Myth Busting- Do these Foot Treatments & Products Work?
In today's age of social media dominance, our feeds are constantly bombarded with an overwhelming array of wellness trends and products promising to revolutionise foot and lower limb care. From detox foot baths or fish pedicures to bunion correctors and exfoliating foot patches, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook serve as breeding grounds for misinformation and exaggerated claims. However, amid the sea of options, it's essential to separate fact from fiction. In this blog, we'll debunk a few common misconceptions and myths surrounding foot and lower limb treatments and products that may not live up to their promises. Let's uncover the truth behind these popular yet often ineffective solutions.
Detox foot soaks/baths. Will these help eliminate toxins and or parasites in your body?
Detox foot soaks/baths are often marketed as a means to eliminate toxins and parasites from your body, but this claim is false. Advocates of ionic foot detoxes suggest that these baths work by drawing toxins out of the body through the feet. They often point to changes in the color of the water in the foot bath as evidence of the detox process. However, this notion is misleading because water colour changes can occur due to chemical factors such as present in the water itself.
In reality, the human body primarily relies on the liver and kidneys to detoxify and eliminate waste and toxins. Any assertion that detox foot baths effectively remove toxins is not supported by scientific evidence. Moreover, the idea that these baths are designed to change color in the presence of water is simply a tactic used in false advertising.
These foot baths are often operated by submerging an electrical current into salt water. Delivering an electric current to an electrode array submerged in a saline solution casues the electrodes to undergo rapid rusting through a chemical process known as electrolysis, resulting in the water to quickly turn brown. A point to remember is this reaction can occur irrespective of whether an individual's feet are in the water, and there has been no evidence indicating the presence of toxins from the human body in the water following its use.
Bunion straightening devices. Will they cure my bunion?
Bunion correctors are marketed as non-invasive solutions for addressing bunions and realigning the big toe. They often come in the form of splints, braces, or separators, claiming to gradually correct the alignment over time. The idea seems simple and appealing – wear the corrector regularly, and voila, say goodbye to your bunion problem. However, the reality might not be as promising.
Limited Effectiveness: Bunions are primarily caused by biomechanical factors such as genetics, foot structure, and improper footwear. While bunion correctors might provide temporary relief by easing pressure on the affected area, they often fail to address the underlying issues causing the bunion to develop in the first place. Simply put, they may not be effective at correcting the fundamental problem.
Lack of Clinical Evidence: Despite the bold claims made by manufacturers, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of bunion correctors in permanently realigning the big toe or eliminating bunions. Studies evaluating their efficacy have yielded mixed results, with many experts remaining skeptical about their long-term benefits.
Individual Variability: Each bunion case is unique, with factors such as severity, foot anatomy, and patient compliance playing significant roles in treatment outcomes. Bunion correctors might work for some individuals with mild cases or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but they are unlikely to produce significant results for everyone.
Exfoliating Foot peels. Are they effective?
Sometimes, but proceed with caution!⚠️Foot peel patches, socks or wearable slip ons are a form of chemical exfoliation, a one-time application of a jelly-like mixture of exfoliating ingredients, sometimes even made of UNKNOWN ingredients. These products should be approached with CAUTION.
Foot peels using chemical exfoliation, typically containing alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic acid. While they can yield smoother skin, the lack of clarity regarding ingredient percentages poses risks of chemical burns, especially on sensitive or wounded skin. Over-exfoliation may result in blisters and infections. Instead, opt for urea-based moisturisers and gentle foot files to manage calluses.
For thick and cracked skin, consulting a podiatrist for professional debridement is advisable. Any patient with comorbities such as diabetes, pregnancy, psoriasis or poor blood flow should consult a medical professional.
Fish Pedicure. Are fishy foot spas worth it?
Next time you are traveling, and you come across a fish foot spa, think twice! Foot spas also known as fish pedicures, have gained popularity as a purportedly natural and relaxing way to exfoliate the skin on one's feet, IF you can handle the tickling sensation.
However, these spas pose several risks and are not beneficial. The practice involves immersing one's feet in a tank of water containing small fish, typically the species Garra rufa, which nibble away dead skin cells. An interesting fact is that the fish are sometimes referred to as “doctor fish” and Ichthyotherapy practice originated in Turkey in 1900’s.
Despite claims of therapeutic benefits, fish foot spas can spread infections and diseases, as the same fish are often used on multiple customers without any proper sanitation protocols. Additionally, the effectiveness of this method in improving foot health is questionable, as it may not adequately remove all dead skin and can lead to skin irritation or even allergic reactions in some individuals. Therefore, fish foot spas should be approached with caution due to their potential health risks and lack of proven benefits. Always consult a medical professional for your foot health concerns, especially if you experience additional health conditions.
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