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The feet experience more wear and tear in a lifetime than any other body part and reportedly are the most neglected part of the body. There is an abundance of evidence that foot problems can cause a great deal of pain and disability. Socrates is quoted as saying, “To him whose feet hurt, everything hurts.” Many surveys will confirm the prevalence of foot problems among Manitobans from the very young to very elderly. Although most people are born with healthy feet, as we grow older, three out of four Canadians will develop a foot problems that require medical attention.

With an aging demographic, health policy and public health issues concerning the quality of life and health care are becoming major considerations. Nursing foot care is an important component of total nursing care, which includes health promotion, client teaching, and promoting safety and comfort.

Foot care nurses 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 throughout their lives.

The following foot health fact sheets describe some of the more common foot problems, they symptoms, the cause and outline what you can do for it.

The following documents are all PDFs which will open in a new tab.

  • Bunions

    Bunions are often described as a ‘bump’ on the side of the big toe, caused by a mal-alignment of the big toe joint. Find out symptoms, causes and solutions.

  • Corns and Calluses

    A callus or corn is thickening of the skin due to repeated pressure or friction. Find out symptoms, causes and solutions.

  • Diabetic Foot

    Foot and lower leg complications account for the most hospital admissions in people with diabetes. Learn more about potential problems and solutions.

  • Fungus (Athlete’s Foot)

    Athlete’s foot / fungal infection is a common, and sometime unsightly infection of the skin and/or nails. Learn to identify and effectively treat it.

  • Hammertoes

    Hammertoe is the name given to a toe, which “curls” and shaped like a “hammer”. Learn how to avoid and treat them.

  • Morton’s Neuroma

    Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects one of the nerves that run between the long bones (metatarsals) in the foot. It involves a thickening of the tissue around the nerve leading to the toes. It most commonly affects the nerve between the third and fourth metatarsal bones, causing pain and numbness in the third and fourth toes.

  • Heel Spurs

    A heel spur is a bony growth that usually begins on the front of the heel bone where the muscle of the foot attaches to the heel bone. Learn to how to avoid and how you can treat heel spurs.

  • Ingrown Toenails

    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. Find out about causes, treatment, and prevention.

  • Plantar Fasciitis

    Plantar Fasciitis is a common but serious and painful condition that occurs when the ligament on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Learn about treatment options.

  • Plantar Warts

    A plantar wart is a condition that is caused by a virus. Warts can occur individually or in clusters, they range from very tiny to very large, from no pain to very painful. Learn about causes, prevention, and treatment options.

  • Charcot Foot

    Charcot foot is a rare but serious complication that can affect persons with peripheral neuropathy, especially those with diabetes. Charcot affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot or ankle. The bones become weak and can fracture. The joints in the foot or ankle can dislocate.