There comes a time in most lives when you can no longer care of your own feet. Age or injury make it hard to reach our toenails, thickening makes them impossible to cut at home. If you no longer drive, walk far, or use public transportation; if you are ill or bedridden or recovering from surgery, your feet could become neglected while other needs prevail.
When these things happen, it’s an ideal time to find a foot care nurse who makes home visits. Certified Foot Care Nurses examine feet for wounds, cuts, swelling, and possible infection sites. For people with Diabetes, this scrutiny can prevent amputations by treating wounds early. A certified foot care nurse will check circulation, flexibility, signs of poorly fitting shoes, and skin health. They identify and treat fungal infections. They offer advice on shoe and sock choices and educate about skin care. They focus on health and apply nursing knowledge to treat underlying concerns beyond cosmetics.
Hard-working feet deserve this level of care. If you think of the human body as a tree, your feet are the roots. Feet connect us to the ground and maintain balance. Flexible toes constantly adjust to uneven surfaces, helping to prevent falls. A fall can alter a person’s life in seconds and lead to months of recovery. If a person does not have flexible toes, a foot care nurse can share and demonstrate exercises to increase strength and flexibility.
Pain free feet allow for comfortable walking, a healthy activity that also promotes social connections. Numerous studies have emphasized the dangers of social isolation, which becomes worse when pain prevents meaningful interactions. Something I’ve noticed in my practice is that people begin to accept a certain amount of pain and its limitations; they believe it’s an unescapable part of aging, but it does not have to be so! Evidence-based foot care can make a person feel a new level of comfort, feeling lighter and better prepared to face the day.
My hope is that older Americans and anyone with a disability that prevents them from caring for their feet, will find a foot care nurse who makes home visits. It can vastly improve quality of life.