Thick and hard-to-cut toenails in Esperance
Trimming your toenails sounds like one of the simplest jobs there is. But for many people it's one of the hardest. Toenails can become thick, hard or misshapen, so ordinary clippers simply won't cut them. And plenty of people can no longer see or reach their feet well enough to do it safely.
If that's you, you're not alone. It's one of the most common reasons people come to see us, and it's exactly what podiatrists are here for.
Why toenails become thick or misshapen
Toenails often change as we get older. They tend to grow more slowly, become thicker and harder, and can change shape. Common causes include:
Age: nails naturally thicken and grow more slowly over time
Past injury: stubbing a toe, dropping something on it, or losing a nail can change how it grows from then on
Pressure from footwear: years of tight or short shoes pressing on the nail
Fungal infection: fungal nails are often thick, discoloured and crumbly. See [fungal toenail infections]
Circulation and general health: conditions that affect blood flow can change nail growth
Skin conditions: such as psoriasis
Sometimes a nail becomes very thick and starts to curl over, like a ram's horn. Other nails curve down at the sides and dig into the skin. See [ingrown toenails] for more on curved nails.
Why ordinary clippers don't work
Standard nail clippers are made for thin, flat nails. With a thick or curved toenail:
the jaws may not open wide enough to fit around the nail
the blades can slip, or crush and split the nail instead of cutting it
it takes a lot of hand strength, which is hard if you have arthritis or a weak grip
it's easy to cut too close and nick the skin, or leave a sharp corner that digs in later
Forcing it can split the nail, cut the skin or leave a jagged edge, and a small cut can turn into an infection. This matters more if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced feeling in your feet, or you take blood thinners. In those cases, it's safer to let us do it.
When you can't see or reach your feet
Even with good clippers, cutting your own toenails needs you to bend down, hold your foot steady, see clearly and grip firmly, all at the same time. That's hard for many people, including those with:
arthritis in the hands, back, hips or knees
back or hip pain, or after a hip or knee replacement
poor eyesight
reduced flexibility or balance
pregnancy
a larger body size, which makes reaching the feet difficult
recovery from surgery or illness
If you're finding it harder than it used to be, that's very common, and there's no need to struggle or put it off.
What happens at your appointment
Rebecca will:
trim your toenails with professional-grade instruments, following the natural shape of each nail
thin thick nails with a nail drill, so they're more comfortable in your shoes and easier to manage
smooth the corners so there are no sharp edges to dig into the skin
check your skin for corns, callus, cracks or anything that needs attention, and treat what she finds
finish with a good-quality moisturiser on your feet
The nail drill is gentle and painless. It simply files away the excess thickness, a little like a fine sanding tool.
How often?
Most people come back every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how quickly their nails grow. Regular visits keep your nails at a comfortable length and thickness, so they never get out of hand.
If you can reach your feet: a better clipper
If you can see and reach your feet comfortably but your nails are tough to cut, the right tool makes a big difference. We sell BlisterPod toenail clippers at the clinic. They're designed for thick, tough nails, with sharp stainless steel blades for a clean cut and a non-slip grip that's easier on the hands if you have arthritis or a weak grip.
After cutting, file the corners so they're rounded and smooth. Ask us at your next visit and we can show you how.
BlisterPod Toenail Clippers for thick and hard-to-cut toenails
For family and carers
If you're booking for a parent or someone you care for, you're welcome to come along to the appointment. We can also let you know what to keep an eye on between visits.
Book an appointment
If your toenails are thick, hard to cut, or just out of reach, book in with Rebecca at Esperance Podiatry. No referral is needed.
Call (08) 9072 1514 or visit us at Suite B, 116 Dempster Street, Esperance.