Foot Tattoos
From LoveToKnow Tattoos
To some, foot tattoos are the ultimate way to express themselves. To others, they’re nothing but pain and misery. Why the difference in opinion? Read on below to find out about the possible issues you may encounter if you’re looking into one.
Problems with Foot Tattoos
There are problems that you should know about before you choose to get a tattoo on your foot. While not all of them may apply to you, it’s a good idea to know the full situation before you go in.
Healing Time
Depending on the size and placement of the tattoo, healing can range from 2 to 5 days. Some tattoo artists recommend not wearing shoes and socks for several days afterwards. Others don’t think it’s a problem. Regardless, your foot will be sore and uncomfortable while it is healing, and if you can’t afford to be off your feet, this may not be a good option for you.
Finding an Artist
Many artists refuse to do foot tattoos. This is because of the problems associated with them, and the artists don’t want to do bad work. Many tattoos artists will charge a premium to do work on the foot, and many don’t guarantee the work or offer free touch-ups. Another issue some artist worry about is the permanence of a foot tattoo. Tattoos on the foot will spread more than other tattoos, and so the designs will blur more quickly than others.
Holding Still
Keeping your foot in a stationary position for an extended period of time is difficult. On top of that, there are certain spots on the foot that will react like your knee when a doctor hits it with a hammer. You will jump, and you probably won’t be able to control that. Some tattoo artists will be able to work with the jump, or cover up any lines that get squiggly because of it, but if you jump too unexpectedly, the damage will be done, and it may not be able to be fixed.
Medical Issues
If you have diabetes, getting a tattoo anywhere below the knee is considered a bad idea because of circulation problems. You may be able to find an artist who is willing to do it, but you should talk to your doctor before you go ahead and get it done.
Even if you’re healthy, the placement of the tattoo (an area that normally gets dirty) makes it more prone to infections. Keeping your foot clean and sterile isn’t easy, and the healing tattoo needs to be both.
Pain
The one thing that most artists and tattooees agree on is that the pain level is higher. Whether it is because of the number of nerve ending or the lack of muscle between the skin and the bone, no one seems sure. The other problem, related to pain, is bleeding. Foot tattoos do tend to bleed more than tattoos on other parts of the body.
The Good Thing About Foot Tattoos
Simply put: if they come out well, they’re amazing. A good foot tattoo is a joy forever.
Common Designs
Flowers, scrolls, and tribal designs are all popular choices. It isn’t uncommon to find a foot tattoo that begins on the side (or bottom) of the foot and continues onto the top. Some people get frogs, lizards, and other animals “crouched” on top of their foot, while others prefer “hidden images” on the soles of their feet. Foot tattoos can be as varied as their owners, and just as beautiful.
Learn More
Comments
I want a foot tattoo, but it would be my first one and im quite scared after reading all these comments. is it really that painful? and does it really swell up that much? thanks
-- Contributed by: JI got the whole top of my left foot tattooed. It was the worse pain ive ever had. Ive had 2 kids and 9 tats from head to toe. I cant walk, its been 6 days. when i put my foot down it hurts lke a million needles being pushed into my skin and I have to flatten it up and down to get it to where I can finally walk on it. By the end of the day my ankle is sooooo swollen. What can I do??
-- Contributed by: CameoI got a Butterfly on my right foot a few days ago , it's beautiful. It didn't hurt really that much, yea it hurt more than my ankle tat and I also have one on my hand.. but not nearly enough to stop me from getting another foot tat. I WILL TELL YOU THIS.. the recovery is not what I expected, my foot is swelled up pretty big, and the pain from the swelling hurts , and I having a lot of problems walking. I can't wear shoes, due to the swelling and it is very tender. I had to look this symptom up , because I was concerned!!! Now I see it is basically normal for some people. If you do want a foot tattoo, just keep in mind that you may have to take it easy for a few days, and to expect the swelling, it has been 2 days swelling for me so far. Hope my info helps :)
-- Contributed by: TeresaThis page has been accessed 100,835 times. This page was last modified 14:45, 18 June 2006.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
