A professional pedicure can leave feet looking and feeling refreshed, but for some people, a traditional salon pedicure may not be the safest choice. Individuals with certain medical conditions or foot problems may benefit from receiving foot care from a podiatrist instead. A podiatrist is trained to identify and treat foot conditions while helping reduce the risk of and complications.
People with diabetes often have an increased risk of foot complications.
A podiatrist may be the safer choice if there is:
Routine medical foot care can help reduce the risk of serious complications.
Toenails that are unusually thick or hard to trim may require professional evaluation.
Possible causes include:
A podiatrist can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
An ingrown toenail should not be aggressively trimmed during a routine pedicure.
Symptoms may include:
Medical treatment may be needed if the nail is infected or repeatedly grows into the skin.
Avoid salon pedicures if there are:
These conditions should be evaluated and treated by a healthcare professional.
People with circulation problems may have slower healing and a greater risk of complications from even minor skin injuries.
Medical foot care may be recommended for individuals with:
A podiatrist can provide care while minimizing unnecessary trauma to the skin.
Corns and calluses should not be aggressively removed at home or during a cosmetic pedicure.
A podiatrist can safely:
Proper treatment may help prevent recurrence.
People with structural foot conditions may benefit from specialized care.
Examples include:
Medical evaluation can help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if there is:
Prompt treatment may help prevent complications.
Good foot care habits include:
Routine foot care is especially important for older adults and people with chronic health conditions.
While salon pedicures are appropriate for many people, individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, thick or ingrown toenails, foot infections, wounds, or other medical foot conditions may be better served by a podiatrist. Medical foot care focuses on both appearance and health, helping reduce the risk of complications while addressing underlying problems that cosmetic treatments cannot treat.