To begin with, what is a "foot care nurse"? To become a foot care nurse, one must first be a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse and then undergo additional training. At Sole Focus, our nurses are Registered Nurses with over 20 years of experience each, who have completed specialized foot care training programs exceeding 150 hours. Furthermore, we engage in over 20 hours of continuing education in the foot care field annually. We are active members of foot care nursing groups at both local and national levels. We maintain good standing with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, and our work in foot care nursing contributes to our required practice hours. You can learn more about us on our "About Us" page.
So what does a foot care nurse do?
Taking care of your feet is often neglected, but their health is vital for your overall well-being. Many people think foot care is just about trimming nails and moisturizing. In reality, it involves much more. Foot care nurses specialize in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and educating individuals about various foot-related issues. This blog post highlights the role of the foot care nurse, and the benefits of visiting one.
Assessing Your Feet
Foot care nurses possess specialized training to thoroughly evaluate your feet. We do not just examine the nails and skin; we also assess circulation, skin health, and your choice of footwear.
Our expertise allows us to identify early signs of issues, which is especially critical for people with diabetes or circulatory conditions. Studies show that nearly 50% of individuals with diabetes will develop foot problems at some point. Regular assessments can catch these issues early, preventing more severe complications that could arise later.
Identifying Issues
Foot care nurses play an essential role in spotting foot problems like structural deformities, calluses, corns, ingrown toenails, and fungal infections. While these concerns may seem small at first glance, they can escalate into significant pain and mobility issues if ignored. By diagnosing these conditions early, foot care nurses can help prevent discomfort and the need for more extensive treatments later.
Foot care nurses can also catch early signs of other concerns such as muscular imbalances, foot and nail ulcers, skin and nail cancer, loss of sensation in the feet (neuropathy), and impaired circulation.
Recommending Care
After identifying specific concerns, foot care nurses provide personalized care recommendations. This may involve at-home treatments, lifestyle changes, or referrals to other healthcare providers such as your family doctor, podiatrists, or pedorthists.
Our tailored advice can include steps like proper nail trimming techniques to avoid ingrown toenails, or guidance on choosing footwear to reduce pressure points on the feet. For instance, wearing shoes that improve foot alignment typically reduces the risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis by 20%.
Educating Patients
Education is a crucial part of what foot care nurses offer. They enable patients to understand how to care for their feet outside of clinical visits.
Foot care nurses share practical tips on hygiene, the importance of moisture control, and recognizing early warning signs of foot issues. This knowledge is particularly beneficial for individuals at risk, like people with diabetes or poor circulation. With proper education, patients can effectively reduce the risk of complications, including ulcers that affect over 30% of people with diabetes during their lifetime.
Treating Concerns
Foot care nurses are capable of treating various foot ailments, from corns and calluses to more serious concerns like fungal infections, ram's horn nails, and fallen metatarsal arches. Our approach is thorough and specialized.
For example, fungal infections like athlete's foot are not just uncomfortable; they can lead to more severe complications if untreated. By providing effective treatment, our foot care nurses help you regain comfort and mobility, enhancing your quality of life.
Collaboration with Other Professionals
Foot care nurses frequently collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including family physicians, home care services, podiatrists, and physiotherapists. This teamwork ensures that patients receive comprehensive and effective care tailored to their needs.
Collaborating with specialists means that if a more extensive intervention is necessary, such as surgery or physical therapy, a foot care nurse can facilitate these referrals. This collective effort reduces the risk of complications, leading to better health outcomes.
Importance of Prevention
Regular foot care is essential for preventing complications like diabetic foot ulcers and chronic foot pain. A foot care nurse can help establish a proactive care routine, particularly for high-risk individuals.
Preventative measures, such as regular check-ups and appropriate footwear, can greatly decrease the incidence of severe conditions. For instance, proper foot care can reduce the risk of diabetic ulcers by up to 85% when routine assessments are part of a care plan.
Distinction from Estheticians
Understanding the difference between foot care nurses and estheticians is important. While estheticians aim to enhance the appearance of feet, foot care nurses focus on health and function.
When dealing with foot conditions or preventive care, visiting a foot care nurse is the best choice. They address health concerns effectively and provide care that goes beyond cosmetic treatments.
A Wide Range of Services
Foot care nurses can diagnose and treat a variety of foot problems, including both common issues like corns and calluses as well as conditions such as athlete's foot and diabetic foot ulcers.
At Sole Focus we also offer services such as fitting and sales of prescription compression stockings, treatment of toenail fungus and plantar warts, padding materials for structural deformities like hammer or claw toes, managing traumatic and pincer nails, and treatment of ingrown nails.
Patient Safety as a Priority
Proper foot care requires a strong focus on cleanliness and sterilization. At Sole Focus, nurses utilize hospital-grade disinfectants on all surfaces, and all foot care tools are either designated for single-patient use or are sterilized in a steam sterilizer, following the stringent Infection Prevention and Control guidelines established by the Canadian Standards Association's policy CSA Z314:23.
All of our foot care equipment and instruments are purchased from reputable, Canadian retailers who hold a Medical Devices Establishment License (MDEL) with Health Canada, ensuring our instruments are medical-grade and high quality. Reusable instruments are all surgical-grade stainless steel, and are cleaned and sterilized to the same standard used by operating rooms across the country.
Our commitment to maintaining a sanitary environment leads to better patient outcomes and fosters trust in the care provided.
Your Path to Healthy Feet
Seeing a foot care nurse can significantly enhance your foot health. Our specialized knowledge, skill in identifying and treating various conditions, and dedication to education and prevention make us the best people for all your foot health needs.
Your journey to healthier feet begins with careful assessment, proper diagnosis, and proactive care. When you consult a foot care nurse, you ensure that your feet receive the attention they deserve, enabling you to lead a more active and fulfilling life.
Just like every other part of your body, your feet need care and attention. Don't hesitate to reach out to us; your feet will be grateful!
