Medicare will cover the treatment of corns, calluses, and toenails once every 61 days in persons having certain systemic conditions. Examples of such conditions include: Diabetes with peripheral arterial disease, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic phlebitis.
While examining the feet of a diabetic, always be mindful to check for wounds or foot ulcers, which are common in diabetics. A trained podiatrist can not only trim the toenails professionally but will be diligent in spotting any other foot-related problems.
Costs of Nail Trimming
For a special treatment that includes exfoliation, nail and cuticle trimming, fungus prevention, and maybe even a foot massage, the average cost across the country is about $35.00 to $40.00.
It is advisable to have a podiatrist regularly perform the toenail care for diabetics since a small cut from trimming their own nails could quickly escalate into a larger issue. You can help minimize further issues by having a podiatrist regularly perform your nail care.
Visit a Podiatrist
If you can't trim your own toenails, a podiatrist can do that during your visit. If you are a senior and a diabetic, it's vital that you avoid trimming your own toenails to lower your risk for developing an infection in your feet.
Medicare will cover the treatment of corns, calluses, and toenails once every 61 days in persons having certain systemic conditions. Examples of such conditions include: Diabetes with peripheral arterial disease, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic phlebitis.
What's the correct way to trim elderly nails. Preferably when nails are dry try cut them straight across. If nails are extremely thick then try soaking about 10 minutes first. Thick, ingrown, curving nails should always be cut straight across.
Avoid soaking your feet, as this can lead to dry skin. Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes. Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion or petroleum jelly. Do not put oils or creams between your toes — the extra moisture can lead to infection.
Everyone with diabetes should have an annual foot check.
Your foot check is part of your annual review, which means you should have it as part of your diabetes care and it's free on the NHS. This is because you're more likely to have serious foot problems and these can lead to amputations.
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. Don't let the corners of your toenails grow into the skin.
How often should you ask for the help of a specialist? Toenails grow about two millimeters per month, so your loved one may need a trim every six to eight weeks.
A pedicure is a comprehensive treatment of your feet and is suitable for both men and women. It involves cutting, trimming and shaping your toenails, tending to your cuticles, exfoliating, hydrating and massaging your feet, and, if desired, painting your toenails.
Nail nippers work best. They're lightweight, easy to grip and control, and can be purchased at most drugstores. Nail nippers can be very sharp.
For individuals that are confirmed diabetics, trimming and cutting toenails can be problematic, especially if the nails are overgrown. If you are a diabetic and you have an ingrown toenail, it may even be dangerous to visit a salon in order to get a routine pedicure.
Cut your nails straight across, without rounding the corners. Make sure you cut them short enough that they don't catch on shoes, socks, or blankets, but not so short that they become ingrown. File your nails to smooth any rough edges, but only after your nails are completely dry, and file in one direction.
Wear socks or stockings with shoes. Wear socks without seams. Avoid tight-fitting socks and garters. Wear socks in bed if your feet are cold at night.
Yes. People with diabetes of all types are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act as people with disabilities.
Typically, epsom salt soaks are not recommended for people with diabetes. The primary reason is that such soaks can dry out the feet. When the skin is dry it is more vulnerable to cracking and chafing, which can lead to skin lesions and wounds, which if not properly attended to can lead to ulcerations.
Diabetes can make pedicures dangerous: Reduced circulation can make injuries and infections more likely, and take longer to heal. Peripheral neuropathy can reduce feeling in your feet, making you unable to tell if the technician is hurting you, or if a hot footbath is scalding you.
Diabetes Belly Fat is a sign that the body is failing. Stomach fat is linked to Heart failure in the diabetic. Lack of good insulin causes the body to store fat at the waist.
Medicare considers routine foot care to be the removal of calluses and corns; cutting, trimming or removing nails; and hygienic or preventive maintenance, such as cleaning or soaking your feet. It won't cover these services but will cover some medically necessary foot treatments that a doctor prescribes.
Vicks does have some effect on the toenails. Applying Vicks Vaporub to the toenails will soften and lighten their color. This gives the impression of treating the fungus. In truth, Vicks may have some anti-fungal properties, but it is unable to effectively penetrate the toenail to treat the fungus.