Diabetes Foot Care
You're more likely to have foot problems with diabetes because it can damage your nerves and lessen blood flow to your feet. The American Diabetes Association estimates that it's the reason why 1 in 5 people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so. You have to take care of your feet when you have diabetes. Poor foot care may lead to amputation of a foot or leg. Your doctor will check yours each year for problems. If you take good care of your feet, you can prevent most serious problems related to diabetes. Use mild soaps and warm water. Pat your skin dry; do not rub. Thoroughly dry your feet. After washing, put lotion on them to prevent cracking. But not between your toes! Look carefully at the tops and bottoms of your feet. Have someone else do it if you can't see them. Check for dry, cracked skin. Look for blisters, cuts, scratches, or other sores. Check for redness, increased warmth, or tenderness when you touch an area. Watch for ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses. If you get a blister or sore from your shoes, don't "pop" it. Put a bandage over it, and wear a different pair of shoes. Cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft. Trim them straight across, then smooth with a nail file. Avoid cutting into the corners of toes. You may want a podiatrist (foot doctor) to do it for you. Don't cut cuticles. Walk and work out in comfortable shoes. Don't exercise when you have open sores on your feet. Continue reading >>
Why Is It Bad To Cut A Diabetics Finger Nails? | Yahoo Answers
Why is it bad to cut a diabetics finger nails? Are you sure you want to delete this answer? Best Answer: It isn't BAD to cut a diabetic's finger nails, but it should be done by someone with a steady hand and good eyesight so the diabetic's fingers aren't accidentally nipped or cut. This is because of decreased blood flow to the extremities in diabetics (whose disease has progressed that far). The nick or cut may not be felt and go unnoticed and therefore untreated---- becoming infected which causes a risk of gangrene resulting in amputation. (plus their wounds don't heal well either) Source(s): Two Weeks Diabetes Cure : Source(s): Secrets To Reverse Diabetes - I have never heard anything about not cutting a diabetics finger nails, it is usually toe nails that are the issue because they can have so many problems with their feet. Insurance will actually pay for a diabetic to have a podiatrist cut and file their toe nails (of course there is a co pay). Any diabetic has to be careful about wounds or injuries because they take longer to heal than on a regular person. why is it bad to cut a diabetics finger nails? Source(s): bad cut diabetics finger nails: I am writing to tell you what an incredible impact these methods had on my life! I have had type 2 diabetes for 27 years. For me, the worst part of this horrible disease is the severe pain I constantly get in my feet. The pain is so bad that I avoid standing and walking as much as possible. I've got to tell you that within the first month, my feet stopped hurting altogether and I can now walk totally pain free. Believe it or not, I even danced at my niece's wedding last month, something I have not done in a many years. I've been following the book for six months now and my blood sugar is well within normal range. I feel gr Continue reading >>
9 Pedicure Safety Tips For People With Diabetes
9 Pedicure Safety Tips for People With Diabetes Sign Up for Our Living with Diabetes Newsletter Sign up for more FREE Everyday Health newsletters . By Athena Philis-Tsimikas, MD, Special to Everyday Health Summertime is beach and sandal weather, whichmeans your feet and toes are more frequently on display. Professional pedicures can help your toes look their best and pamper your feet, but too often poor sanitation practices, shared tools, and the work of overzealous nail technicians can result in skin injuries or infections . Pedicure problems can happen to anyone, but if you have type 2diabetes , you need to be especially careful about protecting your feet . An infection can raise your blood sugar levels, which, in turn, can interfere with proper healing and increase your risk of serious complications likeulcers or even amputation. Before you schedule a pedicure, check with your physician to make sure its okay to have one. Once you getthe green light, do your feet a favor and learn what to look for and what to avoid at nail salons. Taking a few basic precautions can significantly reduce infection risks and lead to a safer, more pleasant experience. Know when to postpone a pedicure. If you currently have any infections, cuts, or open sores on your legs, feet, or toenails, skip the salon since these will make you even more vulnerable to problems. Instead, contact your physician for a referral to a podiatrist or other professional who is medically trained to care for feet. Avoid shaving your legs for a day or two before your pedicure. Shaving can leave tiny nicks in your skin (even if you cant see them) and increase the chance of infection. Its fine to shave afterward. Stick with a salon that is clean and practices impeccable sanitation. Tell the manager you have diabete Continue reading >>
Q&a: Is There A Regulation About Who Can Cut Residents' Nails?
Q&A: Is there a regulation about who can cut residents' nails? by Betty Frandsen, MHA, NHA, RN, CDONA/LTC, C-NE-MT | Feb 24, 2015 Q:Is there a regulation preventing CNAs or nurses from cutting fingernails in a SNF? Is there somewhere I can reference this? A:There is no regulation preventing CNAs or nurses from cutting fingernails in a SNF. In the State Operations Manual Appendix PP, F241 Dignity, CMS instructs surveyors to determine that staff carries out activities that assist the resident to maintain and enhance his/her self-esteem and self-worth. An example given is, "grooming residents as they wish to be groomed" and includes "nails clean and clipped." When a resident has an identified problem with his/her nails, is on blood thinners, or has diabetes, some facilities require by policy that a nurse perform nail care rather than a CNA. Nail care is a component of CNA training. If your facility has an approved CNA training program, you can review the section on ADLs and look for nail care. If you do not have a program, contact a provider of CNA training in your area to obtain information on content for nail care training. You can also contact your state's agency that approves CNA training programs to learn of curriculum requirements and competency testing for this topic. It is worth mentioning here that F328 Special Needs in the SOM addresses foot care, including a requirement that nail disorders of the feet be treated by qualified persons such as a podiatrist, MD, or DO. Continue reading >>
Trimming Those Tricky Diabetic Toenails
You are getting ready to trim your diabetic patients toenails. What exactly does that all involve? Well, first you need the proper tools. A set of toenail nippers, nail file, and orange stick are typically used. Always follow your facility or healthcare’s settings policy for infection control. Single use disposable equipment is favorable. You have gathered your equipment to trim the patients toenails, now what? Nails are easiest to trim after a bath or soak for 10min to soften nails. The soaking of diabetics feet should only be done by a healthcare professional. You can clean under the patients toenail with an orange stick (wearing gloves), wiping on a clean washcloth in between each toe during soaking. . After soaking and washing of the feet are completed, dry the patients feet completely. Wash your hands and put on gloves to trim the toenails. Use your dominant hand to hold the nipper. Start with the small toe and work your way medial toward the great toe. Squeeze the nipper to make small nips to cut along the curve of the toenail. Be careful not to cut the skin. Use your index finger to block any flying nail fragments. Nippers are used like a pair of scissors – make small cuts, never cut the nail in one clip all the way across the nail. Never use two hands on the nipper. The nail is trimmed in small clips in a systematic manner. The nail should be cut level with the tips of the toes, never cut so short or to break the seal between the nail and the nail bed. The shape of the nail should be cut straight across and an emery board should be used to slightly round the edges. When filing nails always use long strokes in one direction, avoid using a back and forth sawing motion. When all toes have been trimmed and filed, remove gloves and wash hands. Apply clean gloves Continue reading >>
Diabetes & Nail Trimming - Diabetes In Dogs: The K9diabetes.com Forum
Anything Else We Should Save Miscellaneous collection of other valuable threads from the forums. As I understand it diabetes slows healing & the dog is more prone to infections? How does this relate to trimming nails? My wife trims our permanent dogs' nails & occasionally draws some blood. They can be more prone to infections with uncontrolled diabetes. I really think its in their genes. I don't think if you happend to hit the quik of a nail its a problem, as this has happened to Niki at the vet, once when we got in the car I saw her dew claw was bleeding and they applied more of that (skytic powder?) but I have also nipped her on occassion but never got any infection from it. I can't say Niki has had any real infections in all these years other than her bout with the diarrhea, and the UTI if it was a UTI that just happened a few months ago. Can you see the quik on Lucys nails or all they are black? Black ones are the hardest, thats what Niki has, so I more or less have to take her to the vet, cost is $15.00 but its better than fighting her to do it There is a better pet trimmer out, runs about $60.00 its not like that one on TV maybe in time I will buy one, maybe for "Valentines Day" a gift for myself . Let me know if you need the link to this nail trimmer. Dolly & Niki passed 2010, 45 lb Border Collie Mix 8 yrs as diabetic, 13yrs old. Blind N 10.5 U 2 X * Dog is God spelled backwards*If there are no dogs in Heaven then when I die I want to go where they went. Niki's food Orijen & Turkey & Gr. Beans, See you at the bridge my beloved & cherished Niki, I miss you everyday From the time Ricky was a puppy until he was diagnosed at age 4, he had his nails trimmed at the nail shop where I had my nails done. The manicurist there kept a trimmer just for him (shh, don't tell a Continue reading >>
Where Can I Find Someone To Come To My House To Trim Mom's Fingernails And Toenails? - Agingcare.com
Where can I find someone to come to my house to trim Mom's fingernails and toenails? Call your favorite nail salon and ask if someone would step outside to your car and trim her nails. If they agree, put her in the car on the front seat passenger side. Drive to the nail salon after calling them first, then drive up and call them from your car. Have cash ready. Swing her around to face the nail trimmer. It will only take a few minutes. Pay, say thank you, and drive home. This is less expensive than having a care-giver come to you home for just that. I'd prefer in home, I am pretty much looking for a podiatrist in the Glen Burnie area to do this even if it costs a little more. I agree Millie, your Mom would need to see a Podiatrist for her toe nails because as one ages those nails become quite difficult to cut. I would do an internet search for Podiatrist in Anne Arundel County [I assume you live in Maryland] who make house calls. Drive through nail cutting.............now there's a thought. Would they trim nose hairs and the whiskers on the chin thing too you think? Maybe they could add that to the Macdonald's drive through menu. "I'd like a big mac, large fries and my big toenail trimmed. LOL My mother's Sr Center has a "foot care day" where (I thought!!) a podiatrist was coming in to cut toenails and do diabetic foot checkups (whilst drumming up a little side business)..so I felt that was one thing with mother I could "ignore". Whomever has been cutting her nails should be shot! She wore open toe sandals to a party and I saw her toenails and it looked as if beavers had been chewing at her feet! Her nails were yellow, thick and looked as if they had been ripped off in a very random way. Some were cut super short and had obviously bled, the big toes were left too long a Continue reading >>
To Be Frank, There Is No 'right' Way To Cut Toenails. | Indiana Podiatry Group
At-Home Pedicure: Podiatrist Explain the Right Way to Cut Toenails To be frank, there is no 'right' way to cut toenails. Every person has their own individual taste for how long they would like their nails to be- a sort of 'comfort zone'. Nails can be whatever reasonable length you feel comfortable with. However, keep in mind that excessively long nails can irritate the skin to the toe next to the nail, and are also at greater risk for being pulled off in an injury. Additionally, nails that are cut too short can place the skin directly under the nail at greater risk for injury during the nail cutting itself. It is also a common myth that the way you cut your nails has an effect on how the nail grows. The nail grows from a group of cells under the skin at the base of the nail called the nail matrix. These cells are not influenced by the shape of the nail at the end. You cannot 'cause' an ingrown nail to form by cutting the nail a certain way. However, if you cut the nail too closely along the nail corner and 'nip' a little of the skin next to the nail, the skin can become inflamed, and an already existing ingrown toenail that was previously painless can become painful as the inflamed skin presses into the nail. For this reason, probably the single best way to cut a toenail is simply straight across, to avoid irritating the skin. Cutting the nail straight across is of great importance if you are diabetic, have poor circulation to your feet, or have poor sensation (peripheral neuropathy) outside of diabetes. Skin injuries during the trimming of your own nails can have serious consequences, such as sores and infections. Some diabetics have lost toes to amputations due to infections from self-inflicted injuries after trimming their own nails. In fact, we strongly recommend Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Yellow Nails: Is There A Connection?
Why do nails turn yellow? Whether they’re short or long, thick or thin, your nails can reveal a lot of secrets about your health. Changes to the texture, thickness, or color can signal that you’re sick before other symptoms appear. When you have a chronic disease such as diabetes, it’s even more important to pay attention to the health of your nails. Changes in nail color and thickness could warn of a more serious health problem. If your nails have turned yellow and you haven’t painted them that color or injured them, most often it’s because you’ve picked up an infection. Usually the culprit is a fungus. In rare cases, the color change can stem from a condition called yellow nail syndrome. People with this disorder also have lymphedema, or swelling in their body. Yellow nail syndrome also causes fluid in the lungs. Other possible reasons why your nails can turn yellow include: bronchiectasis, or damaged airways overusing nail polish without giving your nails a break certain medications, such as quinacrine (Atabrine) carotenoids, especially beta carotene In some people with diabetes, the nails take on a yellowish hue. Often this coloring has to do with the breakdown of sugar and its effect on the collagen in nails. This kind of yellowing isn’t harmful. It doesn’t need to be treated. But in certain cases, yellowing can be a sign of a nail infection. People with diabetes are more likely than those without diabetes to get a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This infection usually affects the toenails. The nails will turn yellow and become brittle. The thickening that comes along with yellow nails can make it harder and more painful for you to walk. Thickened nails are also sharper than usual. They can dig into the skin of your foot. If you do get a cut Continue reading >>
Nail Care For People With Diabetes
You are here: Home PPC Landing Page Nail Care for People With Diabetes Diabetes nail care is a very important topic. Many people think that the painted nails are a decoration for our feet and hands. However, nails help protect our toes and fingers from injury. It is also important to note that the way your nails look also give a pretty good indication of your overall health. People who have diabetes often develop a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This is a condition that reduces the feelings in the toes and fingers. If you have diabetes, then you may not know that you have injured your foot until the infection has developed. That is why diabetics are at an increased risk for developing a number of foot problems, including circulation problems that reduce the amount of oxygen and blood that flows to the feet. Cuts, sores and cracks may seem like minor problems. However, these problems can eventually lead to ulcers, which can warrant the need for an amputation. Fortunately, there are a number of things that diabetics can do to take care of their feet. Below are some essential foot care tips for diabetics: You want to make sure that you go to your doctor to get your feet checked a couple of times per year. Your primary care doctor will most likely refer you to a podiatrist, a doctor who has been trained to address foot problems. Another Important Diabetic Nail Care Tip-Check Your Feet Daily You will need to examine your own feet on a daily basis. Sores, bunions, cracked skin, wounds and cuts are examples of things that you should check for when you look at your feet. You also want to make sure that you look out for swelling and redness because those are signs of inflammation. Furthermore, pay close attention to coolness or warmness. If your feet are warm, then that Continue reading >>
- American Diabetes Association® Releases 2018 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, with Notable New Recommendations for People with Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
- Foot care for people with diabetes: prevention of complications and treatment
- Lucozade is changing its formula and people with diabetes have been warned that they need to take care
Cna Skill: Performing Nail Care
Patients who are unable to care for their own finger or toe nails will require your assistance in keeping nails clean and trimmed. If your patient is unconcious or medicated, they can easily scratch their own skin, which can lead to infection. Nail beds host a variety of microorganisms that can cause infection in your patient, and proper care will preven the spread of infection. If your patient is undergoing anticoagulation therapy, do not perfom nail care as the medication can cause increased bleeding. Patients who are diabetic should have nail care performed by a doctor because diabetes causes a decrease in the ability of tissue to repair itself. Even a very tiny cut on the foot can lead to an ulcer. Before you care for any patients nails, check with your facility to be sure that cutting nails is within the scope of duties for a nurses aide. You will need training to properly cut nails, but the following guidelines will always need to be followed: Before you begin nail care, wash your hands and put gloves on. Ensure equipment such as scissors or trimmers are clean and sterile to prevent passing on infection. As you cut each nail, ensure there are no sharp or jagged edges. Sharp edges can cause cuts to the patients skin, increasing the risk of infection transmission through breakage in the skin. Inspect the patients nail beds as you work to look for signs of inflamation or fungal growth. If you observe discoloration or signs of infection, report it to the nurse. Proper nail care can reduce the transmission of disease because the hands and feet are often exposed to many microorganisms which can grow quickly in the nail beds. This procedure will also help the patient to remain comfortable and allow you to look for signs of infection that can lead to complications. 2) Wa Continue reading >>
How To Cut Your Fingernails And Toenails
Three Parts: Preparing to Cut Cutting Nails Filing Nails Community Q&A It's important to keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed. If they grow too long and too wild, they may become sharp, jagged, and dangerous. You don't need to trim too much you'll just want to tidy up your nails every few weeks to ensure that they are growing healthily. Read on for tips and techniques that you can use to keep your nails in check. Wash your hands and feet. Soak your nails for a few minutes before you cut them this softens the calcified growths and makes them easier to trim. If your nails are less brittle, you may be less likely to split them. Dry your hands and feet after washing. You can cut your nails while they are wet, but you may have more control over the cut if you are working in a dry environment. This step is especially important for toenails. Toenails tend to be thicker and tougher than fingernails, especially on your big toe. Choose your cutting tool. You can use nail clippers or manicure scissors. The choice is largely a matter of preference. Consider the pros and cons of each option: Nail clippers are cheap, simple, and widely available. They cut your nails along a set concave edge which can be very convenient if the clippers fit your nails, but frustrating if the crescent is too large or too small. [1] Toenail clippers usually feature a heavier bite and a straighter edge to contend with thicker nails and the risk of ingrown toenails. Manicure scissors are less common than nail clippers, but some people greatly prefer them. You may need somewhat more finesse to trim your nails with manicure scissors. However, you also have more control over the arc of the cut. As their name suggests, manicure scissors are usually best-suited to hand care. You'll want to use a heavier- Continue reading >>
Nail Clinic At Mcdowell Podiatry Group | Mcdowell Podiatry
Medical Nail Care: We Can Trim Your Problems Away Did you know that manatees have fingernails on their flippers? Thats because the cute, sea-dwelling mammals, also known as sea cows, used to be land creatures that had forelimbs for walking on the land. Now, scientists speculate that they use the tips to prevent abrasion on their flippers and grip the sand on the bottom of the ocean bed when they paddle, just like we use our fingernails for daily tasks like opening, scratching, and picking at things, and toenails for extra grip when pushing off with our feet. When you notice nail conditions that inhibit daily functions like running, walking, and even standing, you should think about getting care at our nail clinic. From medical nail trimming to treating fungal nails, weve got you covered. Our Nail Clinic at McDowell Podiatry Group We treat all types of nails at our nail clinic, which is across the hall from the main office at McDowell Podiatry Group. We have three dedicated, certified pedicurists who run this clinic four days a week. If you have a question about a nail problem, our doctors are eager and always available to give you advice. Make sure you book an appointment as soon as you feel its necessary. Our clinic sees a patient every 15 minutes, which can make it a pretty bustling area! We offer medical nail care for hard-to-trim toenails . Some conditions that would require a podiatrist to trim your nails would include diabetic feet , ingrown toenails, and toenail fungus. When you have diabetic feet, nail trimming needs to be approached with extreme caution, because diabetics have poor circulation that causes slow healing for wounds. If you cut your toes while trimming your nails, the cut could become infected, which could develop into a full-blown diabetic ulcer Continue reading >>
Why Do Diabetics Have To Be Careful Cutting Their Toenails?
Most of us put very little thought into cutting our toenails. It’s an everyday chore that we all have to do and with no enjoyment. We spend a lot of time on our feet so it stands to reason we should take good care of them instead of just hiding them away buried under socks and shoes. So, why do diabetics have be careful cutting their toenails? If you are diabetic you may or may not be aware of the implications of not cutting your toenails correctly. Other than being a bit scratchy and catching on your socks there are a whole host of other reasons as to why you need to be a little more cautious Not cutting your toenails carefully puts you at greater risk of ingrown toenails. A condition that is both uncomfortable and painful. It is where the toenail embeds itself into the side of the toe and keeps pressing in causing an infection. This can be treated with anti-biotics but often is made worse by people trying to cure the condition themselves by cutting the nail back. The real reason why diabetics have to be careful cutting their toenails is often the toe nail will need to be completely removed by a doctor if the antibiotics don’t clear an infection, as circulation and healing time is often a problem for diabetic patients. Another reason why diabetics have to be careful cutting their toenails is to avoid cuts, abrasions, rubbing. If you cut your nail too short you can cause soreness and infection which is not only uncomfortable but can be difficult to heal and sometimes may lead to ongoing problems. Accidental nicks and cuts with scissors can also cause healing issues as can sharp toenails that haven’t been filed properly. High impact sports and activities can cause foot problems another reason why diabetics have to be careful when cutting their toenails and also why Continue reading >>
Why Can't You Clip A Diabetic's Toenails Or Fingernails?
Why Can't You Clip a Diabetic's Toenails or Fingernails? The idea a person cannot clip a diabetic's toenails or fingernails is not always true. However, in many cases, diabetics with onychomycosis develop brittle, thick and hard-to-cut nails, according to Gerrie Summers for About.com. Additionally, diabetics with neuropathy should avoid cutting their own nails to prevent accidentally cutting and hurting themselves. Diabetics with neuropathy, onychomycosis or any other conditions that make their nails hard to cut should have their caretakers or professional podiatrists cut their nails. Diabetics who want to cut their own nails should do so after bathing when their nails are soft. Avoid cutting into the corners between the nails and skin, and do not cut cuticles, recommends WebMD. Instead, gently and carefully cut the nails in straight lines across the top. Diabetics are more prone to foot problems and nail issues than people without diabetes, as their condition can damage their nerves and reduce blood flow to outer extremities, reports WebMD. For these reasons, diabetics should prioritize their foot care. Nearly one in five diabetics who goes to the hospital does so to receive treatment for foot issues, notes the American Association of Kidney Patients. By taking care of their feet, diabetics can notice when a problem is afoot. Continue reading >>
