It should not be ignored ✅ ❣️
How big an issue is this? It’s common enough that I often wish I had an electric nail trimmer and the skills necessary to assist some of my hospitalized patients. 😜
📈 Approximately one-third of older adults experience some form of toenail problem. As we age, our toenails undergo various changes, leading to issues such as fungal infections, thickening, brittleness, and discoloration. Additionally, deformities in the toes and elongated toenails can potentially lead to erosion of adjacent toes.
☑️ Several factors contribute to the challenges of toenail care in older adults, including reduced flexibility, poor vision, joint issues, thicker nails, limited hand strength etc.
👩⚕️ In the hospital, I frequently encounter older patients with elongated nails. Many hope to have their toenails cared for during their stay, but nail trimming by a podiatrist is typically an outpatient procedure; unless significant pathology arises, it is not performed in the hospital.
🧰 Adaptive tools can be beneficial in addressing these issues. Many older adults require assistance with toenail care from family members, podiatrists, or nail technicians specializing in geriatric foot care.
❣️A sustainable plan for toenail care maintenance is essential to promote overall foot health!
