Foot Care

1
Foot Care
July 2006
2
Footcare

• Session outline
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
• Neuropathy (nerve disease).
• Foot assessment.
• Daily care.
• Footcare in hospital.
• Prevention.
• Foot ulcers.

3
Peripheral Vascular Disease

• Foot pulses (diminished / absent).
• Claudication (pain in the back of the leg).
• intermittent.
• at rest and / or nocturnal.
• Shiny appearance of skin.
• Bluish discolouration of skin.
• Loss of hair on feet and toes.
• Failure of a wound to heal / gangrene.
• Leg colour slow to return after elevation.
• Significant temperature difference between leg
  and foot.

4
Neuropathy

• Abnormal / reduced feeling.
• Painless callus / corn formation.
• Painless injuries.
• Changes in shape of foot.

5
Assessment

• Diabetes control.
• Blood vessel changes.
• Sensation changes.
• Mechanical factors.
• Condition of skin and nails.
• Previous problems.

6
Daily care

• Wash and dry feet daily.
• Inspect for signs of injury or pressure.
• Moisturise dry skin.
• Treat minor skin damage.
• Trim toe nails.

7
Foot care in hospitals

• Close observation.
• Protect and cushion bony protuberances, ankle
  bones, heels, bunions.
• Use lambskin boots, protectors, foam, air pillows
  and inform theatre nurse.

• 2 / 24 hour pressure care if immobile.
• Keep feet warm with socks or boots.
• Wash and dry thoroughly, attend to footcare.
• Slippers on if ambulant.

8
Prevention

• Patient education / staff education.
• Daily inspection / assessment.
• Smoking.
• Avoid commercial corn callus treatments.
• Avoid electric blankets, hot water bottles or
  microwave bean bags.

9
Prevention

• Encourage good supportive shoes.
• Avoid walking bare-foot (if at risk foot).
• Wool or cotton socks.
• Do not use garters or tight socks.
• Pressure area care when in hospital.

10
Foot ulcers

• Improve circulation.
• Early antibiotics.
• Debridement.
• Specialist wound management.