How to cut your toenails properly

Cutting toenails is an essential part of everyone’s life and although it may seem simple, you should be fully concentrated on the job.
Toenail cutting can be done yourself at the comfort of your home; some people get to the point when they feel they require help.
You should be fine to attempt to cut your own toenails provided you can see properly and can comfortably reach your feet.

Make sure you:

• cut your nails straight across otherwise you might encourage an ingrown toenail.
• use a proper toenail clippers and keep them for own personal use only. Disinfect after each use to keep them clean and so control infection.
• use a file to smooth out the edges. A few vigorous file movements from the top will keep your toenails smooth and unlikely to catch on the socks or tights.
• do not cut your cuticles. They serve as a natural protection against bacteria and germs.
• sit down comfortably, avoid standing on one leg when trimming your toenails (especially on slippery surfaces) to minimise the risk of self-harm.

​My patients who attend routine podiatry appointments for nail cutting often joke that their feet are ‘getting further away with age!’

​Compromised eyesight, difficulty bending, backache, osteoarthritis in their hands or shaky hands are the main reasons they have decided to see me and have their toenails done professionally.

Other group of people that come in are diabetic or immuno-compromised patients who want to avoid the risk of infection. They realise that, while their healing time is longer, unrecognised or unaddressed even small cut on their toe can lead to infection and further complication. They appreciate having their feet checked over and treatment performed via the use of instruments sterilised in the autoclave.

Finally, ingrown toenails, thick due to previous trauma or fungal infection toenails that need extra attention are commonly seen and dealt with here.