Foot care nurses can definitely help with toenails that tend to be ingrown. Unfortunately, nail trimming is always a temporary solution that you have to keep up with if your nails tend to grow this way. Another option you might think about is a partial matrixectomy. If you go to a podiatrist and let them know that this is a painful, recurring problem for you, they can permanently remove the sides of the big toenails. Insurance normally pays for this. Here's a video to explain what I mean:
My Best Advice on Feet
Moisturize. Taking care of your feet begins with keeping your skin moisturized. Apply daily moisturizer (whatever lotion your doctor recommends) and pay attention. Many of my clients love Miracle Foot Repair with 60% Aloe which is what I use in my appointments. Eucerin, Cerave, Gold Bond, and Aveeno are all great as well.
Make sure to dry between your toes after showering. Fungus loves moisture!
If you notice something funky with your toenail, treat it EARLY. Fungus is much easier to treat when it is localized to a small area. Clean the nail. Trim it down. Apply your favorite remedy day and night (Vick’s Vapor Rub, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar… they all can work).
If your nail is growing thick and weird, you will need to have it sanded down in addition to topical treatment. Thickened nails will not absorb the medication. If the nail beds are significantly damaged (which happens after a lifetime of walking on our feet), treating fungal nails is extremely difficult. Regular foot care and sanding of the nails is often the best option to keep the nails in check.
Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes. Take the time to find shoes that don’t hurt. Make sure your toes have enough room and that your arches are properly supported.
If you struggle with bunions and/or hammertoes, silicone toe sleeves, cushions, or separators may be helpful. They are like wearing corrective eye glasses, though; they ONLY work while they are being worn. Don’t fall for gimmicks on the internet! Unfortunately, the singular way to permanently fix bunions or hammertoes is with corrective surgery.
Don’t ignore signs of an ingrown toenail. If a nail is not properly trimmed, a spiky piece of nail can grow undetected and under the skin causing pain and infection. Even though teenagers have the advantage of younger skin and nails, they will sometimes ignore signs of an ingrown toenail until it causes a significant problem.
Happy summer!
I hope your toes get to enjoy some sunshine!
Wise Words
I feel privileged to serve the senior community. The stories I get to hear are amazing!
There’s so much to learn from a life well-lived!
Healthy Feet are Happy Feet
After
Nails neatly trimmed and sanded, lotion applied
Before
Long nails making shoes uncomfortable, dry skin
Keep those toes in check!
Before
After
Moisturize those feet!
Lotion, lotion,
lotion
Moisturizing your feet is an important habit as you get older. If you get in the habit of giving yourself a foot massage before bed, it will help you stretch as you inspect your feet. This is a great lotion on the left (especially for diabetics) with 60% aloe, but honestly don’t wait for the perfect lotion. Anything to moisture your feet will work. Consistency is key.
Foot Care is Foundational for HEALTH
Before (with permission)
Too many people are living with painful toes. Thickened, elongated toenails make it difficult to even wear socks.
After (with permission)
Toenails are thinned and smoothed out. Socks slide on easily. Toes no longer hurt.
More Before and After Pics (with permission)
Before
after
Before
After
Before: Nails are thickened and elongated, causing shoes to not fit correctly and socks to catch.
After: Nails are reduced and smoothed with clippers and sanders. Ingrown nails are removed. Toes fit in shoes and toenails don’t catch on socks.
Tool Preparation
Here is part of my mobile foot care set up. I create a bin for each client with a clean and disinfected manual clippers, curette, gloves, file, fingernail clippers, medical towelettes, gloves, and a chlorohexadine wipe. This is usually everything I need. I do carry extra supplies with me. Everything goes into my traveling bag along with my Dremmel sanders, lotion, and my special Melrose essential oil. Of course, I carry my foot rest and folding stool along with high level disinfectant wipes, baby wipes, and hand sanitizer.
Before and After (with permission)
BEFORE…
AFTER…
BEFORE…
AFTER…
Why FEET?
I often get asked this question. Why feet? Don’t you want to do “regular” nursing?
Actually, I’ve done all kinds of nursing mostly in the hospital setting. This year marks my 20 year anniversary of being a nurse. The truth is that the longer I’m a nurse, the more apparent it is to me that a healthy life really is all about the basics. All the pharmaceuticals, surgeries, and scientific testing in the world won’t make up for the lack of daily healthy habits.
A healthy life is about basic habits of having good hygiene, about eating well and avoiding excess, about wearing well-fitting shoes. Health is about about taking care of our skin, getting out in the fresh air, stretching regularly, having a positive attitude, and maintaining nurturing relationships. None of these habits is rocket science. None of these is found in a procedure or a pill.
Don’t misunderstand. I am absolutely grateful for advanced treatments in healthcare. And yet, the older I get, the more I care about helping others with the basics… which brings me back to feet.
Healthy, happy feet are the foundation of mobility. I love spending time with my clients in a setting that is not rushed. I have the opportunity to listen and learn as I get to help in a very real and practical way. For me, helping my clients with this kind of care that is so often overlooked is at the very heart of nursing.