What is a fear of feet called

Podophobia, or the fear of feet, has no scientific explanation and is usually ridiculed or considered irrational by the general public. How common is this phobia, and what are the ways of dealing with it? Let us try to find out the same in this Buzzle article.

Did You Know?

Sean P. Diddy, the famous rap star, is scared of toes, especially if the middle toe is longer than the big toe. According to him, when on a date, it is mandatory for him to see his date’s feet, and especially her middle toe.

We all have our fears and anxieties, some fears may be common and rational, while some may seem unreasonable and even weird. To most of us, the fear of feet or podophobia might sound strange; however, this phobia does exist, and is more common than you may have anticipated. The word podophobia is derived from two Greek words, ‘podos‘, meaning feet, and ‘phobos‘ meaning fear. People with podophobia tend to get really upset and offended at the sight of feet. In extreme cases, people are not comfortable to even look at their own feet, and that’s why some people prefer wearing socks, even while taking a shower. Different people experience this phobia differently, some people cringe when they even see images of feet, some don’t like to see other people’s feet, or when somebody tries to touch their feet. Some are anxious and nervous when somebody talks about feet.

It has been stated that this phobia, if left untreated, can become extremely illogical, and can affect a person’s mental well-being. The fear can have several side effects like many people don’t wear sandals, or prefer wearing socks all the time, and they stop visiting shoe stores. Individuals who face this phobia do not like the sight of feet, or the touch or feel of feet, because they find feet disgusting and gross.

In the following sections, we will learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for podophobia.

Why Do Some People Fear Feet?

There has been very little research about this psychological condition; nevertheless, podophobics (people suffering from podophobia) can relate to many such incidents, which actually causes distress and anxiety, and that’s how they developed this fear. As is the case with all other phobias, this phobia finds its roots and causes in some childhood trauma regarding feet, or maybe, some negative experience in the past, which may have helped triggered this fear in that individual’s mind. For a third person, these reasons might be silly or dumb, but it actually affects the person suffering from it to a great extent.

Some experts believe that it may be inherited or have genetic causes. People who tend to be overly anxious, or are highly strung, may possibly acquire podophobia.

Signs and Symptoms

Podophobia tends to persist for longer periods, and the sufferer may experience many physical or psychological symptoms. They are aware that feet are not dangerous and can in no way harm them, but they are absolutely powerless to overcome their fear. The following are the signs and symptoms experienced by a podophobe.

✦ Shortness of breath at the sight of or thought of feet.✦ Accelerated heartbeat✦ Extreme anxiety issues✦ Body trembling✦ Refuse to discuss feet or even topics related to them.✦ Sweating profusely✦ Dizziness✦ Nausea✦ Covering their feet or requesting others to cover their feet.✦ Fear of other people touching their feet✦ Panic attacks

✦ Feeling petrified at the sight of feet, even on television.