5 Uncommon Foot Health Tips: A Podiatrist’s Perspective

At My Chicago Foot Expert, we believe strongly in the gold-standard foot care advice, such as wearing comfortable shoes, trimming your toenails properly, and examining your feet for signs of disease. But what about the lesser-known foot care advice that we’ve all occasionally heard? In this article, we’ll provide a podiatrist’s perspective on these foot care practices and explain to what extent they should be followed.

Weighing The Legitimacy of Foot Care Advice

1. “Walk barefoot as much as possible.”

• The Claim: Walking barefoot strengthens foot muscles, improves balance, and promotes natural foot function.
• Podiatrist’s Perspective: While there are some benefits to barefoot walking, it’s important to do it in moderation and in safe environments. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces or for extended periods can increase stress on your feet and increase the risk of injuries. Walking barefoot also comes with the risk of wounds and subsequent infection.

2. “Soak your feet in vinegar to treat foot odor.”

• The Claim: Vinegar’s acidity can neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
• Podiatrist’s Perspective: While vinegar soaks may temporarily reduce odor, they are not a long-term solution for it. Instead, consult with your podiatrist to address the underlying cause, such as excessive sweating or a fungal infection.

3. “Apply Vicks VapoRub to your feet for a cough.”

• The Claim: Applying Vicks to the feet can relieve cough symptoms.
• Podiatrist’s Perspective: This one is a flat-out myth! While Vicks may create a cooling sensation, it’s unlikely to have any direct effect on cough symptoms since there’s no way for the Vicks to travel from the feet to the nose.

4. “Wear copper-infused socks to improve circulation.”

• The Claim: Copper has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit foot health.
• Podiatrist’s Perspective: While some studies suggest potential benefits of copper for wound healing and circulation, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for general foot health. However, the compression component of these socks is proven to improve circulation.

5. “Use a wobbleboard to improve balance and coordination.”

• The Claim: Standing on a wobbleboard challenges your balance and strengthens the muscles that stabilize your ankles and feet.  
• Podiatrist’s Perspective: Wobbleboards can be a helpful tool for improving balance and coordination, but they should be used with caution, especially for individuals with existing balance problems or injuries.

Contact the talented team at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to book an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood location today.