Foot pain can be an indication of more serious health problems that requires medical attention. Three out of four people develop serious foot problems as they age, putting their independence and well being at risk.
Regular foot care plays an important role in keeping your feet healthy and remaining active. Feet that are healthy and pain free helps with your balance which may prevent falls.
Foot care nurse receive education specific to the prevention, diagnosis and management of common foot conditions and are dedicated to improving the health and well-being for clients with chronic diseases and /or disabilities.
The following foot health fact sheets describe some of the more common foot problems, symptoms, causes and outline what you can do for it.
Athlete’s foot / fungal infection is a common, and sometime unsightly infection of the skin and/or nails.
Bunions are often described as a “bump” on the side of the big toe, caused by a mal-alignment of the big toe joint. The big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead.
A callus or corn is thickening of the skin due to repeated pressure or friction. The skin thickens in response to the pressure; this is your body’s way of protecting the underlying tissue.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body either cannot produce insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Two million Canadians have diabetes and 700,000 have it but don’t know it.
Hammertoe is the name given to a toe, which “curls” and shaped like a “hammer”. It can develop in the second, third or fourth toes, however is most common in the second toe.
The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot. It is the first part of the foot to strike the ground while walking and it supports 50% of your weight while standing.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the toenail turns downward and presses into the skin or when the nail grows into the skin. Ingrown toenails can be very painful and limit activities of daily living.
Plantar Fasciitis is a common but serious and painful condition that occurs when the ligament on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. This ligament extends from the front of the heel to the ball of the foot.
A plantar wart is a condition that is caused by a virus. It may develop over a period of days, weeks or several months. The virus enters the body though a microscopic opening in the skin.
