In most cases, yes; they regularly assist patients with toenail care. While cutting toenails may seem like a simple matter of grooming, there are actually many patients who have problems with their toenails or feet that prevent them from cutting them without professional help.
Costs of Nail Trimming
For a special treatment that includes exfoliation, nail and cuticle trimming, fungus prevention, and maybe even a foot massage, the average cost across the country is about $35.00 to $40.00.
How often should you ask for the help of a specialist? Toenails grow about two millimeters per month, so your loved one may need a trim every six to eight weeks.
Podiatry treatment for thickened toenails
Our podiatrists regularly reduce thickened toenails as part of a general foot care treatment (medical pedicure). This involves nail cutting, removal of corns and callus, followed by application of a heel balm, making your feet feel great again.
Your podiatrist can help you take care of not only your feet and ankles, but also your toenails. One very common condition that podiatrists treat are fungal toenail infections.
Medicare will cover the treatment of corns, calluses, and toenails once every 61 days in persons having certain systemic conditions. Examples of such conditions include: Diabetes with peripheral arterial disease, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic phlebitis.
You should visit a podiatrist when you notice any discoloration, thickening, or deformity of your toenails. The earlier you seek professional treatment, the greater your chance at getting your nails to clear.
Once your toe is numbed using a local anesthetic, the toenail is removed and an acid (Phenol) is applied to stop the nail cells from ever producing a toenail. This will eliminate the regrowth of the thickened toenail permanently.
Poorly trimmed toenails can cause painful broken nails and ingrown toenails. And if you have diabetes, poorly trimmed toenails could put your overall health at serious risk. In many ways, good foot health starts with proper toenail trimming techniques.
Long nails can cut into adjoining toes and this can lead to infection. Long nails are also more prone to pushing against footwear and this can cause trauma to the nail plate and lead to thickened toenails. Excess pressure on toenails can also lead to corns and callus developing underneath the nail plate, causing pain.
Surgical Treatment for Thick Toenails
In some cases, the thick toenail can be surgically removed in order to relieve pressure and eliminate the infected tissue underneath. Topical anti-fungal medication is then applied until the nail completely returns.
Generally, podiatry services are not covered by Medicare. However, if you have a chronic medical condition like diabetes or osteoarthritis you may be eligible to access podiatry services under a Medicare enhanced primary care plan.
A podiatrist can safely remove hard skin on your feet and clip your toenails correctly. They can also tell you what kinds of shoes are best for your feet.
Medicare will cover treatments for treatment for an ingrown toenail as long as your doctor deems it medically necessary. A podiatrist will remove the section of your toenail that has become ingrown and is causing you pain. They may prescribe you antibiotics to treat any underlying infection.
The growth rate of nails decreases when people get older. This results in thickening because nail cells pile up. The process of nail cells piling up is referred to as onychocytes. Another reason why fingernails don't thicken as much is their growth rate is smaller than the growth rate of toenails.
This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.
Several causes result in developing thick toenails. The main cause is onychomycosis or fungal infection of the nails caused by dermatophytes (nail fungus). Physical trauma, Psoriasis,Lichen planus and diabetes may also cause thick nails to develop. Traditionally, oral antifungal treatments were prescribed.
It can also leave your toenail susceptible to infection — plus, it hurts! Cut nails when they're dry, not wet. Wet nails may be likely to tear, bend, or not cut smoothly because they're softer when wet. Cutting dry nails will give you a cleaner, smoother cut.
Visit a Podiatrist
Visiting a podiatrist regularly allows them to assess your overall foot health and share proper toenail trimming techniques. If you can't trim your own toenails, a podiatrist can do that during your visit.
Surgical removal of a nail might be necessary with severe fungus, recurrent ingrown toenails, or when a large section of a nail is diseased or damaged. After medical removal, it can take up to 18 months for a nail to fully regrow.
It'll ask you questions about your current foot problems, medical conditions, medications taken, and any previous surgeries. You'll be asked about your habits related to your feet, and the questionnaire will include questions about your family medical history.
Under the list of home health aide functions provided by DPH, nail care is an acceptable function (except that which requires a podiatrist).
It's best to cut nails straight across and to use a file to smooth out rough spots or edges. If you find it too hard to cut your parent's toenails or are worried about not doing a good enough job, then book your parent in for a podiatry appointment.