Nail care and toenail cutting
What is Nail Care and Toenail Cutting?
Why is Nail Care and Toenail Cutting important?
How can you provide Nail Care and Toenail Cutting?
There are a number of simple things that we can all do to promote healthy feet, good nail care and toenail cutting.
- Careful daily washing of your feet with a mild soap and warm water, ensuring that you wash and dry carefully between the toes, will help prevent cracked skin and athlete’s foot.
- Moisturise your feet with a moisturising foot cream following washing to nourish and protect the skin.
- Check your feet for signs of damage or underlying problems such as corns, callous, skin spits, nail problems or foot infections. Foot pain is not normal and you do not need to suffer. Our podiatrists at Total Foot Health will have the answer and be able to get you mobile and pain free quickly and efficiently.
- Keep your toenails trimmed and avoid sharp, rough edges. Using a good file is invaluable. You should trim your nails across the toe, following the slight curve of the end of the toe. You should avoid the temptation to delve deeply into the sides of the nail because this could cause infections or ingrowing nail problems.
If you are struggling to cut your nails or have awkward or very thick nails then let us know. Our specialist team have the clinical equipment and experience to deal with the problem for you.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nail Care & Toenail Cutting
Why is proper toenail cutting important?
Cutting your nails correctly helps prevent painful problems like ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and cracked skin. It also helps you spot early signs of foot conditions.
How should I cut my toenails?
Trim straight across the nail, following the natural curve of the toe. Avoid cutting down into the sides, as this can lead to infections or ingrown nails.
What if I struggle to cut my own nails?
If you have thick, awkward, or hard-to-reach nails, a podiatrist can trim them safely and comfortably using specialised equipment.
Can nail care prevent other foot problems?
Yes. Good nail care can reduce the risk of infections like athlete’s foot and help spot issues like fungal nails or corns before they worsen.
Do you offer toenail cutting as a treatment?
Yes – our podiatrists offer professional toenail cutting and nail care as part of regular foot health appointments or standalone sessions.
What else can I do for healthy feet?
Wash daily with mild soap, dry carefully (especially between toes), moisturise your feet, and check regularly for changes. If anything feels off, book in for a check-up.
At-Home Nail Care vs Podiatry Treatment
| Care Task | At-Home | Professional (TFH) |
|---|---|---|
| Toenail trimming | ✔ | ✔ (with precision tools) |
| Shaping & smoothing rough edges | ✔ (with a good file) | ✔ (safe, hygienic finish) |
| Checking for foot conditions | ✔ (with care & research) | ✔ (by trained specialists) |
| Managing thick or problem nails | ✘ (difficult or unsafe) | ✔ |
| Preventing infections | ✔ (with hygiene) | ✔ (clinical-level care) |
| Comfortable, pain-free experience | Depends | ✔ |