Shakti Mohan’s foot injury advice: Why you shouldn’t remove shoes immediately

“It is best to rest immediately. Don’t remove the shoe immediately if you have a foot injury. Otherwise, when you go to the doctor and remove the shoe, it’ll blow up.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

But does removing a shoe actually make an injured foot swell dangerously?

If a shoe is removed carelessly after injury, it can increase pain, disturb a fracture, or aggravate soft tissue injuries (Ai generated image)

“In most cases, it is advisable to keep the shoes on until a medical professional assesses the injury, especially if there is severe pain, swelling, deformity, or a suspected fracture,” Dr Vivek Mahajan, Chief of Joint Replacement and HOD – Orthopaedics, ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, confirms.

However, he clarifies that there is no medical basis to the idea that the foot will “burst” if the shoe is removed.

That being said, swelling can develop quickly after an injury, and unnecessarily moving or manipulating the foot can make the pain or injury worse.

“Shoes can sometimes provide temporary support and help limit movement of the injured foot. Removing them incorrectly may cause additional pain or worsen the injury,” Dr Mahajan says.

However, this does not mean you should keep a shoe on at all costs. If it is extremely tight, affecting circulation or causing severe discomfort, it may need to be removed carefully.

The important thing, says Dr Mahajan, is to avoid unnecessary movement of the injured foot and get medical help promptly.

Can the foot suddenly “burst” after removing shoe?

“No, there is no medical truth to the belief that a foot will ‘burst’ if a shoe is removed after an injury. However, the concern likely comes from the fact that swelling often develops rapidly after trauma,” Dr Mahajan notes.

If the shoe is removed roughly or the foot is moved repeatedly while doing so, it can increase pain and potentially aggravate a fracture or soft-tissue injury.

“In some situations, once swelling develops, putting the shoe back on may become difficult.”

So, the concern is not that removing the shoe will make the foot “burst”. It is that unnecessary handling of an injured foot can make things worse.

What should you do immediately after a foot injury?

 

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The first thing to do is stop walking on the injured foot.

Dr Mahajan recommends:

• Rest the foot and avoid unnecessary movement.
• Elevate it, if possible, to help control swelling.
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes at a time.
• Cover any open wound with a clean dressing.
• Do not try to straighten a foot that looks deformed.
• Get medical attention if the injury is severe or you suspect a fracture

And there are a few things you should avoid.

• Do not try to “walk it off”. Continuing to put weight on a painful foot can worsen a fracture or ligament injury.
• Do not massage the injured area immediately. Massage can increase bleeding and swelling after acute trauma.
• Avoid heat in the first 24–48 hours. It can increase inflammation and swelling.
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When should a foot injury be checked by a doctor?

Some injuries may look minor initially but can still involve a fracture or significant soft-tissue damage. Seek medical attention promptly if there is:

• Severe pain
• Significant swelling or bruising
• Inability to bear weight
• Visible deformity
• Numbness or loss of sensation
• An open wound or significant bleeding
• A foot that becomes pale, blue, or unusually cold
• A suspected fracture
• An injury caused by a high-impact accident

Changes in the foot’s colour or temperature can indicate a circulation problem and need urgent medical attention.

So, after a serious foot injury, the safest approach is simple: stop walking, minimise movement, control swelling with ice and get the injury assessed. If the shoe is comfortably in place and is not affecting circulation, there is generally no need to force it off immediately.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.