Foot and nail care - Nursing care and interventions

Good foot health has a positive effect on general health and wellbeing and is essential for mobility, comfort, and activities of daily living.

Benefits include reduced pain, increased physical activity, increased social contact and self-esteem, and reduced risk of falls.

Although the complex structure of the feet puts them at risk of a range of problems, foot health can be maintained with proper foot care.

This module covers basic foot care.

This is the routine care of normal skin and nails of the feet that people would usually perform for themselves. It does not include specialised foot care for clients with high-risk feet due to conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease.

Foot care is part of individual’s daily hygiene requirements, and essential for maintaining healthy, functioning feet. When people are no longer able to do it themselves, foot care becomes an important aspect of a nurse’s or carer’s role. This module will be of interest to anyone providing care to older people.