Foot care: prevention of problems for optimal health.

Problems of the feet generally cause pain but are not life threatening. By making information available regarding ill-fitting shoes and the conditions linked to poor shoe wear, the awareness of our clients can be raised. Home health nurses can contribute to the educational process that may reduce foot problems associated with improper shoe wear. As the foot ages, the normal plantar fat pad begins to atrophy. During the initial visit, foot health should be integrated into health promotion. This article seeks to provide an overview of common foot problems that are not related to diabetes mellitus.