# Need help cutting your toenails? What to book

> When reaching your feet or using clippers becomes difficult, routine nail care can help. What to book and bring to our Shepperton clinic.

Toenail cutting can become difficult long before anything looks wrong with the
nails. Reaching your feet, seeing the edge clearly or gripping clippers may be
the problem. Asking for help is a reasonable part of looking after yourself;
there is no need to wait for pain or an injury.

At Thameside Podiatry in Shepperton, Routine Skin & Nail Care is the appointment
for this. It covers assessment and suitable care for nails and skin, with advice
on what you can manage between visits.

## When is professional nail care useful?

Consider help if you cannot reach or see your nails safely, your hands struggle
with clippers, or the nails have become too thick or awkward to manage. Do not
force yourself into an unstable position to get the job done. Explain the
difficulty when you contact the clinic.

The NHS's [general foot care guidance](https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/services/podiatry-foot-protection/general-foot-care/looking-after-your-feet/)
describes safe nail care. If you have reduced circulation, specialist
[NHS advice on looking after your feet](https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/patient-information/patient-leaflets/vascular-looking-after-your-feet-peripheral-arterial-disease-pad)
also explains when professional support is appropriate.

## Does a thick toenail mean a fungal infection?

Not always. A change in thickness or colour needs to be considered alongside the
rest of the nail and your history. At the appointment, mention when it changed,
whether your shoes press on it and whether you have used any nail treatments.

Reducing an uncomfortable nail and treating a suspected infection are different
parts of care. The [fungal nail assessment page](/treatments/fungal-nail-shepperton/)
explains why checking the cause comes before choosing a treatment plan. Do not
assume that nail cutting alone will clear an infection.

## What should you book and how much is it?

Choose **Routine Skin & Nail Care**. The current service listing is **£72 for a
30-minute appointment**. This is the clinic's routine appointment, not a separate
discounted nail-cutting service. Check the fee when arranging the visit, and
explain any additional concerns so the right appointment can be chosen.

The [routine foot care guide](/treatments/routine-chiropody-shepperton/) sets out
what is included. You can also read about
[corns and callus](/advice/corns-and-callus/) if hard skin is causing trouble.

## What should you bring?

Bring your usual footwear and a current list of medicines. Tell the clinic about
allergies, diabetes, reduced sensation, circulation problems and any existing
foot-care plan. There is no need to cut your nails first or cover up the problem
you are coming to discuss.

If you are arranging care for a parent or relative, ask what would make the visit
easier for them. Check any mobility or communication needs with the clinic in
advance. The appointment is at The Courtyard, Ferry Lane, Shepperton TW17 9LQ,
with parking on site; contact us before travelling if access may be difficult.

## What if a nail is painful, swollen or weeping?

Describe those symptoms when seeking care rather than treating the visit as a
straightforward trim. A painful nail fold can need a different plan. Our
[ingrown toenail guide](/treatments/ingrown-toenail-shepperton/) explains the
assessment route.

The [NHS advises seeking GP help](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ingrown-toenail/)
for a painful, swollen toe with pus, and for an ingrown nail if you have diabetes.
If you feel unwell or symptoms are worsening, get prompt medical advice rather
than waiting for a routine appointment. If you have diabetes,
[Diabetes UK explains which changes need urgent help](https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/complications/feet/serious-foot-problem).

## How often will you need to return?

Agree the interval after your feet have been assessed. Nail growth, comfort,
footwear and what you can manage yourself all influence the plan. It should be
clear when another routine visit would help and when a new problem needs advice
sooner.

If the names of the services are confusing, our
[chiropodist or podiatrist guide](/advice/chiropodist-or-podiatrist/) explains how
to choose.

## Quick answers

### Can I book just because I cannot cut my toenails?

Yes. Difficulty reaching, seeing or cutting your nails is a valid reason to arrange Routine Skin & Nail Care at Thameside Podiatry. You do not need to wait until a nail hurts.

### Can you help with thick toenails?

Yes. The appointment includes assessing thick or awkward nails and discussing suitable nail care. A thickened nail is not necessarily fungal, so treatment depends on what the assessment finds.

### Can a relative help me arrange the appointment?

Yes. A relative can help organise the visit. Let the clinic know about mobility or communication needs in advance, and involve the person receiving care in decisions about their appointment.

## Related treatment

[View the related treatment guide](/treatments/routine-chiropody-shepperton/)