Do Podiatrists Do Pedicures?

Feet are important. Our feet are constantly in motion. We dance, run, walk, and stand for long periods of time. But we often neglect their health to maintain an aesthetic appearance. How do pedicures interact with podiatric care? Many people in Perth, Australia where podiatric practices are established, wonder: Can podiatrists perform pedicures? Yes, but not exactly in the same manner as at a day spa. This article will explain what a medical pedicure is, how it's different from a regular one, when to see a foot doctor, what Perth podiatrists offer, and the best way to combine beauty with good foot health.

What is the difference between a pedicure and a medical pedicure?

Regular Pedicure

In salons and spas, a "pedicure", is a cosmetic treatment for the feet or toenails. It includes:

• Soaked feet

• Trimming, shaping toenails

• Remove or file calluses/dead skin (though only surface)

• Nail polish is a possibility

• Often relaxing massage

It is all about aesthetics - making the feet feel and look good. The focus is on aesthetics, with some minor skin/nail treatment but no thorough medical assessment.

Medical Pedicure (Medi-Pedi) / Clinical Pedicure

A medical Pedicure is a foot care treatment that's performed by a professional health-care provider (often, a podiatrist). It is a double focus: aesthetics and medical condition/health of the nails and feet. Features include:

• Foot structure and biomechanics may be assessed, as well as nail and skin health.

• Tools & protocols for sterile / hygienic environments (autoclaved tools, clean environment).

• Treatment for foot conditions such as thickened nails, fungal infection, ingrown toenails and calluses.

• Ability to identify more serious issues and manage them.

• Advice on maintenance and prevention.

It is important to restore or maintain foot health, while making the feet more comfortable.

What Podiatrists do: More than just pedicures

Podiatrists specialize in the health of feet, ankles and lower legs. They are trained to diagnose, manage, and treat a wide range of conditions. They may perform the following roles:

• Biomechanics assessment (how you walk, how much weight is on your joints etc.

• Diagnosis and treatment of skin and nail disorders (fungal nails and ingrown nails)

• Conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon problems and diabetes-related foot issues can be managed.

• Prescription of orthotics and footwear advice

• Minor surgery is required for the toes and nails.

While podiatrists provide "pedicure"-like care (such as nail trimming, skin smoothing and callus removal), they also have the ability to perform more complex interventions when necessary.

What are the pedicures that Podiatrists perform?

But with caution. In most cases:

• Medical pedicures are performed by Podiatrists .

• Spas offer the same standard pedicures as salons, but they do not normally offer them.

The differences are in scope and safety , as well as hygiene . Salons are a good option if you only have dry skin and want to polish your nails. If you suffer from foot pain, fungal nail infections, thick calluses or diabetes, a medical pedicure is the best option.

Examples:

• JS Podiatry offers medical pedicures in Perth by podiatrists who are trained to treat fungal nails, cracked heel & calluses.

• ArchRite Podiatry Perth also offers "medical pedicure services": nail trimming and removal of corns, callus smoothing etc.

When should you choose a medical pedicure by a podiatrist over a salon pedicure?

In certain circumstances, it makes sense to consult a podiatrist:

1. Foot / nail problems If your feet or nails are prone to fungal infections or thickening, ingrown or painful nails, corns or calluses.

2. Foot health conditions
   Diabetes and other medical conditions can affect the feet.

3. Infection or poor hygiene
   When tools are not sterile or the salon does not meet hygiene standards or you have compromised your skin. Podiatrists adhere to strict standards.

4. Need for medical diagnosis or treatment When you require more than just superficial care, e.g. nail surgery, structural foot problems, biomechanical corrections, etc.

5. A desire for preventive care
   Despite the fact that there is no serious problem, a medical foot pedicure will help maintain good foot health and prevent problems from worsening.

What to expect from a medical pedicure performed by a podiatrist

What happens when you visit a podiatrist to get a medical pedicure?

• The first step is to assess your medical history, including any foot injuries or illnesses. Examining the foot shape and nail/skin condition.

• Toenail treatment: trimming, shaping and possibly trimming or removing portions if necessary (e.g. Ingrown nails can be treated by cutting, shaping or trimming the toenails.

• Callus/corn removal or debridement using appropriate tools. ).

• Skin care: treating dryness, cracks, possibly fungal issues.

• Advice on footwear, foot care and possibly orthotics.

• Hygiene: clean, sterile tools and a hygienic environment.

In medical pedicures, heavy nail embellishments (e.g. As the focus is on your health, you may not see nail art or bright colours. Sometimes clear polish is used or no polish at all. Some clinics recommend that you polish your nails at home or allow polishing after the appointment. ArchRite Podiatry, for example, in Perth does not apply polish to the feet during the clinic but recommends that you do so at home.

Cost, Location, and Services Available in Perth

You can find a number of clinics in Perth that offer medical pedicures and medical-grade foot care. Here are some tips:

• ArchRite Podiatry offers medical pedicures, including nail trimming, corn removal and callus smoothing.

• JS Podiatry offers medical pedicures in Perth. They specify that the initial consultation costs around AUD $165.

• Burswood Heath offers medical foot pedicures, including a full assessment of the feet, treatment of corns and calluses as well as nail / skin issues.

The cost of these services is higher than that of a salon pedicure, but you have to consider the additional training and hygiene measures, as well as risk management. You'll often get better care if you pay a little more, especially if you have sensitive or problematic conditions.

The Pros and Cons of a Medical Pedicure By a Podiatrist

Pros

• Can be more thorough and catch issues earlier

• Improved hygiene and safety; reduced risk of infection

• It is safer for people who are at risk of health problems (diabetes or poor immunity, etc.).

• Better results for thick nails and corns

• Advice from professionals on footwear and prevention of reoccurrence

You can also find out more about Cons

• Costs are higher

• The medical pedicure may be less "glamorous". (Less nail polish, nail art etc.).

• The clinic might have shorter waiting times and require appointments, but the salon may be more walk-in friendly.

• Many people prefer the spa atmosphere (massages, soaks, etc.). Medical clinics may not give as much priority to the relaxing spa environment (massage, soak, etc.).

Safety Tips When Choosing a Regular Pedicure

If you decide to visit a salon for a cosmetic pedicure, but wish to reduce the risks:

• Use sterile or single-use instruments in the salon

• Make sure that the nail technician washes their hands and uses gloves

• Avoid aggressive scraping and very deep cuts

• After treatment, always dry your feet thoroughly

• Consult a podiatrist before getting a pedicure if you are suffering from an open wound, active infection, or other serious medical conditions.

Summary: "Do Podiatrists Perform Pedicures?" - Yes, but in a Medically Appropriate Way

It's important to note that podiatrists can perform pedicure procedures, but they do so in a medical setting, with a focus on health and hygiene. A medical pedicure by a Perth is a safer and more effective option than regular cosmetic pedicures in salons, especially for those with foot or nail problems.

A good pedicure at a salon might be enough if your feet are in good health and you only want to polish them and have pretty toes. If you have any deeper issues (thick or discolored nails, fungus and pain, risk factors, etc.) then a podiatrist is the best choice.

The conclusion of the article is:

The feet are the foundation for mobility, activity and comfort. They also often represent a family's heritage. Pedicures can be relaxing and beautiful. They also feel great. There's much more to it than meets the eye. A podiatrist is a medical professional with the ability to diagnose and treat foot problems that are beyond aesthetics.

Search for "medical podiatrist Perth" if you are in Perth. Ask about what the clinic includes--assessment, callus removal, nail treatment, hygiene--and compare cost. Sometimes, a small investment can pay off in the long run.