Pedi-Care

11/04/2025

Edema series #2: Available Treatments

Regardless of the cause of lower extremity edema, the basic treatment is the same.

Compression: Stockings or wraps. Elevation: Sitting or laying with one's feet raised, preferably higher than the level of the heart, several times per day. Exercise: Walking and leg exercises to keep muscles strong and to move fluid back up and out of the legs. Sodium Reduction: Maintaining a low sodium diet. Medication: The use of diuretic medication to remove water from the body.

When these simple interventions do not do the job, Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard for treating edema. This treatment is performed by a trained physical, occupational, or massage therapist or nurse. This type of treatment includes both a treatment phase and ongoing self care. The treatment phase takes several weeks and involves manual lymph drainage massage, compression bandaging, and education on skin care and exercise training.

Another treatment used is Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy (IPC). IPC involves a pneumatic sleeve being applied to the leg which inflates and deflates sequentially applying pressure to encourage fluid absorption. IPC can be used in both treatment and self-care phases. Selection and use of IPC should be done in consultation with a trained CDT therapist.

Jennifer Ryan, RN, CFCN

09/08/2025

Edema Series #1 Why are my feet swollen?

I am often asked by clients “Why are my feet swollen?" This is not a simple question.

The first step in dealing with edema is to identify the cause. It is best to consult with a medical provider and if the cause can not be simply eliminated, referral for edema therapy for management is appropriate.

Lower extremity edema refers to swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues. This condition can result from a variety of causes, ranging from benign to serious underlying health issues.

One of the most common causes is venous insufficiency, where the veins in the legs struggle to return blood to the heart efficiently. This leads to fluid leaking into surrounding tissues. Prolonged standing or sitting, especially in hot weather, can also cause temporary edema due to gravity and blood pooling. Injury or surgery involving the leg, ankle, or foot can also cause swelling.
Heart failure is a more serious cause, particularly when the right side of the heart is affected, leading to fluid backup in the lower body. Similarly, kidney disease can result in the body retaining excess sodium and fluid, contributing to swelling. Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, may reduce the production of proteins like albumin, which help keep fluid in the blood vessels. Other contributors include medications, infections, blood clots, and lymphatic obstruction.

Treatment and management are necessary to prevent secondary conditions such as sores and infections. Once the reason for edema has been found, treatment can begin.
Jennifer Ryan, RN, CFCN, CFCS

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003104.htm
https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Homecare/MVN/LEEdema.pdf
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366532

Learn about symptoms, causes and treatment of swelling caused by too much fluid in body tissues.

05/22/2025

Kick Off Your Shoes!

Kicking off your shoes is not just relaxing; it may be good for you. Going barefoot helps to strengthen the muscles in your feet, encourages better posture, and stimulates nerve endings, all things important for balance. Balance is a complex process that involves the brain, muscles, peripheral nerves, specialized sensors in tendons, equilibrium sensors in the inner ear, and the visual system. Constant messaging between these systems allows continuous adjustment of body position to maintain balance. If the nerves of the foot are never given stimulation they may grow “lazy” and may not pass on information well.

Walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, known as "grounding," it can reduce stress, improve circulation, and enhance your connection to nature. Many people find it calming and mentally refreshing.

While all this sounds great, I am not suggesting that you throw away your shoes and orthotics and go for it! If you are never barefoot the transition to barefooting must be slow and best done with the guidance of a medical professional. But how about adding some safe barefoot time? When seated in a chair there is no reason not to touch the floor or the ground with bare feet. It is important to take a moment and involve your brain, think how the surface feels, rough or smooth, warm or cold, damp or dry? Encourage your brain to pay attention to what your feet are telling it. If this goes well, you can progress to doing this while weight bearing.

While it’s not always practical everywhere, adding some barefoot time into your daily routine—especially outdoors—can offer health and wellness benefits. Jennifer Ryan RN, CFCN

01/28/2025

Sometimes, it’s the soap.

Most days that I work at least one person will ask me what moisturizer is best to put on their feet. Although this seems a simple question, it is not. Skin differs, and what works well to moisturize for some, does not for others. In general, feet like a product that is more heavy or “greasy”. Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a glycerol-based emollient that I see a high success rate with.

An important factor of dry skin prevention that is often overlooked is what soap is used. Many soaps are harsh on the skin and remove natural oils. If the natural oils are not stripped away skin will remain healthier. It is important to avoid soap with artificial fragrance and color. Antibacterial soap may be fine for handwashing but is not needed for bathing. Brands to avoid are Dial and Irish Spring.

The original Dove bar soap contains no parabens or sulfate cleansers. It is also pH-balanced to help skin retain natural moisture and has a moisturizer in it. Many liquid soaps are a better choice than bar soap as they most often have moisturizers and a balanced pH. Remember, all types of soap, whether liquid or bar, are composed of the same essential ingredients- alkali salts, fatty acids and detergent. When selecting a body soap, check the label for such words as Ph balanced, emollient and moisturizing. Soap should be used sparingly. Running water will remove most debris and germs from your skin. You need not lather up from head to toe.
Jennifer Ryan, RN, CFCN

12/12/2023

Current Care Locations - Please call 612-356-0207 for prices and availability.

Paynesville Healthcare Center, Paynesville, MN
Garden View, Watkins, MN
Koronis Place, Paynesville, MN
Serenity, St. Joseph, MN
Green Wing, Paynesville, MN
ROCORI, Cold Spring, MN
St. Francis Xavier Hall, Sartell, MN
Sauk Centre Senior Center, Sau Centre, MN
Green Roof Center, Paynesville, MN
St. Anne's Catholic Church, Kimball, MN

07/03/2023

Welcome to Pedi-Care and your journey to healthier feet!

Please contact us to learn about our new client intake process.
Phone: 612-356-0207
Email: jennifer.pedicare@gmail.com

04/14/2023

Attention:

As it is our responsibility to maintain the quality and continuity of care for our current clientele, Pedi-Care is presently unable to accept new clients.

You may request to be added to the new client waiting list.
However, please be aware it could be some time before an availability occurs, and we are unable to offer any estimation as to when openings will occur.

02/23/2023

Heal Your Heels

There are multiple causes for heel pain: dry skin cracks, calluses, traumatic injuries. These are all
visually identifiable and are easily solved with first aid, routine foot care, and proper footwear. Other, less
obvious causes are Plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.
The best defense against heel pain is prevention and early treatment. Good skin care is imperative for
preventing heel cracks. Thick skin on the heels should be pumiced or filed after soaking. Pumicing a
small amount on a regular basis is better than trying to correct the problem by pumicing all at once.
Moisturizer should be applied daily. If you have heel pain that does not have an obvious external cause
and is not improving for 10 days or more, medical attention should be sought.

The treatment for heel pain, regardless of the cause, has similar components. The appropriate self-care
steps would be: Rest and support- staying off and elevating one& #39;s feet when possible will allow the
problem to heal. Wearing supportive, well fitting, shoes and avoiding going barefoot reduces strain on the
soft tissues under the foot. Ice - applying an ice pack several times a day will help decrease inflammation,
thus decreasing pain. Compression - an elastic arch support or elastic bandage (Ace wrap) may add
some comfort by adding support and decreasing swelling. Pain medications - such as over the counter
NSAIDS or Acetaminophen are helpful in reducing inflammation and pain. If you are unsure which over
the counter medication is safe for you to take, please check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Jennifer Ryan, RN, CFCN

11/30/2022

The R.O.S.E. Center, a nonprofit organization serving seniors in the Paynesville community, is looking to hire a caring, compassionate and creative individual to provide programming and marketing services. This is a full-time position with a family friendly, flexible work schedule but typically Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekends for special events. Required qualifications include strong computer and communication skills along with a desire to improve the lives of our community’s elders. Post-secondary education or equivalent experience is preferred. Salary range is between $19-$23 based on qualifications. Benefits are negotiable. Preferred start date is Jan. 2, 2023 or until filled. Please send current resume and references to paynesvillerosecenter@gmail.com. Questions can also be sent to this address.

03/21/2022

Second Toe Capsulitis

Several ligaments form a capsule around the second toe joint to help it move properly. When these ligaments become inflamed it can cause considerable discomfort. As the inflamed ligaments weaken, it can cause dislocation of the toe. The unstable toe drifts toward the big toe and eventually crosses over and lies on top of the big toe.

Capsulitis of the second toe is a progressive disorder and usually worsens if left untreated, so early diagnosis and then treatment is important. Capsulitis is caused by overuse, injury or genetic biomechanical abnormalities.
Symptoms include:
● Discomfort and pain felt on the bottom of the foot at the base
of the toe. Pain may be sharp when the joint is pressed on.
● Swelling in the area of pain.
● Difficulty wearing shoes
● Pain when walking barefoot

An accurate diagnosis is essential because the symptoms of capsulitis can be similar to those of a condition called Morton’s neuroma, which is treated differently. Diagnosis is made using a physical exam and x-rays.

The best time to treat capsulitis is during the early stages. Non-surgical approaches can be used to stabilize the joint, reduce the symptoms and address the underlying cause of the condition.
Non-surgical treatments:
● Rest and ice: Staying off the foot and applying ice packs help
reduce the swelling and pain.
● Oral medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help relieve the pain and
inflammation.
● Taping/splinting: It may be necessary to tape the toe so that it
will stay in the correct position. Taping and splinting should
only be done by a foot care professional.
● Stretching: Stretching exercises may be prescribed
● Shoe modifications: Supportive shoes with stiff soles are
recommended.
● Orthotic devices: Custom shoe inserts are often very beneficial.
These include arch supports or a metatarsal pad that
distributes the weight away from the joint.

When these measures are not effective or the condition was not diagnosed before migration of the second toe, Surgical correction may be necessary.

Jennifer Ryan, RN, CFCN, CFCS

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/capsulitis-of-the-second-toe
https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/capsulitis-second-toe/

What does capsulitis of the second toe look like? We go over capsulitis of the second toe treatment, the BEST Orthotics and the BEST Shoes!

11/24/2021

Good foot care in the summer seems more important to many Minnesotans, but as the furnaces start with their nostalgic breath of warm dust from the vents, our feet still need care. Minnesota winter air is dry and made more so by forced air heat. Healthy skin not only makes our feet presentable in summer sandals, but is also an integral part of foot health. When skin dries and cracks, bacteria may enter and cause infections. Such infections may require medical attention, antibiotic medication and can be slow to heal for those that are diabetic or have impaired circulation, as well as causing discomfort and decreased mobility.

Thick or callused skin should be reduced gently with a pumice stone or foot file. When using a pumice stone, both the stone and skin should be wet and the stone should be rinsed frequently during use. All foot care instruments should be washed with soap and water after use and stored in a clean, dry area. Daily use of a moisturizer will help keep skin intact and comfortable. When applying moisturizer to your feet take care not to apply the moisturizer between your toes. It is not crucial what moisturizer you use, but that you use it. So fight back! Let's keep our summer feet! (Even if they are well hidden in our wool socks and Mukluks of course.) Jennifer Ryan, RN, CFCN