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ellenrr

(3,864 posts) Thu Jan 1, 2015, 09:30 AM Jan 2015

How do you cut thickened toenails? [View all]

I'm 67, and while researching this, I've discovered that thickened toenails can happen with age.
Great. Another happy thing about aging.

In recent years I started having trouble with how thick they are. Plus I have a torn meniscus in knee, so for a while I couldn't actually reach them.
so I went to a podiatrist who cut them.
He cut them so close, that they hurt me for 2 weeks.

I want to avoid a podiatrist if I can.
I am now able to reach my toes.
So I tried this morning after soaking in hot water for 20 minutes
(I added peanut oil)
And got nowhere.

One thing I realize is that nail scissors are useless.

So I'm going to cut some nail clippers-
they cut straight across.

and I read there is something called 'toe softening cream', if I can find that I'll try it.

Would like to know if anyone knows any "home remedies" for softening?

Anything that anyone has found - in terms of techniques, or in terms of clippers that help with this?

thanks.

(x-posted to Health)

28 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

How do you cut thickened toenails? [View all] ellenrr Jan 2015 OP

With difficulty. Nail clippers only thing I use. elleng Jan 2015 #1

wish I could get someone to come clip my nails. nt ellenrr Jan 2015 #4

Another way is to make the toe nail thinner. This can easily be done by using a file. (Be sure Cal33 Jun 2015 #23

Hey Ellen....About 20 years onecent Jan 2015 #2

Ok, I'll try mineral oil I think I have some , also vinegar. nt ellenrr Jan 2015 #5

I treat meself to a pedicure every few months - not frequently enough really. No Vested Interest Jan 2015 #3

it is true, if you say your toes hurt, medicare will cover, ellenrr Jan 2015 #6

Ugh nt No Vested Interest Jan 2015 #7

For diabetics, medicare covers podiatrist visits every 6 weeks. Divernan Apr 2015 #21

nail scizzors blackcrow Jan 2015 #8

Thanks for yr feed-back. I'm so sorry you have this painful problem--- ellenrr Jan 2015 #10

MRI blackcrow Jan 2015 #13

yes, an MRI shows more than x-rays. My MRI was ordered by my general practitioner - ellenrr Jan 2015 #14

stress fracture blackcrow Jan 2015 #19

I'm also 67, so can relate. Check with your local beauty college to see if they train pedicurists... Hekate Jan 2015 #9

thank you for yr feed-back, and that is a good idea about a college for podiatry. ellenrr Jan 2015 #11

oh, I misread yr post. You said beauty college....nt ellenrr Jan 2015 #12

I see a podiatrist every 2 months or so. He uses a grinder of sorts, something like a RKP5637 Jan 2015 #15

thanks. nt ellenrr Jan 2015 #16

A relative of mine had to trim her nails with a commercial grade rasp. Paper Roses Jan 2015 #17

Has anyone used this? ellenrr Jan 2015 #18

I've used Miracle of Aloe (brand) Toenail Soft LiberalElite Jan 2015 #20

My nail salon does lots of older people's basic pedicures, including me. CTyankee May 2015 #22

I find a nice application of coconut oil makes my nails look and feel young again Peregrine Took Jun 2015 #24

You might have toe nail fungus. If you do good luck. Any way, try Tree tea oil demosincebirth Jul 2015 #25

reply ellenrr Jul 2015 #26

I have the same problem in terms of think toenails davidpdx Jul 2015 #27

I have an electric pedicure kit that I've purchased many years question everything Jul 2015 #28