Foot care - how often?

[DeafDiabetic]

On the NHS I see the chiropodist/podiarist 4 times a year (an arrangement before I was diagnosed as diabetic approx 3 months ago). Every time I go my toenails are always uncomfortably long. Should I be going more often or should I do it privately in between the NHS sessions?

Any advice appreciated, thanks!

 

[G4WIL]

On the NHS I see the chiropodist/podiarist 4 times a year (an arrangement before I was diagnosed as diabetic approx 3 months ago). Every time I go my toenails are always uncomfortably long. Should I be going more often or should I do it privately in between the NHS sessions?

Any advice appreciated, thanks!

My diabetic nurse told me that the podiatrists function was care of feet/legs and looking out for problems associated with diabetes such as loss of feeling/ unnoticed damage neurophathy and not chiropody .This (the cutting of ones nails is down to the patient ) unless of course other conditions warrant free chiropody services !

John Wilkinson

 

[Hobs]

However you get your nails trimmed is up to you, but to keep them long to a point where toe damage can occur is courting trouble. Tissue damage with diabetes can lead to more trouble with slow healing wounds and potential for infections.

 

[HLW]

My toes would be in a terrible state if I only cut the nails every four months. My understanding was like John said, that these appointments were't for pedicures (I don't mean nail polish, I mean cutting nails!) they were to see if there are problems with your feet.
I hope that the NHS provide nail cutting services if you are unable to do it yourself, but fear this is not the case.