SR Therapies

Nail Trimming: Great Feet For Life

The best time to trim the nails is just after a bath or shower (Some people prefer to soak their feet for fifteen to twenty minutes before trimming.) The moisture helps to soften the nails, making them easier to trim than dry nails. (Regular use of topical nail solutions, discussed in another section, also helps to soften dry hard nails.) 

The best time to trim the nails is just after a bath or shower (Some people prefer to soak their feet for fifteen to twenty minutes before trimming.)

The moisture helps to soften the nails, making them easier to trim than dry nails. (Regular use of topical nail solutions, discussed in another section, also helps to soften dry hard nails.) To trim your nails, begin by gently placing the lower jaw of the clipper against the skin under the nail and the upper jaw above the nail.

This will piush the skin away from the cutting surface, Slowly squeeze the jaws together before cutting to make sure there is no pain. If there is pain reposition the jaws. (Never cut without knowing exac tly what you've grasped between the jaws of the clipper.)

Cut the nail straight across, leaving a little nail protruding over the edge of the nail bed and rounding the nail corners slightly. use an emery board, nail file, or rotary tool to gently smooth and round the corners.

Do not cut the nails too short or trim aggressively into the corners, as both can lead to ingrowing nails and infections.There is a common misconception that cuticles are an un necessary part of the nail and are best removed.

This is simply not true. The cuticle helps to seal the edge of the nail where it meets the skin It is an important barrier to debris and infection. It should not be removed.If a toenail is persistently painful or difficult to trim, you may want to consult a podiatrist.

A podiatrist can demonstrate trimming techniques that may alleviate the pain or, if necessary, treat the nail medically. Most nail conditions can be treated painlessly. Only a tiny percentage of people will ever need to have part or all of the nail removed to fix a toenail problem.

Can you reach your feet? The most common reason I hear from patients who have problems trimming their nails is that they cannot reach their feet. If you do not have a family mamber who can trim your toenails for you, you may have to rely on a podiatrist or footcare nurse.

Reference: Great Feet For Life: Paul langer, DPM