Toenails – trimming and filing

There are many reasons people need help with looking after their toenails and cutting them safely. You might not be able to reach your toenails easily, or have problems seeing them. If your toenails are causing you pain, or are discoloured or very thick or brittle or misshapen, or you have ingrowing nails, I can help with toenail cutting to keep your feet more comfortable.

Corns and calluses

If you suffer with corns or calluses, you will know that they are painful. The initial cause of the corn is pressure on that point of the foot, which makes a small piece of skin die. This then dries and hardens, forming a tiny painful corn.

Calluses form as areas of thick, hard skin caused by friction, for example due to misshapen bones or the wrong footwear. The foot is trying to protect itself by building up this hard skin, particularly in the elderly whose skin has less fatty tissue. Calluses also form around corns, in the body’s attempt to cushion the corn.

I can treat calluses by carefully removing the hard skin layers, so that the skin is smooth and even again. Corns are treated by first removing the callus, followed by the corn. Once calluses and corns have been removed, the pain is relieved immediately.

Ingrown and painful toenails

It is important to treat ingrown toenails early, to avoid infections. If you suffer from painful toenails for whatever reason, it is likely that you are changing the way you walk to compensate for the pain. This can lead to more problems not only with your feet, but with your legs and back.

Verrucas

A verruca is a wart, generally found on the sole of the foot. Though they are not harmful, they can cause pain when walking. This pain often increases as a callus forms over the verruca, creating a larger hard area on the sole. Treatment to the underlying verruca will depend on the needs of each individual client. There are many different treatments for a verruca, so it is important to tailor specific treatment to the health needs of each client.

Cracked heels

Over time the body builds up hard skin on heels to defend against friction caused by walking. As the callus develops, the skin becomes less supple and begins to crack. This is not just a cosmetic problem, with cracked heels looking unsightly, but can also be a source of pain. I can remove the callus, followed by smoothing the heel back so that the surface skin is soft and supple. Clients can then prevent or slow down the build up of cracked heels by regular mosturising.

Fungal infections (skin and nails)

Fungal infections are a common problem with feet, and can result in skin blistering or peeling, itchiness, redness and sweating. Nails which become infected by a fungus can become discoloured and unsightly if untreated. It is important to treat each infection according to the client’s specific presenting problems. Once the infection has healed, a programme of foot care will be recommended to prevent future infections.