Foot Care Program

When your feet feel good, you feel good!

Taking care of one’s feet through proper toenail clipping, filing and soaking can make a tremendous difference in reducing the incidence of foot problems and increasing one’s sense of well-being. Unfortunately, as a person ages, vision difficulties, manual dexterity problems and lack of endurance can make it hard to properly take care of one’s feet.

During the foot clinic, a foot care attendant offers a mini-pedicure that includes a foot soak, cleaning, clipping and filing, and foot/calf lotion application.

Cost for the clinic is $25 per person. For more information on the program or to schedule a clinic, please call Penny Knox at (309) 779-7216, or email knoxpd@ihs.org

Foot Care Tips

The Importance of Foot Care

Foot and toenail disorders affect over 80 percent of the population and are very common for seniors. Keeping your feet healthy increases comfort and functionality and can prevent limb-threatening complications.

The following "foot facts" help to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about foot care. If you have further questions or experience ongoing problems with your feet, please check with your physician for care and follow up.

Common Foot Complaints

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is caused by living organisms that live deep under the nail at the base. Nail fungus often starts with a simple injury, nails trimmed too closely, wearing tight shoes, soil-borne bacteria and going barefoot in public facilities. Unfortunately, nail fungus can spread from toe to toe and it rarely goes away by itself.

Nails affected by fungus may appear flaky, thick, discolored (white, yellow or brown) and brittle. Nails may also become very soft or dough-like and there may be an odor present. Permanent deformity of the nail can often result which makes wearing shoes painful.

Treatment Options

• Soak feet in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes. Dry thoroughly.
• Thin the nail as much as possible with an emery board. Remove loose debris on nail with an orange stick.
• Apply anti-fungal ointment as recommended on product or prescribed by podiatrist. Treat shoes with products that will destroy fungus (fungal powder, spray or bleach).
• Lambs' wool can be placed between toes to keep them apart and absorb perspiration.
• Be consistent with foot care. Fungal infections are stubborn and require several months of consistent care.

Calluses and Corns

Calluses form most often on the bottom of the foot under the metatarsal (the primary group of bones in the foot) due to abnormal pressure or improperly balanced feet. A callus is a thickening of the skin caused by recurring friction or pressure on the skin caught between the bone and a firm surface like a shoe or floor. The skin is attempting to adapt to this abnormal pressure by becoming thicker. If pressure is not relieved, the callus can become thicker, less flexible and possibly inflamed.

Corns are usually found on the sides of feet, between toes, or on top of a hammer toe. Friction aggravates the toe or irritated area accelerating the cornified skin.

Treatment Options

Soak feet in warm soapy water for 10 minutes to soften calluses. Rub calluses or corns with pumice, emery board or vigorously with a towel and apply lotion. Pads can be purchased to improve comfort, restore balance and reduce friction. Seek professional advise if area becomes red, swollen or painful.

Toe Tips

• Clean feet daily, dry well between toes.
• Wear clean socks, preferably cotton.
• Always wear properly fitted shoes.