Halloween is the season for ghosts, goblins, and things that go bump in the night—but some of the creepiest stories don’t come from haunted houses. They come from foot health myths whispered like urban legends at the gym, passed down like ghost stories in locker rooms, and shared like campfire tales on social media.
The problem? These myths can keep you from getting real answers and real relief.
So grab your pumpkin spice latte, lock the door, and let’s shine a flashlight on 10 of the scariest myths I hear in my clinic—and expose the truth lurking beneath.
1. "Cracking Your Toes Gives You Arthritis!"
The Myth: Those eerie pops and cracks are a warning sign that arthritis is clawing its way into your joints.
The Truth: Nope. What you’re hearing are harmless gas bubbles bursting in the joint fluid—not skeletons rattling around in there. Decades of studies show no link between cracking and arthritis.
Dr. Repko’s Take: I’ve never seen a patient “crack their way” into arthritis. But if you’ve got persistent stiffness, swelling, or pain, that’s a different beast. That’s when it’s worth getting checked.
Great toe joint pain got you down? Read more on it here
2. "Warts Come From Touching Toads!"
The Myth: Pet a warty toad and BOOM—you’re cursed with plantar warts.
The Truth: Plantar warts come from HPV, not witches’ pets. The virus thrives in damp, communal places like locker rooms and pool decks.
Dr. Repko’s Take: Toads are innocent. The real villain is the virus. Luckily, I zap it with Swift microwave therapy, which wakes up your immune system to fight back.
Want to know more about treating warts? Read here about the most effective treatment on the market
3. "If Your Foot Hurts, You Just Need Better Shoes"
The Myth: Every ache is cured by buying the latest “miracle sneaker” (probably advertised by a vampire influencer).
The Truth: Shoes matter, but pain usually comes from deeper issues—tissue stress, biomechanics, injuries. Swapping sneakers rarely solves the curse.
Dr. Repko’s Take: I’ve seen patients drop $$$ on trendy shoes only to limp in with the same heel pain. The fix might be orthotics, laser therapy, or shockwave treatment—not just another shoe box.
Interested in learning more about orthotics? Read here for our take on orthotics and foot pain or here for more information on running shoes
4. "All Bunions Need Surgery"
The Myth: Bunions grow like monsters until only surgery can slay them.
The Truth: Not true. Many bunions can be tamed with orthotics, toe spacers, splints, and footwear changes. Surgery is the last resort, not the first.
Dr. Repko’s Take: I reserve surgery for when pain eats away at daily life. Plenty of my patients live happily with bunions without the knife.
Do you have bunions that concern you? Read more about them here!
5. "Toenail Fungus Is Just Cosmetic"
The Myth: Zombie toenails are ugly but harmless.
The Truth: Fungus spreads. It thickens nails, makes walking painful, and raises infection risks—especially in diabetics. Left alone, it’s a plague.
Dr. Repko’s Take: We now offer a fungal nail laser that attacks the fungus without harming your skin. If your toenails look like props from The Walking Dead, it’s time for real treatment.
Concerned about the conditions of your nails? Read more about fungal nails here!
6. "Flat Feet Mean You Can't Be an Athlete"
The Myth: “Cursed arches” doom you to sit on the bench forever.
The Truth: Flat feet don’t stop Olympians or NBA players. Function matters more than arch height. Pain-free movement is the true test.
Dr. Repko’s Take: I help plenty of athletes with flat feet crush marathons, triathlons, and pickleball tournaments. With the right support and strengthening, cursed arches are no curse at all.
Worried about flat feet in yourself or your kids? Read more about the condition here
7. "Heel Pain in the Morning Will Just Go Away"
The Myth: The stabbing “first step” curse is just temporary—it’ll vanish on its own.
The Truth: That’s plantar fasciitis talking, and it usually gets worse without treatment. Ignore it and it becomes a long-term haunting.
Dr. Repko’s Take: I’ve treated over 1,000 plantar fasciitis cases. Early treatment = quick relief. Our Plantar Fasciitis Program stops the haunting fast.
Read more about plantar fasciitis here
8. "Ingrown Toenails Always Need Surgery"
The Myth: Every ingrown toenail requires a chainsaw and a blood moon ritual.
The Truth: Most can be treated gently in-office with same-day relief. Onyfix reshapes nails without cutting. Surgery is only for severe cases.
Dr. Repko’s Take: I love seeing patients walk out relieved in minutes. Ingrown nails don’t always need horror-movie endings.
Looking for a nonpainful solution to ingrown toenails? Check it out here
9. "Orthotics Make Your Feet Weaker"
The Myth: Orthotics turn your feet into lazy zombie limbs.
The Truth: They reduce tissue stress, correct mechanics, and work alongside strengthening. They’re like glasses—not crutches.
Dr. Repko’s Take: I prescribe orthotics as part of a bigger plan—stretching, strengthening, and activity. Feet don’t get weaker. They get relief.
Read more about our orthotic philosophy here
10. "Athlete's Foot Means You're Dirty"
The Myth: Only the unwashed masses get the creeping fungus curse.
The Truth: Athlete’s foot is opportunistic. It thrives in gyms, pools, and locker rooms—no matter how squeaky clean you are.
Dr. Repko’s Take: Hygiene helps, but it’s not the root. Prevention = dry feet, flip-flops in communal showers, early treatment if symptoms pop up.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Be Haunted by Foot Myths
These myths might sound spooky, but believing them can keep you from healing. Whether it’s brushing off heel pain, assuming bunions always need surgery, or thinking orthotics weaken your feet—don’t let folklore delay your care.
At Bayshore Podiatry Center, we deal in evidence-based medicine, not ghost stories. If your feet are haunting you, come see us.
Ready to Break the Curse?
Schedule an evaluation at Bayshore Podiatry Center in South Tampa.
We offer same-day appointments, advanced treatments like MLS laser therapy, shockwave, orthotics, fungal nail laser, and more.
Book your appointment online here!
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations specific to your condition.
