Proper foot care 101

We often take the health of our feet for granted. However our feet are our foundation, they are important for our overall health and well-being. It is vital that we take care of our feet in order to maintain optimum health and independence.

We have put together tips on how to maintain healthy feet and strategies to avoid foot complications in the future.

Every day foot care

• Inspect your feet daily or have a family member inspect for you – check for small cuts, blisters or redness. If you have trouble bending over, use a mirror
• Wash your feet with warm water. Pat to dry your feet completely, especially between toes
• Moisturize daily to prevent dry feet but don’t put cream/lotion between toes. This can cause infection
• It is better to use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your feet than to soak them. If you do soak your feet, do so for no longer than 10 minutes
• Never walk barefoot, even indoors
• Wear clean dry socks daily
• Take care of your diabetes. Keep your blood sugars within a healthy range
• Wear well-fitting shoes
• Check your shoes before putting them on for any objects or sharp edges that could damage your feet

Feet dos and don’ts

• Do wear socks at night if your feet get cold
• Do elevate your feet when you are sitting
• Do wiggle your toes for a few minutes throughout the day to increase blood flow
• Do exercise daily to help with circulation
• Do wear shoes that are supportive and in good condition
• Don’t cross your legs for long periods of time
• Don’t smoke as it decreases circulation and healing and significantly increases the risk of amputation
• Don’t get pedicures by non-health care professionals

Proper foot wear

• Shop for shoes late in the afternoon as your feet swell during the day
• Have both feet measured every time you buy shoes as one is often larger than the other, buy for the larger foot
• Break in new shoes gradually to prevent blisters, don’t wear shoes for more than two hours at a time if possible
• Protect sensitive parts of your feet with padding
• The upper part of the shoe should be firm enough to provide support and the shoe should fasten securely
• Leather and canvas are the best materials as they are porous and take the shape of your foot
• Insoles can be inserted in the shoe to absorb the jolts of walking
• Soles should be strong and flexible and have a good gripping surface
• Keep your shoes in good repair, replacing worn and broken-down heels which can weaken the
• ankles and cause balance problems

Common foot problems

• Diabetes
• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Foot ulcers
• Ingrown toenails
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Fungal nails

Diabetes and your feet

• Diabetes affects the circulation and immune system, which in turn impairs the body’s ability to heal itself
• Over time, diabetes can damage sensory nerves (neuropathy), especially in the hands and feet
• People with diabetes are less likely to feel a foot injury such as a blister or cut
• Left unnoticed or untreated, even small foot injuries can quickly become infected, potentially leading to serious complications

Spectrum’s team of specialized foot care nurses

Our foot care nurses are specially trained in the provision of elderly foot care and diabetic foot care. They are able to provide treatment, information and support that assist in the promotion of healthy feet.

Our foot care services include:

• Personalized assessment of feet and nails
• Toenail trimming and filing
• Cream application and foot massages to enhance circulation
• Assessment and treatment of corns and calluses
• Advice on how to prevent and care for corns, calluses, toenails and feet conditions
• Diabetic foot care
• Elderly foot care
• Referrals to appropriate resources if required

Call us today!

Call 1-866-944-6378 for more information or to book a foot care service.