Every Step Matters: Finding the Right Care for Your Feet
Your feet support you through work, exercise, errands and the everyday moments that keep you moving. When foot pain, nail-care challenges, wounds or circulation concerns arise, knowing where to begin can make it easier to take the next step.
Kirby Medical Center offers several foot-health services close to home. Each service addresses different needs, from routine maintenance to specialized medical care.
Nail Care for Routine Maintenance
Toenail care can become difficult because of limited flexibility, reduced vision, thick nails or discomfort when reaching the feet.
Professional nail care can provide a safe, supportive option for routine toenail trimming, shaping and maintenance. It may be especially helpful for people who can no longer manage basic nail care comfortably on their own.
Routine nail care is not intended to treat new pain, redness, drainage, open sores or circulation concerns. These symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Podiatry for Foot and Ankle Concerns
Foot pain does not have to become part of your normal routine. A podiatrist specializes in evaluating and treating conditions affecting the feet and ankles.
Consider a podiatry evaluation if you are experiencing:
- Persistent or recurring foot or heel pain
- Bunions, hammertoes or changes in foot shape
- Ingrown or abnormal toenails
- Corns, calluses or areas of repeated pressure
- A foot problem that affects how you walk
- Foot concerns related to diabetes or reduced sensation
An evaluation can help identify the cause of the problem and determine the most appropriate treatment options.
Wound Care for Wounds That Are Not Healing
A blister, cut or sore may seem minor, but some wounds do not heal as expected. Diabetes, circulation problems, pressure, infection and other health conditions can make healing more difficult.
Kirby Wound Care evaluates and treats nonhealing and difficult-to-heal wounds, including:
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Venous and pressure ulcers
- Nonhealing surgical wounds
- Arterial or ischemic ulcers
- Traumatic or infected wounds
Contact a healthcare professional if a wound is not improving, becomes more painful, develops redness or swelling, begins draining, has an odor or is accompanied by fever. People with diabetes, numbness or known circulation problems should pay particular attention to new blisters, cuts, sores or skin changes.
Vascular Care for Circulation Concerns
Healthy blood flow helps support movement, tissue health and wound healing. When circulation to the legs and feet is reduced, walking may become uncomfortable and wounds may heal more slowly.
Symptoms that may warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider include:
- Leg aching or cramping during activity
- One foot feeling colder than the other
- Changes in skin color
- Numbness or weakness
- Sores on the feet, toes or legs that heal slowly
These symptoms do not always indicate a vascular condition. A clinical evaluation can help determine whether blood flow or another concern is responsible.
Pay Attention to Changes
Checking your feet regularly can help you notice concerns early. Look at the tops and bottoms of your feet and between your toes. Watch for redness, swelling, blisters, cuts, sores, color changes or differences in temperature.
People with diabetes, reduced sensation, poor circulation or a history of foot wounds should ask a healthcare provider what type of foot care is appropriate for them.
Seek immediate medical care for sudden severe leg or foot pain, a suddenly cold or pale limb, new loss of movement or sensation, rapidly spreading redness, black or blue tissue, severe bleeding, chest pain or shortness of breath.
Take Your Next Step with Kirby
Not every foot concern requires the same kind of care. Kirby Medical Center’s nail care, podiatry, wound care and vascular services can help you find an appropriate path forward.
Learn more about Kirby’s connected foot-health services at www.KirbyHealth.org/EveryStepMatters.org.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.