January 9, 2023
There can be a range of discolouration in your toes. The most common is a pinkish/red hue - a sign of red toes.
Red toes may result from cold temperatures, toe injury, infection, or potential medical conditions. Red toe onset may be immediate, or red toe onset may be progressive. The redness often resolves itself, but it may sometimes present symptoms of underlying medical conditions.
Learn more about red toes and potential risks in our article below!
Why are my toes red and itchy?
Several causes result in redness in your toes. Red toes result from inflammation, injury, temperature, skin irritation, and infection. Varying degrees of redness may indicate the severity of damage to the toes. In some cases, redness may subside independently, while others may require medical attention.
What medical conditions cause red toes?
There are a variety of medical conditions that induce red toes. Red toe causes range from skin conditions to musculoskeletal damage to infection. Below, we've categorized medical conditions that cause red toes by severity. Note that all medical conditions can have varying degrees of severity, so use this list as a reference, not a diagnosis.
Lower severity
Low-severity medical conditions that cause red toes are short-term causes and often subside independently. Proper attention and care are required to prevent additional damage. However, low-severity medical conditions that cause red toes are more surface-level and less cause for concern.
Blisters
A blister is a small fluid-filled bubble that forms just under the outer layer of the skin. The fluid (usually a serum, rarely blood) is a natural cushion to protect the tissue underneath from friction and irritation. Fortunately, blisters often heal on their own once the source of friction is eliminated. As tempting as it may be, avoid popping the blister and allow it to heal naturally.
Frostnip
Frostnip is a mild, non-severe cold injury to the skin and tissue. As such, frostnip doesn't cause permanent damage. You can treat frostnip with basic first aid. Above all else, you should try to escape the cold as quickly as possible. Possible complications include infection and temporary nerve damage, which are rare if caught at the frostnip stage.
Stubbed toe
A stubbed toe occurs any time you jam your toe against another object. A stubbed toe is a trauma injury. The injury results from a one-time accident. Depending on the severity, damage to the toe may cause swelling and inflammation, muscle injury, and even bone fractures.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash triggered by an allergic reaction. The skin's response to an irritant causes inflammation, followed by a rash. Contact dermatitis isn't contagious nor life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. Soaps, plants, detergents, or jewelry have the potential to cause an allergic reaction.
One can treat and prevent contact dermatitis by identifying and removing environmental allergens. A doctor can also prescribe topical medications to help treat flare-ups.
Athlete's foot
Fungal skin infections are a common culprit of red toes. Athlete's foot is one such common fungal skin. Athlete's foot is a prevalent cause of the redness. The toe fungus is not life-threatening, but it is contagious and may spread elsewhere on your body or even to other people. It can also cause foot pain and difficulty walking if left untreated.
Nail infection
Paronychia is an infection of your nail folds typically caused by bacteria or a fungus and can cause toe pain and swelling, which causes redness and the appearance of red toes.
Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is a nail condition that targets the toes, mainly the big toe. As the name applies, it occurs when the sides or edges of the toenail grow into the skin. As the nail pierces the skin, it can cause bleeding, redness and pain. If left untreated, the ingrown toenail can get infected.
Moderate severity
Moderate-severity causes of red toes are more severe and may be longer-lasting. Symptoms and recovery time may vary, and pain and discomfort may be more intense and significant. You may require medical assistance to determine the diagnosis and treatment method(s).
Gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by heightened uric acid in the blood. Elevated uric acid levels lead to the formation of crystal deposits in the joint. The joint then becomes red, hot, swollen, and painful. The initial attack of this condition is usually sudden, with symptoms lasting for about a week. The most common joint it affects is the joint that connects your big toe to the rest of the foot. If left untreated, gout attacks may reoccur, increase in severity and lead to enduring joint damage.
Frostbite (superficial)
Superficial frostbite is a stage more severe than frostnip. Cold temperatures damage the skin and the underlying tissues in your toes. Blisters form 24-36 hours after rewarming, and you may experience pain and discomfort for several days.
Higher severity
More serious medical conditions that cause red toes may be chronic or permanent. These conditions can be irreversible and limit the motor function of your toes. Surgery may be a last-resort treatment option in severe cases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis ("RA") is an auto-immune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation. RA causes periodic flare-ups of joint pain, stiffness and swelling, eventually making movement difficult. Although there is no cure, you can manage the condition with proactive and diligent treatment focusing on your overall health and well-being.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause a chain reaction in your body that hinders circulation to the feet and toes. People with diabetes may experience two conditions that cause red toes: peripheral vascular disease and nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). Nerve damage and reduced circulation can cause an itchy or numbing pain in the toes. Diabetes can also hinder the body's ability to fight less severe conditions due to reduced immune response and blood circulation.
Frostbite (deep)
Deep frostbite is the most severe form of cold damage to the skin. Your skin or tissue may turn red and black and die altogether. You may sometimes lose muscle function and require surgery to remove part of the toe.
Bunions
A bunion is a foot condition of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Bunions occur when the big toe misaligns. The shift in bone structure causes what appears to be a bony outgrowth. The outgrowth is simply the angling of your toes. The damage to the joint causes pain and redness, and the increased volume of your toes can make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Without proper footwear or orthotics, you can further aggravate your bunions.
Bunions are irreversible and have no "cure" other than surgery. However, physical therapy and accommodations, like orthotics and proper footwear, improve quality of life.
How can I prevent my toes from turning red?
Treatment and prevention for red toes depend on the severity of the underlying medical condition. Generally, low-severity medical or skin conditions are treated simply through rest and recovery. For low-severity conditions, the goal should be to focus on "How do I prevent this from getting worse?"; whereas for high-severity needs, much of the damage has been done and is irreversible. For more severe red toe conditions, the focus is more geared towards improving quality of life and implementing tools to improve mobility, like custom foot orthotics or orthopedic footwear.
We've created a treatment guideline below:
Low severity. Low-grade medical or skin red toe conditions are treatable, often at home. Treatment methods include topical creams or prescription medication, rest, recovery, taping, or changing footwear. Further prevention should focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of red toes early and following proper foot hygiene.
Moderate severity. Moderate severity medical or skin red toe conditions are a mix of prevention and treatment. A proper diagnosis is often required, followed by a treatment plan. Rest and recovery may be part of the treatment plan, but the recovery may be longer (weeks, not days). Like low-severity causes, prevention should focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of red toes early and following proper foot hygiene.
Higher severity. Severe medical or skin red toe conditions are often irreversible and have no cure. Treatment methods focus on improving motor function, mobility, and well-being through orthopedic tools and physical therapy.
November 3, 2022
Medical pedicures are no ordinary cosmetic pedicure. And while the procedure skips the pretty toenail polish, they offer numerous foot health benefits that you won't get from your favourite nail salon and spa.
Regular medical pedicures work wonders for nail health and keep your skin in good condition. What's more, chiropodists know the warning signs of foot conditions, so they can keep their eyes peeled for potential problems while performing your pedicure.
Let's take a look at the top 5 benefits of medical pedicures!
Medical pedicures prevent ingrown toenails
Your chiropodist can detect foot abnormalities and conditions
Say goodbye to foot odour
Enjoy a thorough moisturizing session
Safe and sterile environment
Medical Pedicures Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are something to avoid at all costs. Ingrown toenails grow into and pierce the skin, so while they may start out as a tiny problem, the pain can be immense if the ingrown toenail isn't properly dealt with. Not knowing how to cut your toenails properly can trigger ingrown toenail growth, so you should opt for a professional trim if you don't know what you're doing.
Of course, medical pedicures include thorough nail trimming and filing. Cutting and filing straight across ensures smooth edges and lets the nail re-grow in the right direction. This can prevent ingrown toenails but also serves as a treatment for any pre-existing ones.
Bonus tip: Try researching the best toenail clippers for added protection against ingrown toenails.
Your Chiropodist Can Detect Foot Abnormalities and Conditions
When you get a medical pedicure, a trained professional examines every inch of your foot. This is one of the most beneficial aspects of getting a pedicure at a foot clinic vs. a nail salon.
If you have diabetes, getting a foot examination is even more crucial. Due to diabetic neuropathy, irregular glucose levels, and peripheral vascular disease, undetected foot abnormalities can make way for severe complications. These may include skin and bone infections, gangrene, abscesses, and even amputations.
Here are some examples of what a chiropodist can look for during a medical pedicure:
Warts
Corns and calluses
Signs of proper blood circulation
Fungal infections
Nerve function
Signs of additional infection
Say Goodbye to Foot Odour
A medical pedicure includes sanitizing and thoroughly cleaning your feet. The process starts with cleaning the feet with alcohol, so the chiropodist has a clean base. This eliminates dead skin and bacteria on the bottom of the feet, eliminating unpleasant foot odour.
To ensure foot odour doesn't come back, wash your feet regularly, wear socks with sneakers and use high-quality foot deodorants.
Safe and Sterile Environment
Everyone likes to feel pampered sometimes. But while salon pedicures are fun and relaxing, there can be a lack of cleanliness in some establishments. Manicure and pedicure salons can be breeding grounds for foot fungus and other concerning threats.
When you go to a foot clinic, all eyes are on you. You have a space dedicated to your treatment, and your chiropodist only pays attention to your medical pedicure. Your foot specialist also uses only steam sterilized equipment that is sterilized after each use, and has plenty of time to ensure all medical practice standards are followed.
But a salon may be jam-packed full of customers, and employees can easily forget to thoroughly clean tools when they're too busy. This is when viruses, fungus and bacteria come into the picture.
Enjoy a Thorough Moisturizing Session
If you think moisturizing only happens at a nail salon, think again.
A chiropodist will use medical-strength moisturizing creams at the end of the medical pedicure.
This intense treatment works to keep skin feeling soft and clean, restore natural elasticity, and fight common nuisances like dry, itchy skin.
October 31, 2022
In Ontario, there are two terms for a foot specialist: a chiropodist and a podiatrist.
Many prospective patients ask themselves if there is a difference between the two occupations. They assume there must be since there wouldn't be two words for one specialty, right?
But the truth is, there are very few differences between chiropodists and podiatrists. Even if you research the definition of both professions, you can be left feeling just as confused as when you started. You'll often find that the internet tells you that they are healthcare professionals who tend to the feet, so what gives?!
Despite your confusion, there are some reasons medical experts split foot care experts into two categories. Let's explore why the healthcare world doesn't simply settle on one term!
Podiatry and Chiropody: Key Differences
Now that we have a clear understanding of each profession, the question remains; why does the medical industry insist on preserving two terms for foot specialists?
The terms are not interchangeable, despite how similar they are. Let's look at why.
Education
It takes longer to become a podiatrist. According to the Ontario Podiatric Medical Association, podiatrists must complete a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree. This is a four-year post-baccalaureate program. On the other hand, chiropodists complete a post-secondary diploma in chiropody. Furthermore, both often have additional education in a science-related field from an accredited university.
Terminology and Word Choice
Even though they don't go to a traditional medical school, you can use the term "foot doctor" to describe a podiatrist, as podiatrists obtain their D.P.M. You should not use this term to describe a chiropodist, although "foot care expert" and "foot specialist" certainly qualify.
Diagnoses Communication
Podiatrists can "communicate a diagnosis" to their patients, which stems from Ontario law granting them one of the six primary care professions in the province. This does not mean that a chiropodist cannot participate in effective communication with their patient.
Specialties
With their background in sports medicine, a podiatrist may be a better fit for someone experiencing a foot/ankle fracture or sprain. They're also the only foot specialists able to perform surgeries on the forefoot bones. One may be able to argue that a podiatrist is better suited for a severe condition requiring surgical intervention. For example, surgery for severe heel spurs or bunions.
However, a chiropodist can also address foot conditions and may be a better fit for establishing follow-up visits, ongoing care, foot care treatments, and giving advice on managing your foot health.
For more information about the things a chiropodist can and cannot do, visit our FAQ.
Availability
As of May 2022, there are over 600 chiropodists and only 60 podiatrists in Ontario. With limited access to podiatry, it's important to reiterate that those suffering from foot issues can explore chiropody and don't have to wait for a podiatrist to become available. Of course, the exception is if you require bone surgery.
In addition, unlike a podiatrist, you do not need a referral to see a chiropodist (although your private extended benefits may require one for coverage).
Coverage
Podiatrists can bill OHIP. Chiropodists cannot bill to OHIP, but they can bill companies that offer extended healthcare coverage, like Manulife and Sunlife.
Can a Chiropodist and Podiatrist Treat the Same Conditions?
Unless you require surgery on the bones in your feet, or you are not covered by extended health insurance and need OHIP coverage, you can see a chiropodist instead of a podiatrist.
It can be difficult to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, so there's no reason to neglect the expertise, kindness and care a chiropodist can offer you. Plus, they treat the same conditions as podiatrists, which include (but are not limited to):
Skin conditions such as calluses, corns, plantar warts, and cracked heels.
Toenail conditions like ingrown toenails, cracked toenails, and discoloured toenails.
Structural abnormalities that cause foot pain, like Plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and bunions.
Contagious conditions such as fungal toenail and athlete's foot.
Additional conditions like foot odour.
Diabetic foot care, assistance and guidance.
October 20, 2022
Toenails aren't always something we pay attention to. They're hidden in our shoes all day long, and when we relax, we can often forget about our feet. But when we notice curled toenails or pincer nails, it's a whole new ball game.
When our toenails curl upward or downward, it can cause a lot of insecurity and self-consciousness. It can be a perplexing condition that occurs alongside other worrisome traits, and they just aren't what healthy toenails should look like.
The slight glimmer of good news is that curled nails don't just occur for no reason. You, your foot care specialist and your family doctor will be able to determine the cause by zeroing in on the additional symptoms. From that point, you can follow a treatment plan to address your curled toenails and your condition.
Here are some common reasons for curled toenails:
Fungal infections
Autoimmune disease
Medications
Diabetic toenail
Genetics
The Connection Between Curled Toenails and Ingrown Toenails
Curled toenails are almost always ingrown, and both conditions arise from the same causes. The growth pattern of an ingrown toenail causes it to curve over time, often curling inward along the sides of the toe (usually the big toe). Eventually, the curled toenail pierces the skin and starts to grow into the skin, causing tenderness, redness, and swelling.
Fungal Infections
Curved toenails can result from fungal infections. Onychomycosis is usually associated with a curling shape in the nails. Other symptoms include dry toenails, a greenish-yellow tint in the nails, thickening and total separation from the nail bed.
Fungal infections resulting in curled toenails usually arise in older people suffering from peripheral vascular disease and diabetes. Having a chronic immunological illness can also be a risk factor.
It's difficult to treat toenail fungus at home, so you should help from a specialist. Patients may take oral prescription anti-fungal pills for 12 weeks. A total nail avulsion performed by a foot specialist may be required in severe cases.
Autoimmune Disease
As we've mentioned, autoimmune conditions can degrade once healthy toenails in addition to curling them.
One example is nail psoriasis, which can completely alter your toenails' structure, colour and texture. Your nails can turn yellow or brown, and tiny red spots may even form. The toenail may also hurt, and grooves and ridges appear. The pain stems from debris formation that alters the direction the nail grows in.
Medications like corticosteroids (injections or potent oral medicines) and tazarotene (for tackling the nail shape) can be particularly useful in treating nail psoriasis.
Medications
The culprit behind your strangely shaped toenails could be drug-induced nail disease. This phenomenon usually causes pain and discomfort in addition to a drastic change in the nail's shape and colour, and nails become more brittle.
Countless drugs can cause curled toenails. Chemotherapy drugs, lithium and antibiotics are just a handful of examples.
Diabetic Toenails
A curved toenail may result from diabetes-related onychogryphosis, or "ram horn," when nails take on a severely curled and thickened appearance. There are also several other variations of diabetic curled toenails.
People with diabetes frequently neglect to cut their toenails because of the shame associated with the complications of their disease, but diabetic nail care should be a top concern.
Diabetic toenails can ultimately lead to irreversible damage like foot ulcerations, skin breakdown and severe infections (even gangrene).
Genetics
Families can pass down certain characteristics that contribute to curled toenails. Factors such as the shape of the nail, the amount of skin surrounding the nail, and even the shape of your toes can be hereditary, making you genetically prone to toenail growth issues. So if you're struggling to understand why you have this recurring problem, it may be a good idea to compare symptoms with your close family.
Remember, you can combat toenail conditions by taking the proper precautions, even when genetics are at play. Be sure to wear properly fitted footwear, take care of your nails, and prevent damage at all costs.
How to Fix Curved Toenails
It's not about fixing the curled toenails; it's about management. Frequently, curled toenails occur alongside another condition, so you may not be able to get rid of them entirely.
Managing your curled toenails involves monitoring them around the clock and the proper nail care. You can figure out a system to help you cope and keep your nails as healthy as possible.
Nail and Foot Care
If you aren't sure how to properly cut curled toenails, don't try to do it yourself. Instead, seek help from a trusted chiropodist or partake in medical pedicures. If you do it yourself without the right knowledge, you are putting yourself at risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Generally, it's crucial to keep your nails short and clean regularly. You should also use a file to keep your toenail edges smooth and use moisturizers for the cuticles.
Since pincer nails are usually ingrown, you'll want to take extra care and prevent painful, recurring ingrown nails. Wear shoes that fit correctly and leave ample space in the toe box. While everybody should adhere to these guidelines, those struggling with curled toenails must be extra vigilant.
OnyFix
OnyFix is a new, revolutionary, and pain-free way to treat ingrown and curled toenails. Performed by a chiropodist, the non-invasive procedure corrects the natural growth pattern of your toenails, so the experience isn't just a quick fix.
Chiropodists correct the nail growth path by using a composite material in the shape of a thin band. After applying it to the top of the nail, it ensures the rest of the nail grows in a straight direction. With OnyFix, you can enjoy a future without nail issues and relatively instant pain relief (usually noticeable soon after treatment).
October 13, 2022
Under normal circumstances, our toenails are a glassy, somewhat opaque colour. The protective proteins of our toenails, called alpha-keratin, create this consistency. Together with the skin below it, healthy toenails should be pink. Sometimes, however, our toenails change colour. But why?
You may experience toenail discolouration from damage to the toenail itself or from damage to the skin below the nail bed. In both instances, a black spot may appear. It can be a black spot below the toenail, or your toenail itself may change colour.
This article teaches more about black spots under toenails, different kinds of toenail discolouration, and treatments. First, let's explore the nail condition of a black toenail.
What's a black toenail?
Black toenails are a type of nail condition characterized by damage to the skin below the nail. In most cases, a black toenail is a subungual hematoma, especially if you see a black spot. The black area you see is a bruise (a blood vessel breakage causing bleeding near the skin surface.)
However, your toenail may turn black for other reasons. We break down the causes below.
Should I be worried about a black toenail?
Black toenails have several causes, some more common than others.
Common causes
A subungual hematoma is the most common cause of a black spot under your toenail. Trauma, whether acute or chronic, causes a black spot under your toenail. Instances like running with ill-fitting footwear, stubbing a toe, or dropping an item on your toe are common culprits. Due to its length and weight-bearing role, your big toe is the most common toenail for a subungual hematoma. Your toenail may fall off entirely, or you may experience a small black spot. If the latter, you can trim off the black area as your nail grows out.
You may associate a fungal infection with discolouration of the toenail. Although usually a yellow-green, your toenail may also turn black.
In rare cases, ingrown toenails can be the culprit for a black toenail. An ingrown toenail causing a black toenail is usually related to a complication of a previous toenail treatment.
Rare and more severe causes
Malignant melanoma can cause a black toenail: Cancer forms in the cells of our skin that give our skin colour, which causes a black spot.
A B12 deficiency: B12 keeps your nails strong and healthy. A lack of B12 may result in a blackish tint.
Kidney problems
Liver disease
Linear melanonychia can cause black and brown lines that run either with your toenail or horizontally across your toenail.
If you have doubts about the black spot under your toenail, book an appointment with a chiropodist for the next steps and a diagnosis.
What kind of discolourations of a toenail are there?
In addition to black toenails, you may experience other discolouration. Click here to learn about the various shades and causes of discoloured toenails.
How can I treat a discoloured (including a black) toenail?
If you can connect the cause of a black toenail to a common cause—for instance, a stubbed toe—then at-home treatments are sufficient. However, if you haven't had any trauma or damage to your nail, consult a medical professional for treatment options. Here are some ways you can treat a discoloured toenail:
Let it grow out
If your toenail isn't damaged or at risk of falling off, the most effective action is to let the toenail grow out. Expect to wait between 6-9 months to allow your toenail to grow out thoroughly and to be able to trim the black area away.
Cover the toenail
If your toenail dies and falls off, you should cover any exposed parts of the nail bed for 7-10 days. Coat the area with a non-stick bandage and wait for the skin underneath to harden. Once the skin hardens, you can leave the nail and allow it to grow back or use an artificial nail to improve aesthetics.
Visit a chiropodist or foot doctor
If you have damage to your toenail from trauma and need guidance and treatment, visit a chiropodist. Our team of dedicated licensed chiropodists is committed to providing quality care and services for all your foot and ankle needs. They can diagnose, treat and help manage various foot conditions, from callus removal to ingrown toenails to bunions.
Over-the-counter creams and ointments
Ointments and creams are usually effective and can help treat fungal infections. You can also use a prescription antifungal treatment for severe cases of toenail infections.
Buy a new pair of shoes
If you have poorly-fitting shoes causing stress to your toenail, invest in proper footwear for your feet.
September 8, 2022
Lately, medical pedicures have been trending, but why? What's all the hype about, and is it worth it?
When you think of pedicures, you may think of nail salons, getting your nails done, or another cosmetic version. In practice, medical pedicures are different. They're a blend of foot care and nail care, bringing out the best of both worlds. Medical pedicures combine the aesthetics of nail care (minus the nail polish) with the foot care benefits provided by chiropodists.
A medical pedicure addresses this by treating the toenails and skin of the feet while tending to any emerging foot concerns. It’s a therapeutic pedicure - without nail polish - performed by a qualified foot specialist. Think of our medical pedicure service as a maintenance package for your feet. These sessions include a thorough examination of your feet, as well as careful cleaning of your feet, trimming and filing toenails, removing calluses, corns, and dead skin, moisturizing, and more.
These are the top 10 reasons why you should consider getting a medical pedicure:
Help prevent ingrown toenails
Stave off foot odour
Remove painful corns
Thorough foot examination
Professionally cut or trim toenails
Safe, private, and sterilized environment
Treat fungal toenail infections
Moisturizes your feet
Callus debridement
Cleans your feet to get rid of onychophosis
On top of all of the benefits, a medical pedicure may be covered in part or entirely by your insurance provider. Note that it is not covered under OHIP, so check your private insurance benefits ahead of your appointment.
Below you'll learn more about medical pedicures and what sets them apart.
1. Medical pedicures can prevent ingrown toenails
Feet First Clinic can help treat and prevent ingrown toenails by properly trimming and cutting your nails.
Ingrown toenails can be very painful, cause swelling, and even lead to an infection if left ignored. A foot specialist can cut your toenails straight across and ensure there are no stray pieces at the edges. They’ll also ensure you don’t cut the nail too short which can be a precursor to developing an ingrown toenail.
2. Stave off foot odour
Pee-ew. That smell could be your feet. Several factors can lead to increased foot odour, like re-using socks or not letting your footwear dry between uses. Additionally, long toenails and dead skin can contribute to foot odour as it's a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. These latter two contributing factors are addressed during a medical pedicure.
3. Remove painful corns
A foot specialist can safely remove a painful corn, a small circular area of thickened, hardened skin. These are usually found on the non-weight bearing, bonier parts of the foot where the skin is thinner, like the toes.
4. A licensed chiropodist examines your feet
Medical pedicures act as double-duty for your feet. Not only do you get a direct benefit to your skin and nails, but a licensed chiropodist also can check for irregularities or any foot conditions. For example, they may discover an unrecognized bone spur, flat arch, or even a cut or scratch on your foot that would otherwise go unnoticed.
This proactive measure can help address foot conditions or issues before they become serious.
5. Get your nails professionally cut or trimmed
Leave it to the professionals to cut or trim your nails. Whether you have a cracked or split toenail, it's not worth exacerbating the issue. Instead of trying to DIY (do-it-yourself), have it done during a medical pedicure to ensure the toenail is trimmed and curved off.
6. Get footwork done in a safe, private, and sterilized environment
A medical pedicure is performed at a clinic in a safe, quiet, private, and sterilized environment. Avoid the crowds of nail salons by getting a medical pedicure done in an environment you trust.
All treatments from a chiropodist are performed using medical-grade products and a fresh set of sterilized instruments for each client. The sterilization process used by chiropodists will remove and kill all forms of life that should not be transferred between individuals, in particular micro-organisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and spores.
Our clinic is conveniently located at 2481 Bloor St W in Toronto, just steps from the Jane subway station.
7. Treat fungal toenail infections
Chiropodists treat fungal toenail infections using mechanical reduction of the nail and topical prescription medications.
8. Moisturizes your feet
Finish off with your medical pedicure with foot moisturizer. Our foot specialists high-quality medical-strength moisturizing products as part of the treatment. In addition to leaving your feet soft and smooth, effective moisturizing strengthens the skin, restores elasticity, and can help ward off several skin conditions.
9. Callus debridement
A chiropodist can remove thickened calluses during a medical pedicure. Calluses are thickened and hardened layers of skin that develop as a result of pressure or friction. It is the skin’s way of protecting itself from these external forces. Calluses may appear yellow, white, or grey in hue and can be accompanied by dry scaling skin and even fissures. Calluses can have some side effects including altering your gait and could lead to other foot conditions if you're not careful.
10. Cleans your feet to eliminate onychophosis
During your medical pedicure, a specialist cleans underneath the toenails to eliminate any onychophosis. Onychophosis — the term used for the buildup of skin cells in the nail folds, plate, and cuticles — can cause thickened toenails and lead to other problems as we age. Proactively addressing this buildup is key for preventing future conditions down the line.
