How often do I need to be seen by a foot care nurse?

Everyone’s nails are different. The standard recommendation for nail and foot care frequency is every 6-8 weeks, but this can vary. For example, if you’re an active person, are on medications or supplements to help nail or hair growth, or need to wear compression socks regularly, you may want to make appointments every 6 weeks until you figure out what works for you. If your calluses or ingrown toenails drive you crazy, you may choose once a month. If you’re on a budget, but still want to have foot care for diabetic concerns, you might be okay with once every 10 weeks. To get a sense of how often foot care would be beneficial for your unique needs, give me a call and I will help you make a plan!

I’ve heard soaking my feet can be helpful - is this recommended?

In general, I don’t recommend anyone to soak their feet - especially if they’re diabetic or have neuropathic sensory impairments. Soaking the feet can dry them out, cause micro-cracks leading to increased infection risk, and exacerbate athlete’s foot that you may not know you have. However, if you’re battling foot fungus, or have stubborn calluses you want to keep on top of, soaking with vinegar or epsom salts can be beneficial - with strict and specific guidelines in place!

Want more details? Call me to ask if and how soaking your feet may help!

I’ve heard toenail fungus is impossible to treat - is it even worth trying?

There are a few facts about nail fungus that need to be understood: first, it is treatable - with persistent, consistent treatment! Second, nail fungus eats at the nail bed and works its way to the top of the nail plate, which is why you may find the underside of the nail crumbly, while the top has a hard surface… but that hard surface may eventually crumble as well, so treating in a timely fashion is beneficial. Third, fungal nail treatments require persistence, and progress is slow - because fungus is stubborn, and nails grow so slowly. But once you start to see healthy pink nail growing in, let this be your encouragement to keep going! While nails can grow back after being crumbled away by toenail fungus, this is not guaranteed - so if you’re wondering, call me and ask about treatment ideas!

Do I have a corn or plantars warts?!

Corns are the result of pressure on an aspect of the foot, featuring a callused mass with a seed-like “nucleus” of hard keratinized material in the middle that causes painful pressure. Plantars warts are caused by HPV, have blood flow, and can be contagious. These can look so similar, especially when covered by a callus. A quick tip: if it hurts when you press on it directly, it’s likely a corn; if it hurts when you pinch the sides, it’s likely a plantars wart.

Still not sure? Call me and ask how you can diagnose the issue - and get rid of it!

Is foot care covered by MSP in British Columbia?

Depending on one’s coverage via extended health, foot care can be covered up to a certain percentage if done by a nurse with an active, practicing license. Some clients have received prescriptions for regular foot care, and are able to submit receipts to their insurance provider for reimbursement. At this point in BC’s medical system, foot care is unfortunately not covered by MSP.