It’s bad enough when archived material carries outdated facts and information, but when recently published professional sites perpetuate outdated theories and concepts, I feel motivated to vent.
My social media feed, unlike yours, regularly sends foot health-related material from various sources, “thanks algorithms”. The one that caught my eye this past weekend was from a local clinic advertising their expertise in fixing ingrown toenails
Far be it from me to criticize a clinician’s desire to attract attention to their services and expertise. What gave rise to my concern was the continued perpetuation of false, outdated information regarding the cause and likely progression of the condition.
Why is this so important you well may ask?
Well in answer, I would suggest that in order to diagnose and treat any condition competently, we need to understand the causative mechanisms.
For example, if you present with a fever. Treating the condition without knowing you have an infected wound, have been exposed to a virus, or have been stung by a creature. Such a course is unlikely to produce a satisfactory result or prevent reoccurrence.
The challange with using AI to create material is that the default source of material is the archives of outdated information. According to my quick search of recently published Blogs, the primary cause of ingrown toenails is YOU!. To be more specific, your inability to choose footwear that fits or cut toenails properly. Please give me patience!. Common sense may not be as common as it once was, but blatant stupidity is not that prevalent.
Over 38 years ago, I graduated with a very clear understanding that ingrown toenails were primarily a direct result of an abnormal gait pattern and the associated pressures.. For almost 9 years as a clinical instructor at Toronto General Hospital, I had the pleasure of teaching Chiropody students, all of whom were enlightened as to the mysteries of ingrown toenails. Yet, with one delightful exception, most professional blogs and websites reviewed trotted out the age-old disinformation described above.
So, what is the purpose of this vented frustration?
Hopefully, next time your friend, daughter or doctor complains of an ingrown toenail you can confidently stamp out this non sensical repetition of fiction. There are always variations and complications to every story and diagnosis. Rarely is there just one causative factor and likewise there are always several treatment options. Choosing the correct treatment for you, is only possible having been presented with the necessary information.
Don’t settle for anything less, you deserve better than a glib, dismissive diagnosis that doesn’t address the cause.
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