Routine Medical Foot Care
by Nicolien Wilder, Certified Foot Care Nurse

Routine Foot Care

Routine Foot Care is the professional term for what I do. I use professional podiatry tools and follow the CDC guidelines for “high-level disinfection” and use FDA cleared solutions. A session takes about 45 minutes and I finish with a light foot massage. One could call it a “Medical Pedicure.”

On your first visit I start with an intake assessment of your general health, medications and, of course, your feet. You tell me about your concerns, and I’ll explain how I can help you.

• Gently reduce thickened or misshaped nails with the use of specialized podiatry tools.
• Reduce painful corns and calluses.
• Prevent and care for ingrown toenails.
• Offer comfort and wound prevention with issues arising from bunions, hammertoes, crowding, or overlapping toes.
• Offer education on safe foot care for those with diabetes, poor circulation and/or swelling of your legs.
• Offer assessment and education on proper footwear and size.
• Offer referrals to other Health Professionals as needed.
• Offer a moisturizing cream with a light foot massage.

If you want me to do you a fingernail trim and filing as well, please let me know when you make your appointment. This will add a small fee.

Please contact me for pricing here.

Ask about a GIFT CARD for a person you care about.

QUESTIONS?

I am diabetic. Can you do my foot and nail care?

I am a Registered Nurse and managed an inpatient wound care program for many years. I treated many diabetic wounds and did a lot of diabetic foot care education for patients, nurses, and doctors. I can help you with preventive diabetic foot care and keep you out of the doctor’s office.

Can you do my wound care?

I can give recommendations, but, as an independent nurse, I cannot prescribe wound care. I would have to refer you to a podiatrist or wound care center.

How do you sterilize your tools?

I follow "high-level disinfection" as defined by the CDC. I use FDA cleared solutions. Each patient gets a newly disinfected set of tools per treatment.

I have very thick and long toenails. How can you help me?

I have professional podiatry tools, including an AURORIA nail sander with a HEPPA filter to gently file your nails down and vacuum away the dust.

How are you different from a beauty salon?

Beauty salons have beauty professionals. I focus on your foot health and comfort, though I do pamper you with a light massage at the end of your session.

How are you different from a podiatrist?

Podiatrists are foot doctors that diagnose and prescribe medications and treatments. They also do routine foot care. As a nurse I do not diagnose or prescribe, but I do routine foot care as well. With the senior population growing, it can be hard to find a podiatrist to do your routine footcare. I am here to offer you a safe alternative.

Where do you go?

I mainly serve the Charlottesville and Crozet areas. I do go outside these areas but this will add a driving fee.

Do you apply nail polish?

If there is time left in your 45 min session, and if you bring your own nail polish, I’ll be glad to do this for you (though it might take away from your foot massage time). You may choose what you would like.

Do you remove nail polish?

Since it would take away time from my 45 minute treatment session for you, I might not be able to give you your foot massage in the end. You may choose what you would like.

Is routine foot care covered by my insurance?

You must have certain conditions to qualify for routine foot care. Check with your insurance to see if you qualify.

Do you take insurance for routine foot care?

I do not take insurance. Some podiatrists still do for routine foot care, while others don’t and require you to pay out of pocket as well.

AGING FEET: “What To Do” and “What Not To Do”

• DO have your feet measured for correct length and width. Your feet change over time: they can become longer and more wide.
• DO buy shoes later in the day, when your feet are more likely to be swollen.
• DO go to the doctor if a small wound has not healed in two weeks.
• DO buy shoes with a high enough toe box if you have crooked toes.
• DO buy shoes that are comfortable RIGHT AWAY.
• DO use a moisturizer for dry skin, but not in between your toes.
• DO dry well in between your toes.
• DO continue to stay active.
• DO use a NON-MEDICATED corn pad to protect from a painful corn.
• DO make sure your foot and nail care provider uses sterile tools.

• DO NOT reach for your toolbox to get tools for thick nails.
• DO NOT accept foot discomfort, as this can lead to a fall or to the beginning of a wound you don’t recognize or can’t see.
• DO NOT use medicated corn pads, since these can take away a corn, but will also take away skin and cause a wound.
• DO NOT frequently use soap. It reduces the skin’s defense for rashes and wounds. It also dries out your skin even more.
• DO NOT go barefoot in communal bath places.

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY: “What To Do” and “What Not To Do”

• DO have your feet checked at every doctor’s visit
• DO check your feet every day for red spots, blisters and small wounds.
• DO take care of a small wound right away. Go to your doctor if it’s not healed in 2 weeks.
• DO check the inside of your shoes for small objects before putting them on.
• DO wear light colored socks, so that you can see a spot of blood due to trauma you did not feel.
• DO use a moisturizing cream, but not in between your toes.
• DO control your blood sugar.

• DO NOT soak your feet, you could burn your feet and not feel it.
• DO NOT heat your feet in front of a heater, wood stove or fire. You could burn your feet and not feel it.
• DO NOT walk barefoot over beach sand or pavement for the same reason: you could burn your feet and not feel it.