I have RA - any ideas on cutting toe nails? It is one of the most irritating things for me to do, I dread it. No strength in the hands to "clip" them so I need both hands, can't bend the knees to get to them, and (LOL) too embarassed and poor to get them "done", though I have thought about getting them done at a beauty school or something.
Treat yourself to a pedicure. The warm water and massage on your legs feels great. You deserve to be pampered. You don't have to be embarrased. They see all kinds of toes.
When my hands are flaring, I find that doing my toe nails can be really difficult too! And I know how you feel - it's embarassing to even admit it. I can barely get my knee bent to get my foot to where I can get them cut and then I can't manage the clippers with my hands! The right answer is to get them done. If you don't go to a Spa place, it costs around $25 to $35 and that can be pricey. So, yes, if you go to the local beauty school you should be able to get a good pedi and a very reasonable price.
The podiatrist idea is a great one. Call your insurance company and give it a try. Though I am pretty sure you will not get the great foot soak, massage, trashy magazine and polish that you will get at the beauty school, lol! (I am all about the trashy mags and the vibrating chairs!)
Having a podiatrist cut your toe nails is definitely the best way to go, but getting insurance to cover it is problematic. Medicare will only cover if you have one of three ailments: diabetes, peripheral neuropathy in the feet, or nail fungus. I have been in your exact situation and had an initial exam (which was covered, but just that once and he did the nails 'as a favor'). I asked him what it would cost to pay him out of pocket and he said he'd done an inhouse survey and would have to charge $45. Ouch. I can have a podiatrist do for much less money. I bought an arthritis friendly nail clipper that I can grip with both hands and can usually use right after a long shower. I recently learned that I am 'lucky' enough to have pre-diabetes and my doc says that will qualify me for the podiatry. The whole situation is ridiculous. You might try contacting your local Arthritis Foundation offices and see if there is a place where someone does nails for free or for less money. And do NOT be embarassed. No one has uglier feet than I do, what with RA nodules and all, but most nail places are very kind and have nice people working there. Just make certain they can understand your needs. Good luck! Sandy
HI there
It is worth the embarassment to go to a podiatrist. I love mine now. He does this for a living and he is not embarrassed so we should not be. I soak my feet first to make sure they are squeaky clean as I can''t bend to wash them thoroughly.
It gives me great confidence to know my toe nails and also my heals are being cared for
Also the embarassment soon goes.
I have a foot care nurse come in and do it for me. It is well worth the $35 every 7 weeks or so since I cannot get my wrists or fingers to move right to do it myself, even though I can still reach my toenails.
I should have added- my extended health plan covers 12 times a year for this.
I used to think of pedicures as luxuries and rather silly. I now think of them as taking care of myself. Be kind to yourself. If you have a beauty school near, use them. Don't be embarassed about your feet. They have seen it all and if they haven't you will be doing them a favor. Feet come in all conditions. Taking care of your feet is also very important to your overall health. Really, you can get by with doing this about every six weks. Take care.
Should have read the responses first. Podiatrist is also a great answer. Also, do you have a close friend who might be willing to volunteer his/her services in helping you?
I have decided on a beauty school pedicure....now it is just getting the courage up....and I am almost there! had one pedicure in my life, when I was a bridesmaid way back when I was aboubt 20..LOL. May do it next payday and get a manicure as well!
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When I was seeing a podiatrist, there were several people I ran into in the waiting room who had an appointment to get their toenails clipped. And...their insurance paid for it. Might be worth checking out...???