Quiz: Best Foot Forward
Maybe it’s because they are the body parts farthest away from our all-important head, but our feet tend to get neglected in our day-to-day life. That is, of course, until they start to hurt. A little more awareness of our most ardent supporters may show you how important it is to treat them well. Take our quiz to see if you already know the right steps:
1. The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body
A. True
B. False
2. The most common culprit of a bunion (the enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe) is _____.
A. High-heeled shoes
B. Narrow or tight shoes
C. Shoes with a pointed toe box
D. None of the above
3. Patients with diabetes or with nerve damage in their feet should _____ every day.
A. Check their feet for wounds
B. Wash, but not soak, their feet
C. Wear clean, dry socks
D. All of the above
4. When trimming your toenails, you should follow the curve of the toe.
A. True
B. False
5. Blisters, corns (small areas of hardened, inflamed skin) and calluses are caused by _____.
A. A fungal infection
B. A viral infection
C. Friction
D. All of the above
6. A pedicure can help with foot problems.
A. True
B. False
Answers:
1. A. True. There are 28 bones in each foot, including two sesamoid bones (meaning a bone embedded within a tendon or muscle), that are connected by many joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Because of its complexity the foot is prone to many different types of injuries.
2. D. None of the above. Most commonly, bunions are hereditary. That being said, all of the types of shoes listed above can make bunions worse and should not be worn too often.
3. D. All of the above. Using a mirror can help when checking your feet. White socks are best for showing signs of a wound. Never go barefoot, even in the house.
4. B. False. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, you should trim them straight across. Trimmed in a curve, the nail’s edge may grow into the skin. Trimming your toenails too short could also result in an ingrown nail.
5. C. Friction. Shoes that don’t fit well or wearing shoes without socks are common causes of friction. Infections cause other symptoms—scaling, itching skin may be from fungus (athlete’s foot) while a virus causes warts.
6. B. False. While it may be therapeutic from a self-care or relaxation standpoint, a pedicure should not be used as a treatment for ingrown nails or painful corns or calluses. Consult with a podiatrist, especially if you have fragile skin or circulatory issues.