years ago I was introduced to this fabulous shoe. I have not worn another brand of shoe since, and am now walking without the assistance of a walker. I am more active and more healthy then I was four years ago. I know several nurses who have also received comfort from using Z-CoiL shoes.

The benefits are countless for me! Thank you for your incredible product; it does help and can be rated over NIKE in my books.

Heidi

Prattville, AL

Z-CoiL® Gets a Standing Ovation on The Doctors!

Z-CoiL footwear received a very special mention on the January 7^th episode of The Doctors, a countdown of the “Top 10 Health Trends for 2009.” During the finale, Dr. Travis Stork announced that they had one more amazing invention they just had to fit in:  Z-CoiL shoes! 

Dr. Travis and Dr. Drew Ordon, both springing to their feet in Freedom 2000’s, declared the shoes were “pretty doggone comfortable.” They explained how the footwear is designed to reduce the damaging effects of impact and would be great for anyone who has to stand for long periods of time. Dr. Drew also felt they improved his posture and said he couldn’t wait to wear them during surgery!

When the audience members heard they were all receiving a free pair of Z-CoiL shoes, they went wild! Z-CoiL was the only product featured that day to get a standing ovation!