Foot care: focus on the elderly.

Problems in the foot develop as a result of the aging process or systemic disease. Common causes of pain and disability in the elderly are nail and skin problems, predominantly corns and calluses, along with circulatory and structural problems. Because patients with orthopaedic conditions may have preexisting foot problems, it is important for nurses to distinguish between minor foot problems that can easily be treated and more serious conditions that require referral to a specialist. This article discusses pathophysiology of the aging foot, a comprehensive foot assessment, common foot problems with nursing interventions, pressure relief and shoewear, and nurses' qualifications for providing foot and nail care.