A pedicure is a wonderful thing to treat yourself to when you’re in need of a little self-care and relaxation! We’re all aware that many people enjoy a standard cosmetic pedicure from a spa or nail salon; they’re a good way to pamper yourself. But have you heard about a medical pedicure?
There is such a thing as a medical pedicure. That’s right! It’s a procedure performed by a licensed Chiropodist. There are numerous benefits to this specialized service, and we’re here to give you the lowdown on how our downtown Toronto foot experts perform a medical pedicure!
What is a Chiropodist? Lets ask one at the Feet First Clinic:
What exactly is a medical pedicure?
Starting with a brief description, a medical pedicure is a pedicure performed by qualified foot specialist. It involves:
- assessment of the feet
- shaping of the nails
- cleaning of the nail beds,
- smoothing of any calluses, corns and treating any issues you may have; and
- a thorough moisturizing session.
Be sure to also keep reading to learn how a medical pedicure is a great way to treat yourself, while still promoting foot health.
What Happens During A Medical Pedicure? Here’s Our 8 Step Foot Exam, Treatment and Refresh
- Initially, your chiropodist will thoroughly examine your feet. We like prevention and catching things early, so this step allows them to pinpoint any foot conditions that may be in the early stages, such as fungal infections, Warts and Calluses. Your chiropodist may ask if you currently have any underlying foot conditions.
- Your chiropodist will carefully clean your feet with alcohol or other cleansing solutions so they can proceed with a cleansed base. Note: for hygienic reasons, chiropodists do not soak the feet.
- With our specialized tools, your chiropodist will professionally cut each toenail. This is a measure that will ward off ingrown toenails and eliminate jagged edges. Essentially, they will start with trimming down your nails.
- Next, your chiropodist will clean underneath your nails, eliminating any onychophosis. Haven’t heard that word before? It refers to the Buildup of skin (hyperkeratotic tissue) in the nail folds and cuticles.
- The next step is filing the nails with a professional grade nail file, ensuring smooth and even edges to your toenails.
- If you have calluses (pale, yellow hardened skin on the feet that can resemble Corns), your chiropodist may use a sterilized blade to debride and remove them. They may also soften them with medical-grade callus softener. In addition, the chiropodist will give you advice on how to manage these callus areas and steps to reduce them from coming back
- The final step is to thoroughly moisturize your feet! Leaving them soft to the touch and “refreshed”. Moisturizing your feet can also help ward off several skin conditions.
- Now you can enjoy your healthy and refreshed feet!
What Are The Health Benefits Of A Medical Pedicure?
A medical pedicure leaves your feet looking clean and fresh! While this is great, there are many more important benefits for your foot health that come with them:
- They can prevent ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails can be very painful, cause swelling, and even lead to an infection if left ignored.
- If you have diabetes, then it is recommended for your feet to be professionally looked at and assessed. In many cases patients with certain conditions should see a Chiropodist who will discuss the condition, how it will affect your feet and how you both can manage your feet.
- Since a medical pedicure involves toenail shaping, this can be extra helpful if you have any cracked toenails, or a split toenail.
- Due to the meticulous cleaning and moisturizing involved, medical pedicures can help stave off unpleasant Foot odour.
- The first step, the examination process, gives your chiropodist the opportunity to detect any foot conditions you may not have been aware of. Similarly, they could provide information about the current condition of your feet. Or if they think certain conditions may arise in the future. For example, they may notice you have a flat arch, or something else concerning the shape of your feet. They can then do a biomechanical assessment at your next visit and make recommendations to address these issues.
- It can be an educational experience that gives you the opportunity to ask questions! Sometimes you may read things, friends may have told you things, and you might be unsure of which way to go. But your qualified Chiropodist will help you with your foot concerning questions
- Similarly, the quality time spent with a qualified foot specialist will allow you to gain insight into your foot health. Your chiropodist may also notice something on your feet you may not have noticed, like a small cut or laceration.
- There will be specialized focus on calluses and corns.
- They are more hygienic than a standard, cosmetic pedicure. A medical pedicure appointment ensures that your foot specialist is entirely focused on you. The tools used are sterilized more thoroughly, everything is sanitized and regulated by Health Canada and the College of Chiropodists of Ontario, and the private environment can make it safer to be barefoot. On the other hand, a cosmetic pedicure can take place in a busy, hectic salon, which are not as heavily or stringently regulated.