Are Foot Tattoos Sexy?

 Published in The Huffington Post

In my reconstructive foot surgery practice, I have seen my share of foot tattoos. Some foot tats are small and discreet, others are large and obvious. Women are usually the ones with the foot ink, not men. Popular seems to be names, vegetation (flowers and vines), stars and oriental wording. Sometimes an elaborate ankle tattoo will extend onto the foot. People have even tattooed the bottom of the foot. Celebrities have been known to get foot tattoos as well.

Some women consider the foot tattoo the ultimate shoe accessory as they continue their hunt for the perfect shoe. Many say they are just plain sexy. Others regret them and want them removed. Wacky and bad taste tats also find their way onto the foot.

There are medical reasons to get tattoos on the foot as some use the ink to detract attention from structural foot problems -- such as bunions and hammer toes (...that's one way to put off surgery). People with flat feet can give the appearance of having an arch by inking concave designs on the inside of the foot. A common tattoo for people with webbed toes is to get a line drawn between the toes.

Sexy??? Perhaps the foot is better off without a tattoo? Nonetheless, that's for you to decide. We would like to hear your thoughts and experience with foot tattoos...

Here are 5 things to strongly consider when planning on getting foot tattoos:

1. They can get tremendous wear and tear.

Shoes cause a lot of friction on the skin of the foot, and this can lead to excessive wearing of the tattoo. Over time, this could result in premature fading and disfiguration of the artwork. For this reason alone, some tattoo artists refuse to place tattoos on the feet.

2. Pain. Pain. Pain

The foot has a lot of nerve endings! The bottom of the foot is particular sensate. The borders of the feet can also be quite sensitive as the skin transitions to the skin on the bottom. Foot tattoos can be more painful to place because there is not a lot of subcutaneous fat or muscle, and people could feel things more. Of course, everyone's pain threshold is different as well as the amount of fat tissue on their feet, but still something to consider.

3. Difficult short-term aftercare

It is well known that tattoo aftercare is surrounded by keeping the skin moisturized and clean, to avoid both scarring and infection. As such, this could be a challenge as one needs to wear shoe gear during the few weeks it takes for a foot tattoo to heal. Also, before getting a foot tattoo, make sure that you don't have a fungal infection hiding between the toes as bacteria can fester in these areas.

4. Removal can be difficult.

There are several methods to remove tattoos -- common methods involve laser, excision or dermabrasion. Laser removal is popular but can be a challenge on the foot because there is not a lot of fat, and can make the removal process more involved. As such, try to avoid placing a tattoo directly over bone -- like on the bunion region. Excision is popular for small tats on the top of the foot.

5. Consider future foot surgery.

If you wear high heels and pointy-toed shoes often, then you may develop bunions and hammer toes, so you should consider that you may undergo surgery for this at some point in your life. As such, your tattoo can get intersected by surgical incisions and could become malaligned. Fortunately, bunionplasty and plastic surgery techniques can minimize this occurrence. Areas where incisions are typically placed are located directly on the tops of the toes, on the inside of the big toe, and behind the 3rd and 4th toe.

What do you think about a foot tattoo?

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office in Las Vegas and the Henderson area anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday (9am to 5pm) and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com.  

When pain or injury occurs, you deserve highly personalized treatment using the most advanced techniques.  At the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center (FallCenter), you’ll enjoy an unsurpassed level of quality care.  Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr. McLeod are proud to provide comprehensive solutions for all types of foot and ankle problems. 

Your quality care begins the minute you arrive, as our staff greets you by name and answers your questions.  Our team of foot and ankle specialists will inspire your confidence and their genuine warmth and compassion will earn your trust.

You’ll receive a prompt and thorough assessment, including on-site diagnostic ultrasound and digital x-rays.  Your treatment plan is designed to resolve your condition without surgery whenever possible.  When surgery is needed, your feet are in the hands of leading physicians with expertise in the latest minimally invasive techniques.  As a result, you’ll be back on your feet and back to your active life as quickly as possible.

Without proper treatment, an injury or chronic condition can keep you from performing even the simplest everyday tasks.  To meet patients’ most critical health needs, Dr. Ricciardi, Dr. Shalev and Dr. McLeod have developed the following “Center of Excellence” treatment programs: Bunion Solutions, Heel Pain, Diabetic Foot Care and Sports Performance Center.