Nursing foot care is a professional service provided by a regulated nurse that focuses on the assessment, maintenance, and monitoring of foot health. It includes nail care, skin care, callus management, assessment of circulation and sensation, and identification of risk factors such as diabetes, reduced mobility, or poor wound healing.

Basic Foot Care  provide assessments, patient teachings and non-invasive interventions like the trimming of nails. It is mainly performed on clients with normal nails without infection; no impaired sensations, swellings or deformities. Advanced Foot Care is performed on high risk clients who either have diabetes, who are immuno-compromised, or have structural deformities.

Services are delivered within defined nursing scope and guided by professional standards and clinical judgment.

A foot care nurse can:

• Assess foot health and identify risk factors

• Provide routine and high-risk nail and skin care

• Monitor for signs of infection, ulceration, or circulatory concerns

• Support individuals living with diabetes or mobility challenges

• Provide education n foot hygiene, foot wear, and preventative care

• Recommend referral to a physician, podiatrist, or other specialist when appropriate

Foot care nurses do not diagnose medical conditions or perform surgical procedures.

The role of a foot care nurse is to provide preventative, maintenance, and risk-monitoring care within nursing scope.

This includes:

• Early identification of potential complications

• Supporting safe mobility

• Promoting comfort and independence

• Reducing risk of infection and skin breakdown

Nursing foot care is especially important for individuals living with diabetes, circulatory conditions, neuropathy, or limited mobility.

Foot care nurses in Ontario are regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

All nurses must:

• Maintain active registration

• Practice within defined scope

• Adhere to professional standards

• Maintain continuing competence

The public can verify a nurse's registration status through the CNO's online public register.

You can verify a nurse's registration through the public register at the College of Nurses of Ontario website.

The public register confirms:

• Whether the nurse is actively licensed

• Their registration status

• Any practice restrictions

This ensures transparency and public protection.

Yes. In Ontario, nurses may practice independently or operate professional corporations, provided they remain compliant with regulatory standards set by the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Independent nursing practice requires:

• Active registration

• Professional liability insurance

• Adherence to scope and Standards

• Clear service agreements

Independent practice does not change regulatory accountability.

Fees for nursing foot care vary depending on:

• The complexity of care

• Whether services are delivered in-home

• Required supplies or equipment

• Travel considerations

As private services, fees may be covered by private insurance plans or claimed as eligible medical expenses for income tax purposes. A consultation is required prior to initiating services.

During a consultation, your foot health is assessed using a systemic and evidence-informed nursing approach.

The consultation includes:

• Collection and verification of demographic information for accurate documentation

• Review of general health history and current medical conditions

• Discussion of specific foot care concerns

• A comprehensive foot assessment, including skin integrity, nail condition, circulation, and sensation

• A diabetic foot screening, when clinically indicated

Based on the assessment findings, appropriate nursing interventions are provided, and referrals to a physician or specialist may be recommended if necessary.

Frequency of care varies based on individual health status, risk factors, and overall foot condition.

For many individuals, routine nursing foot care may be recommended every 4-8 weeks. However, those with diabetes, circulatory concerns, reduced mobility, or high risk foot conditions may require more frequent monitoring.

Care intervals are determined through professional assessment and adjusted as needed to support safety, comfort, and preventative care.

In Ontario, certain publicly funded home and community care programs may offer foot care services to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. Availability and scope of services may vary by region and funding structure.

As private services, fees may be covered in whole or in part by certain extended health insurance plans, depending on individual policy coverage. Clients may also pay out-of-pocket and claim eligible expenses as medical deductions on their personal income tax return, in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines.

Clients are encouraged to explore all available options to determine what best meets their individual needs.