How Medical Pedicures Differ From The Service You Can Get At Any Salon

As life seems to move faster and faster, sometimes it feels impossible to fit in self-care. When doing the bare minimum in the shower, feet can be forgotten in one's daily routine. But love them or hate them, feet are incredibly important. Why else would TLC have an entire reality show dedicated to podiatry? The show, titled "My Feet Are Killing Me," follows podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons as they try to help patients with unsightly, painful, and sometimes smelly ailments. Think "Dr. Pimple Popper" but for feet. 

However, those struggling with their feet may not need procedures as invasive as the ones featured on "My Feet Are Killing Me." Some may just need a more in-depth, professional pedicure. But a medical pedicure is a step in the right direction for anyone suffering from foot issues, and even those without podiatric ailments can benefit from one. So how are they different from common salon pedicures?

The usual pedicure one would get at a salon only focuses on the visual aspects of the foot. Pedicures are mostly about making your foot look good. Salon pedicurists trim, file, and paint the customer's toe nails and perhaps soak or massage their feet. What makes a medical pedicure different is that trained podiatrists perform them. This allows for the pedicure's recipient to also receive diagnoses for any possible ailments. Podiatrists performing medical pedicures can diagnose nail fungus, corns, ingrown nails, athlete's foot, and other conditions.

Do not let the fact that a medical pedicure is performed by a podiatrist or by a medical professional stop you from scheduling an appointment. Much of what the medical pedicurist does relates to preventative care rather than invasive surgery. The medical pedicurist may apply high-strength moisturizer, thoroughly clean the feet, and trim the nails. All of these procedures help keep the feet healthy regardless of condition. Should the pedicurist see any anomalies, they can suggest treatments.

Aside from the perk of receiving medical advice if needed, medical pedicures are also performed in sterile environments. This is not to suggest that nail salons are not clean. However, there is an extra layer of assurance when receiving a pedicure in a more medically-focused facility. All salons should use sterilized equipment and observe hygienic procedures, but salon technicians may not all be professionals when it comes to handling the human body. Warts and nail fungus are the most common ailments that spread from salons.

Despite the fact that their skin is the thickest on the human body, feet are still vulnerable. Protecting and caring for the skin on your feet prevents infections on a vital part of the physique. Untreated infections can cause sepsis or even lead to amputation. Infections or other conditions on the feet hinder mobility as well. Proper foot care is essential and medical pedicures can help more than the usual salon procedure.