Toenail trimming Barrie
Can you reach your feet comfortably enough to trim them? Can you clearly see your toes once you reach down to them? Do you have the strength in your hands to trim hard nails?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, please read on…
Regular trimming of your toenails prevents many problems ranging from tattered socks to ingrown toenails. As we age our nails can change, this is often due to decreased circulation. You may find your nails grow more slowly in length but they are much thicker than they used to be. Thickened toenails can cause pain and discomfort as the thickened nail causes increased pressure on your toes while in your shoes. This pressure can cause corns and calluses to form.
You may also find that your toenails are harder to cut than they used to be. This could be because the nails are thicker or because bending to reach your feet is more difficult than it used to be. Accidents can happen, if you cut your foot while trimming your toenails, you are opening yourself up to infection. People with diabetes or decreased circulation should be extra careful as healing is slower and can be complicated by these conditions. If you cannot comfortably reach or clearly see the toenail you are trimming, it is time to get help from your toenail trimming barrie experts… Professional Foot Care!!
Trimming Toenails: The Basics
- Cut straight across, the nails shouldn’t dig down on the sides. Guide the clippers straight across the nail of each toe and avoid cutting nails into a curved shape.
- Use appropriate toenail clippers. These larger clippers are meant for larger nails, and will be easier to cut toenails with than fingernail clippers. Keep clippers and any other tools you use on your toes disinfected (cleaning them with rubbing alcohol before and after using them will do the trick).
- Leave nails a little long. Don’t cut nails too short, as it’s another reason ingrown toenails occur. It can also leave your toenail susceptible to infection – plus, it hurts!
- Make a few small cuts. Don’t try to clip each toenail in one shot. Make a few small cuts across your nail.
- Try filing. If you prefer to file your toenails (or just to smooth them out after you clip them), don’t drag the file or emery board back and forth. Gently move the nail file in one direction across the top of your toenail until smooth and the appropriate length.
- Don’t cut cuticles. If you want to tame cuticles on your toenails, use a cuticle stick (an orange stick, which you can buy at a beauty supply store, drugstore, or similar store) to push them back. Cutting them can cause bleeding or infection, but pushing them gently out of the way gives feet a neat look without unnecessary damage.
If you’d like more information or further assistance on toenail trimming, and you are located in Barrie or surrounding areas, please contact us!