Much of the common wisdom about foot and ankle problems is outdated or flat-out wrong. Bunions aren't caused by shoes alone, sprains shouldn't be walked off, orthotics aren't one-size-fits-all, surgery isn't always first-line, and heel spurs don't always hurt. Getting an accurate diagnosis matters more than following folk advice.
Every day, our podiatrists in Farmington and South Ogden hear the same myths repeated by well-meaning friends, family, and the internet. Some of these misconceptions delay proper treatment; others lead people to try the wrong fix entirely. Let's set the record straight on five of the most common ones.
Myth: Bunions are caused by shoes alone
Tight, narrow shoes and high heels can certainly aggravate a bunion and speed its progression, but footwear is not the root cause. Bunions develop primarily because of inherited foot structure and mechanics — the way your foot bones and ligaments are built and how they bear weight. That's why bunions often run in families and can appear even in people who have never worn restrictive shoes. Supportive footwear helps manage symptoms, but it won't prevent a bunion in someone predisposed to one. When a bunion becomes painful, bunion removal is often the most effective long-term fix.
Myth: You should walk off a sprained ankle
"Walking it off" is one of the most persistent — and potentially harmful — pieces of sports advice. Continuing to bear weight on a freshly sprained ankle can worsen the ligament damage and prolong recovery. The right first step is R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and an evaluation to rule out a fracture, since sprains and breaks can feel remarkably similar in the first hours after an injury. Ignoring a sprain also raises the risk of chronic lateral ankle instability down the road.
Myth: Orthotics are one-size-fits-all
Over-the-counter shoe inserts can offer mild, general cushioning, but they are not the same as custom orthotics. Every foot has a unique shape, arch height, and gait pattern, and a generic insert can't correct the specific pressure points or alignment issues causing your pain. Custom orthotics are molded from your own foot and prescribed to address your particular biomechanics, which is why they tend to outperform generic inserts for conditions like plantar fasciitis or flat feet.
Myth: Surgery is always the first-line treatment
Surgery is one of the last options we consider, not the first. Most foot and ankle conditions — from gout flare-ups to arthritis to tendon irritation — respond well to conservative measures like activity modification, medication, bracing, physical therapy, and injections. Podiatric surgeons reserve surgery for cases that don't improve after an adequate trial of nonsurgical care, or for structural problems that simply can't be corrected any other way.
Myth: Heel spurs always cause pain
A heel spur is a small, bony growth that can form on the heel bone over time, often related to chronic strain from plantar fasciitis. Many people have heel spurs on X-ray and feel no pain at all — the spur itself usually isn't the source of discomfort. The pain typically comes from the surrounding soft-tissue inflammation, which means treating the underlying plantar fasciitis, not the spur, is what actually relieves symptoms.
The bottom line: get an accurate diagnosis
Foot and ankle symptoms can have more than one explanation, and treating the wrong one wastes time while the real problem continues. If something doesn't feel right — persistent pain, swelling, or a joint that just won't cooperate — a podiatric exam is the fastest way to get a clear answer and an effective plan. You can request an appointment at either of our Northern Utah locations.
Medically reviewed by the physicians at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrists provide foot and ankle care in Farmington and South Ogden, Utah. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.