Foot Care in Primary Care

Abstract

　Our hospital is located in Shinjo City, Yamagata prefecture, in Japan where there are few health care workers who specialize in the treatment of disorders of the feet. Our hospital focuses on a system for community diabetes as well as foot care medical treatment and recuperation support. We hold foot care seminars, lectures, practical skill demonstrations, and case study sessions. In our hospital, patients’ feet are inspected by a nurse and electrocardiography is performed at the same time for patients with suspected tinea unguium. In cases with positive findings by direct microscopic inspection, we prescribe efinaconazole or fosravuconazole. We also trim the thickened nails with a water jet grinder. These continuous efforts have resulted in community-based foot care that receives many consultations from nearby medical and welfare facilities. Even at general medical clinics, foot care can be performed as part of primary health care.