Name of the Procedure:

Routine Foot Care: Removal and/or Trimming of Corns, Calluses and/or Nails, and Preventive Maintenance in Specific Medical Conditions (S0390)

Summary

This procedure involves the regular removal or trimming of corns, calluses, and nails to maintain foot health, especially for individuals with specific medical conditions like diabetes.

Purpose

Routine foot care addresses issues such as corns, calluses, and thick or ingrown nails. For individuals with medical conditions like diabetes, it aims to prevent complications such as infections, ulcers, and deformities.

Indications

• Medical conditions like diabetes that increase the risk of foot problems
• Presence of corns, calluses, or thick and misshapen nails
• Increased risk of foot ulcers or infections

Preparation

• Clean feet thoroughly before the appointment.
• Bring a list of current medications.
• Alert the healthcare provider to any new foot symptoms or changes since the last visit.

Procedure Description

1. Assessment: The healthcare provider inspects the feet.
2. Cleaning: Feet are cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
3. Trimming and Removal: Corns, calluses, and nails are carefully trimmed or removed using specialized tools.
4. Foot Care Guidance: Patients receive advice on maintaining foot health and may be given moisturizing treatments or protective padding.

Tools used include foot files, clippers, scalpels, and pumice stones. This procedure generally does not require anesthesia unless there are painful lesions.

Duration

Typically takes 15-30 minutes per visit.

Setting

Performed in outpatient clinics, podiatry offices, or specialty foot care centers.

Personnel

• Podiatrist or foot care specialist
• Medical assistant for support

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Minor bleeding
• Skin irritation

Rare complications:

• Infection
• Worsening of foot conditions Complications are managed through antibiotics for infections or additional treatments as necessary.

Benefits

• Reduced discomfort from corns, calluses, and overgrown nails
• Lower risk of foot infections and ulcers
• Improved overall foot health Benefits are usually experienced immediately following the procedure.

Recovery

• Keep feet clean and dry post-procedure.
• Follow any specific care instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
• Regular follow-up appointments, typically every 6-8 weeks, are recommended for ongoing care.

Alternatives

• At-home foot care: trimming and moisturizing by the patient.
• Usage of over-the-counter callus removers or corn plasters. However, these alternatives may not be as safe or effective, especially for individuals with medical conditions like diabetes.

Patient Experience

Patients may feel minor discomfort during the trimming of calluses or corns. Post-procedure, feet may feel relieved and lighter. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used if needed, and comfortable footwear is recommended to support recovery.