Foot Care

Sarah69

I am a type1 diabetic, I have ingrowing toenails on both my big toes. Up until now I have been able to cut them myself. I have been off sick from work since March 2010 with a back/hip problem. I was able to afford to have a chirpodest visit my house and cut my nails (as I am unable to bend forward to cut them myself). Now im trying to survive on £123 a week on benefit so I cant afford to see anyone private. I have been to my GP and referred to a NHS chiropody clinic but told unless I have major problems with my feet (gangreen, little sensation) they cant help. Is anyone in a similar situation and what do you do?

Is there anything I can claim for help with this?

Indie_Kid

What benefits do you currently receive?

Torry_Quine

As a diabetic you are definitely entitled to free chiropody on the NHS and you should not be attempting to cut them yourself.

Sarah69

I get child tax credit, child benefit and esa. I was told by a NHS chiropody clinic unless I have major problems with my feet (gangreen, little sensation) they cant help.

Oldernotwiser

Torry_Quine wrote: »

As a diabetic you are definitely entitled to free chiropody on the NHS and you should not be attempting to cut them yourself.

It does seem to vary between areas. From NHS Choices,


"People with diabetes
Most people with diabetes who need to see a chiropodist are treated as priority cases, although some PCTs will only prioritise people if their diabetes is severe. Your PCT will be able to provide you with more information about their referral policies."

Torry_Quine

Sarah69 wrote: »

I get child tax credit, child benefit and esa. I was told by a NHS chiropody clinic unless I have major problems with my feet (gangreen, little sensation) they cant help.

That is just not right at all. With in-growing toe-nails the consequences are potentially very severe if proper care is not given by a chiropodist.

Sarah69

Torry_Quine wrote: »

As a diabetic you are definitely entitled to free chiropody on the NHS and you should not be attempting to cut them yourself.

I have been cutting my own nails for a long time the only reason I cant now is because I have too much pain in my hip to either bend forward or bring my feet up to me.

Oldernotwiser

It might be worthwhile applying for DLA which you could use to pay for private chiropody treatment.

Torry_Quine

Sarah69 wrote: »

I have been cutting my own nails for a long time the only reason I cant now is because I have too much pain in my hip to either bend forward or bring my feet up to me.

Then that is why you need a chiropodist!! If you can't do it (which isn't always a good idea anyway) then leaving them is not an option. Just thought but does your GP know how bad your feet are?

Indie_Kid

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

It might be worthwhile applying for DLA which you could use to pay for private chiropody treatment.

Most diabetic people won't qualify for DLA unless they have another medical condition, preventing them from self-care.

Sarah69

Yeh Ive been and explained that I can no longer cut my nails and she referred me to a health centre with a chiropodest and the chiropodest told me there is not the funding unless my feet have like gangreen, loss of or no sensation. She said my feet were too healthy. Ive tried claiming DLA but was refused it!