I am not at a stage of life where I need help doing my own toenails. I get pedicures done; however, I can manage it myself. But you never know how life will turn out though, since with aging, all sorts can happen.

Your Infirmed/Elderly Parents

Something they never tell you as a child… one day you may end up clipping and filing the toenails of your loved one. Earlier in life, I could not have imagined, that at some point, due to illness or old age, I may have to manage my parents’ nails. I mean it’s just not something you think about. Illness can take many forms, such as surgery, arthritis, poor eyesight to name just a few. If you have a child, you naturally take on that role, but remember… once a man twice a child!

At the Geriatric Home

Ever visited an elderly relative in a geriatric home or, who is living alone? Some nursing geriatric homes offer the service, and the nurses manage nail care. However, some don’t; so it is the relative that has to do it, or contract someone to handle it. Others need to have an outpatient visit to a podiatrist, to have the nails trimmed, or seek to have the service done at the home. So, I’m asking a serious question. Who will clip your toenails when you cannot?

Extreme Cases

I saw this lady in her eighties for the 1^st time, who was not feeling 100% due to health issues, but strong in spirit and mind. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with her; she was quite up to date with current affairs. She had her family worried though, as her toenails were not only thickened, but curling under, and painful. They weren’t sure what would lie beneath, and given the pain she complained of, whether  I could manage. The patient herself indicated that I wouldn’t be able to manage, and I wouldn’t have the necessary tools to do it. She convinced her relatives initially that she could do it with her tools to cut the nails; clearly not.

I like scenarios like this; when it is thought that I can’t do it, and I prove all parties wrong. In one instance, a relative indicated local anaesthetic should be administered; I laughed. After the fact, I told her no one administers local anaesthetic for toenail cutting. I know this suggestion was made out of pure fear for her relative. At no point was I offended by the supposed lack of confidence in my ability to get the task done; I understood the concern. More importantly, I loved the “challenge” ahead.

Other Scenarios for Professional Help

Thickened toenails can be painful when wearing closed in shoes. These nails can easily be reduced using  a diamond burr, and a specially designed drill with a dust extractor, making it a pain free treatment. Simple toenail cutting is also available for those who are unable to attend to their feet, due to spinal, hip, knee or eyesight difficulties. Equally, it can be due to the nails being so thick, the individual can’t manage. Fungal toenails can also be thickened and unsightly, but they need to be treated with antifungal agents as well.

For most people, it isn’t important.  But those with advanced diabetes, poor circulation and other health issues, it can be very important.  One thing to bear in mind, is that many pedicurists may not have the training to recognise, let alone medically manage such problems, and the complications that can arise from nail cutting. If you are diabetic, the podiatrist generally manages your nails, because many people have peripheral neuropathy, (numbness) in the hands and feet, and don’t realise it.

So be warned… if you cut too close to the skin, you could end up with a wound you can’t heal. If you can still feel or see your feet, and are able to cut your own nails safely, there isn’t a problem. For someone with disabilities or limitations, check a podiatrist.

           Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!