Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. April 2014 Foot care

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Why is foot care important? Foot health is related to overall health and well-being.  Foot disorders can easily go unnoticed in nursing home residents.  Problems with the feet often affect mobility.  Foot problems are often a sign of a larger health issue. April 2014Foot care

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Foot health and aging Normal aging often leads to changes in the feet.  The front of the foot lengthens and the feet flatten.  Ligaments and tendons become less flexible.  Dry skin increases the likelihood of sores and infection.  Poor foot hygiene can result in ingrown toenails and nail infections. April 2014Foot care

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Common foot disorders  Calluses  Corns  Bunions  In-grown toe nails  Onychomycosis, or fungal infection April 2014Foot care

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Basic foot hygiene  Inspect the feet carefully looking for discoloration or breaks in the skin.  Feel the feet for excessively warm or cool areas.  Wash the feet in lukewarm water using a mild soap. Rinse well.  Pat the feet dry, making sure to dry between the toes.  Apply a moisturizer on feet, but not between toes. April 2014Foot care

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Protecting residents’ feet  Examine shoes for torn linings or bumps.  Report to the nurse if the resident’s shoes cause pain or discomfort.  Encourage residents to get regular exercise.  Position bed-bound or wheelchair-bound residents carefully to avoid pressure against feet. April 2014Foot care

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Diabetes and the feet Diabetes can cause the feet to be:  Less sensitive to touch.  Slower to heal when injured.  More susceptible to infection.  More easily injured. It is important to check the feet of diabetic residents daily. April 2014Foot care

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Special care for diabetic feet  Soaking feet is not recommended  Keeping the feet lubricated with lotion prevents foot ulcers.  Regular exercise helps keep circulation flowing to the feet.  Diabetic residents may need specially designed shoes to relieve pressure. Among people with diabetes, foot ulcers are the most common cause of hospitalization. April 2014Foot care