Who doesn't want the quick fix?

When it comes to a health concern, we all want the fastest solution at the lowest cost. This is the case whether it’s pain in the back, a toothache, or a sore foot. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually on over-the-counter (OTC) products. In the foot world, inserts, anti-wart products, toenail fungus remedies, and medicated corn and callus pads are the most popular OTC purchases. With companies like Amazon, it’s easier than ever to have the “solution” show up quickly at your door. Many companies that sell store-bought health aids do a good job of marketing their solution. Who wouldn’t try “The Inserts to Solve Plantar Fasciitis” if their heel has been painful for a while? Or the liquid that guarantees to “Kill Toenail Fungus”? If these products worked that well, who would ever need us? Rationally, it makes sense to try something like this if the cost is low. But here’s the thing… The problem is that some of these products make the situation worse. We’ve seen inserts make the heel hurt more, and even worse, cause back pain. We’ve also seen infections from “wart solutions” and medicated corn and callus pads. And we’ve had several patients complain of their ankle hurting more from an OTC brace. There are two problems with an ineffective OTC foot product. One is that money was wasted. Two is that the condition has been prolonged. An important fact about foot conditions is that the longer they exist, they get worse and become harder to solve. When it comes to most purchases in our lives, whether it’s a new car or a medical solution, humans make rational decisions. In the interest of getting a faster and less expensive result, it would be better to make a logical decision when it comes to ending a foot concern. By logic, of course we’re referring to seeing us first, instead of purchasing an OTC product. We’ll make an accurate diagnosis before recommending the easiest and fastest proven solution. Don’t be betrayed by the promises of the “guaranteed solution” many OTC products claim. Not only will you save yourself time, money, and aggravation by seeing a specialist instead, you’ll also avoid having the condition get worse.