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Foot care

johnboy412000

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,354
Location
Huddersfield West Yorkshire
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Arrogant and ignorant people.
My wife tells me that diabetics arent allowed to cut their own toenails.She is disabled and cant reach her own feet anyways where as me being able bodied can.Having been newly diagnosed with diabetes im not yet up on the do's and dont's ill find most of that out when i go see the diabetic nurse on Thursday.I do know that ill have to have such as regular eye checks etc.
 
I don't see any diabetics doing time for cutting their own toenails

Seriously, if you are able, of course you can, but have to be careful not to cause an injury, which is true enough for anyone really. But diabetics are prone to slow healing and foot problems, so a daily check of your feet it recommended. You should also have a regular check with a Podiatrist, who will check your feet for any issues, and that you are not having numbness from diabetic neuropathy.

I've never had any problems with my feet, so I'm not sure what else they do in regard to foot care, probably they do cut toenails for those that require it, but as the appointments are quite far apart, I wouldn't imagine that they would do this on a routine basis unless you are incapable of doing it yourself.

I hope you get your "official" diagnosis soon, then you know what you're dealing with Whatever it is, there is a huge amount of information on the site, far more than you are likely to find out from the HCP's, and I hope you will find this helpful to get to grips with and manage the "D" monster .

Good luck!

Signy
 

Could your wife tell us all where she heard that? I wasn't aware of it and I always present myself at my foot inspection with my toenails having been cut by me. Nursie usually asks me if I cut them myself and I say yes.

There is not a lot she can do about it.
 

I saw a podiatrist for the first time last week. (I self-referred to the NHS one as my DN checked mine and I wasn't convinced). She told me NO-ONE should cut their own toe nails. They should be filed once or twice a week with a metal file. This should remove any need for cutting. She cut mine for me and showed me how to file them properly, so I'll give it a go.
 
Ah well i nearly always draw blood when i cut my toe nails no matter how careful i am the damned scissors seem to want to bite me lol.Trying to keep my fingers out of the way is the hard part.I then end up with at least 1 or 2 plasters on the toe(s) that have been stabbed.I find cutting my own finger nails a damned sight easier nowt gets stabbed with those.Ill mention that to the nurse on Thursday and see what she says
 


The wifes toe nails hardly seem to grow in between chiropodists visits.Wish i could say the same mine usually need doing monthly.That may change now im diabetic i dunno.
 
I've always cut my own toenails and my podiatrist is aware of that, they have never advised against it or suggested filing instead.

I would check with your diabetes nurse on Thursday.
 
noblehead said:
I've always cut my own toenails and my podiatrist is aware of that, they have never advised against it or suggested filing instead.

I would check with your diabetes nurse on Thursday.
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Thanks ive added that to the list of questions to ask the nurse
 
Podiatrist, never seen one, still waiting for second appointment with chiropodist, good thing I didn't hold breath 1st appointment was 4 years ago, shouldn't be long now though as 1st was 4 years after DN first requested it.
 
satindoll said:
Podiatrist, never seen one, still waiting for second appointment with chiropodist, good thing I didn't hold breath 1st appointment was 4 years ago, shouldn't be long now though as 1st was 4 years after DN first requested it.
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I referred myself to our NHS podiatrist. Picked up a referral form from the surgery, completed it, sent it off, got an appointment about 6 weeks later.
 
I always cut my own. I use clippers, never cut anything other than the nails.
(I need to wear my reading glasses now, otherwise I wouldn't be qute as sure of that )
I see my nurse once a year, she tickles my feet, has a look at them generally, and sends me on my way.
It depends more on the state of your health generally, what sensation you have in your feet, and how well you are at cutting them, more than a hard and fast rule.
 
satindoll said:
Podiatrist, never seen one, still waiting for second appointment with chiropodist, good thing I didn't hold breath 1st appointment was 4 years ago, shouldn't be long now though as 1st was 4 years after DN first requested it.
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Blimey Satin doll thats an awful long wait
 


Ive got some of those clippers and struggle to use em properly.Have always found scissors better to handle and work
 
Not for me clippers first then nail file to finish off, hands shake to much for scissors.
 
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