Toe nails

My chiropodist cuts my nails as part of my appointment. I am diabetic so I look after my feet and go every eight weeks.

Mine did the same. For me (and this seems counter intuitive) what worked was to let them grow longer and to regularly file them just a tiny bit to keep the corners and sharp bits rounded. I found this out accidentally when I hurt my arm and couldn't use clippers on my toes but could still file them. They are now "normal" with a space at the back but don't catch on my socks and tights.

I got something like these off the net, no idea about this company the the clippers are good.

ballerinanails.com/products/professional-nail-clipper?variant=35709565927577¤cy=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2020-02-27&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=Cj0KCQiAlMCOBhCZARIsANLid6YN9sSb9CUDFEi6Sktd3wuRJj9P1fm5GcEmb5RVp8cp7sJv9FZw-LoaAgdjEALw_wcB

We both go to a podiatrist every 8 weeks as my husband is diabetic and I cannot do my nails as well as she can.

I see a podiatrist/chiropodist only when nails are scratching the floor as he charges a lot. £52.
I have very curved nails and can’t easily reach so an experienced chiropodist is essential. Mine understands my Ingrowing Problem and I would not wish to repeat the painful nail surgery I needed some years ago.
There was a time when pensioners got free chiropody but that appears to have disappeared now,

Podiatrist every 5 weeks for me.

I went to a podiatrist after my hip replacement as I couldn't bend to cut them myself. He said I had a 'vascular tuft'. This is an area where the nail is very close to the skin behind it. Sounds like what the OP has?
I only had to go twice. I did apologise for going for something as trivial as a trim but was assured that this was looked on a routine maintenance. It was expensive I thought it well worth it. My feet were so happy after it!

I can’t reach before my replacement Aveline, putting on socks impossible too. I have waited 6 months fir a hospital appt only to find the referral was not received, it has to start all over again and I will be at the end of the list.

Age uk have some toenail care/cutting/podiatry services.

www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/foot-care/

I know what you mean about the skin growing high up to the back of your nails, it does make it difficult.

I've just been having a bit of a look online, and these clippers seem excellent.
They are the sort that I use at work (and I have done extra training on foot and nail care - and am certified safe to be let loose on nails!)

May be a long link, for those with a fear of clicking.

BEZOX Precision Toenail Clippers for Thick or Ingrown Toenails - Thick Nails - W/Metal Box www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MQQS5US/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_0BGJP85B6KF5WCJE4CBV?tag=gransnetforum-21

They are on offer, too.
They have a thin edge that can get to the nail without touching the skin behind.
They are wider apart from that edge, so it stops anyone from going too far down (if you see what I mean!)

I use the kind of clippers that look like pliers.

Filing your nails might work better than cutting them

Yes, of course a chiropodist will cut your toe nails - a great many people inour age group either can't reach their toe nails, or like me, can't see them properly.

Well, so much for my "personal shopper" skills.
I started reading about the clippers in my link and now I've bought a pair myself!

I am ‘only’ a beauty therapist but have been cutting toenails for 50years. If that is all you need find a therapist. We charge about the same as a podiatrist but you get a soak, a foot massage, hard skin removal and a polish included. What’s not to like?
I use the plier type of instrument from Batten Edwards. Excellent products but expensive .
Sounds like you don’t file if your nails are catching on your tights.

PamelaJ1

I am ‘only’ a beauty therapist but have been cutting toenails for 50years. If that is all you need find a therapist. We charge about the same as a podiatrist but you get a soak, a foot massage, hard skin removal and a polish included. What’s not to like?
I use the plier type of instrument from Batten Edwards. Excellent products but expensive .
Sounds like you don’t file if your nails are catching on your tights.

I go for a Pedi every 4 - 6 weeks every since my THR 7 years ago, just had my TKR so I struggle. Love it... Toe Nails clipped or filed, no hard skin massage and Toes nails painted beautifully. Takes about an hour and worth it.

MissAdventure that could be what I’m looking for. One big toe nail has formed a ridge in the middle and keeps ingrowing on one side and is very difficult to cut not to mention painful - especially when the dog treads on my foot with her claws, ouch!

I know what you mean. They grow into a sort of triangle shape.
It's so inconvenient having all this going on at the ends of your legs, when it's hard to see, or get comfortable enough to spend time surveying.

I'm told there are no old fashioned 'chiropodists' in town and that I must attend a podiatrist's practise. I'm pleased to see many of you do this as it seemed a bit of an 'ordinary' thing to ask of a person with such an important title.

I would look for a simple toenail cutting service, as it's cheaper, if possible.
Foot care is strange, there are people who have studied for years, others who have done much less in depth training, and people who just cut nails, perhaps with a few hours of study and a certificate.

My nextdoor site has a cutting service advertised. £25 for a home visit. I havent tried them yet, but they are very busy and get great feedback.

I have some exactly like the metal box clippers, they are wonderful and have never cut my skin. Fortunately I can still reach, the nails get hard so I do them straight after a shower

Oh that's good news, thanks.

MissAdventure I have the clippers you recommend in your link and they are brilliant. Razor sharp and great for very thick nails. The only thing I would say is be very aware of where the points of the blades are in relation to adjacent toes, it's easy to nip the next toe if you're not careful!

Oh, thank you.

Duly noted, as my toes are all leaning on eachother these days.