Toenails

[Aparecium]

DM has developed a fear of chiropodists, and only wants me to trim her toenails. A few are so bulky and distorted that I cannot cut them. The best I can do is soak her feet and then clip off tiny bits to reduce their height.

Would an electric nail file work? Would the vibration cause dm pain? Is there a hygiene aspect that I need to take into account?

Can anyone advise me on this?

carers aren't allowed to touch toenails because there is something risky to do with trimming them, I'm not sure but someone will hopefully be along that can clarify. I won't do mums toenails, I cut her fingernails and paint her toes but trimming is definitely a professionals job. Can you work on the fear at all ?

Will she let you file them a little every day? To keep the growth down? Filing is usually gentler than clipping.

I would have thought that's because of the risk of cutting in a rush and developing an infection, and that health problems such as diabetes-related damage might be missed if the person is not seen by a HCP.

But I'm not in any rush when I see dm. It's not like a carer who has to be in and out in 20minutes. I can take my time with her. I also do not cut her nails short, just trim slightly. I then cream and massage her feet and ankles, so I will notice if she develops any other problems. Fortunately dm does not have diabetes.

That's why I'm considering an electric nail file.

Sorry I missed the electric reference. The problem with the electric files is that they have a tendency to nick the skin if not used expertly. I would be minded to stick with a metal hand file.

My DF and DH use a foot care specialist- shorter training than a podiatrist and she doesn’t do the medical stuff. She uses a grinding stone, rather like this one DH says it doesn’t hurt and DF hasn’t complained.