Does a podiatrist do a pedicure?

### Medical Pedicures vs Salon Pedicures Medical pedicures performed by podiatrists or trained medical pedicure specialists occur in clinical settings using surgical-grade sterilization and medical protocols. These treatments address diagnosed foot conditions: severe ingrown toenails, thick fungal nails requiring medical-grade tools for reduction, diabetic foot care requiring extreme caution to prevent injury, and circulatory compromise needing specialized assessment during treatment. The clinical environment ensures sterility impossible in salon settings. Podiatry clinics use autoclave sterilization eliminating all bacteria, viruses, and fungi—a requirement when treating compromised feet vulnerable to infection. Every instrument undergoes individual sterilization, single-use items are never reused, and treatment areas receive medical-grade disinfection between patients. Salon pedicures provide comprehensive foot care for generally healthy feet, emphasizing aesthetic improvement through polish application, relaxation through extended massage, and preventive maintenance through regular callus removal and nail trimming. The salon environment, while sanitary, does not meet clinical sterility standards necessary for treating medical conditions. The training differs substantially: podiatrists complete four years of podiatric medical school plus residency training in foot and ankle medicine and surgery. Salon pedicurists complete beauty therapy training covering foot care technique and hygiene but not medical diagnosis or treatment of pathological conditions. ### Who Needs Podiatric Pedicures **Diabetes Patients**: People with diabetes face serious foot care risks including reduced sensation (neuropathy) preventing pain awareness, poor circulation slowing healing, and increased infection vulnerability. Even minor cuts or damage during pedicures can develop into serious infections or ulcers potentially requiring amputation. Podiatrists trained in diabetic foot care use modified techniques, specialized tools, and thorough assessment preventing the complications that can result from salon pedicures. **Peripheral Neuropathy**: Nerve damage from various causes creates numbness preventing patients from feeling pain during over-aggressive callus removal or nail cutting. Podiatrists assess sensation levels and modify treatment accordingly, while standard salon pedicurists may not recognize reduced sensation and accidentally cause injury. **Circulation Disorders**: Poor blood flow slows healing, making any injury from pedicure procedures potentially serious. Podiatrists evaluate circulation, modify techniques for compromised patients, and recognize when foot care procedures should be avoided entirely due to excessive risk. **Ingrown Toenails**: Severe or recurrent ingrown toenails may require partial nail removal procedures beyond salon scope. Podiatrists can perform these minor surgeries in-office, provide prescription medications if infection exists, and implement preventive strategies for chronic cases. **Fungal Nail Infections**: Thick, brittle fungal nails require medical-grade tools for safe reduction. Attempting to file or cut severely infected nails with salon implements can damage equipment and spread infection. Podiatrists have specialized tools and can prescribe antifungal medications addressing underlying infection. **Structural Abnormalities**: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or biomechanical problems affecting foot function benefit from podiatric assessment during pedicure treatment. Podiatrists can recommend orthotics, shoe modifications, or medical interventions addressing root causes rather than just symptom management. ### Medical Pedicure Procedures Medical pedicures follow different protocols than salon treatments. The focus is therapeutic rather than cosmetic, though appearance improvement typically results from treating underlying problems. Assessment begins with medical history review, circulation testing, sensation evaluation, and structural examination. This thorough evaluation identifies contraindications and determines appropriate treatment modifications for each patient's specific conditions. Nail care may involve specialized cutting tools for thick or fungal nails, partial nail removal for severe ingrown nails, or conservative trimming with extensive education for diabetic patients who should perform minimal home nail care. Podiatrists never cut nails too short in compromised patients, prioritizing safety over cosmetic preference. Callus removal uses scalpels or specialized debridement tools removing dead tissue with precision impossible using salon files or pumice. This careful debridement prevents the bleeding that can occur with over-aggressive salon callus removal while more thoroughly addressing problem areas. However, this advanced technique requires medical training—attempting scalpel debridement without proper training risks serious injury. Infection treatment may be incorporated into medical pedicures, with podiatrists identifying and treating bacterial or fungal infections, providing prescription medications, and implementing preventive strategies. This integrated medical care addresses both symptoms and underlying causes within the single appointment. ### When Salon Pedicures Are Appropriate Most people without medical foot complications benefit from regular salon pedicures providing comprehensive foot care in relaxing, spa-like environments. Healthy circulation, intact sensation, normal immune function, and absence of chronic conditions make salon pedicures both safe and beneficial. Quality salon pedicures prevent many problems through proper technique: correct nail trimming preventing ingrown nails, regular callus management preventing painful cracking, thorough moisturizing preventing fungal infection vulnerability, and professional observation potentially identifying developing problems early. The enhanced relaxation and aesthetic focus of salon pedicures provides self-care benefits medical appointments don't emphasize. Extended massage, aromatherapy elements, premium polish application, and the spa environment create therapeutic psychological benefits alongside physical foot care. Cost differences reflect the different service purposes: salon pedicures typically cost £20-40, while medical pedicures may cost £50-100 and may be partially covered by health insurance when medically necessary. This cost difference makes sense given the clinical setting, specialized equipment, and medical training involved in podiatric treatment. ### Transitioning Between Salon and Medical Care Some people require medical pedicures temporarily while dealing with specific conditions, then return to salon pedicures once problems resolve. For example, someone treating a fungal nail infection might see a podiatrist during active treatment, transitioning to salon care once the infection clears. Others alternate between medical and salon pedicures: quarterly podiatric assessments ensuring foot health with monthly salon maintenance providing aesthetic care and relaxation. This combined approach maximizes both health monitoring and self-care benefits. Clear communication with both providers ensures coordinated care. Inform salon pedicurists about any medical conditions or podiatric treatments affecting foot care, and tell podiatrists about your salon pedicure routine so they can advise whether modifications are needed. ### Professional Boundaries and Limitations Reputable salon pedicurists recognize their scope limitations and refer clients with medical conditions to podiatrists rather than attempting treatment beyond their training. Signs requiring medical referral include: unusual nail discoloration, painful or bleeding toenails, signs of infection, severe calluses resistant to normal reduction, or any foot problems causing pain or functional limitation. Conversely, podiatrists often recommend salon pedicures for general maintenance between medical appointments, recognizing that salon services provide aesthetic and relaxation benefits their clinical environment doesn't emphasize. This mutual professional respect serves patients best, ensuring everyone receives appropriate care in suitable settings. Some podiatry clinics now offer "medical spa" pedicures combining clinical sterility and medical expertise with enhanced relaxation and aesthetic elements typically found in salons. These hybrid services serve people who need medical safety protocols but also desire the pampering experience of traditional pedicures.

**Available at both locations**: - **Newcastle City Centre**: Expert pedicures for healthy feet with proper referral to medical providers when needed. - **Gosforth**: Over 25 years of professional integrity providing appropriate care within our scope while recognizing medical limitations. **Our Pedicure Services**: - Standard Pedicure: £20 | 45 minutes - Gel Pedicure: £28 | 60 minutes - Luxury Spa Pedicure: £40 | 75 minutes *Note: We happily provide pedicures for clients under podiatric care with provider clearance* [Book Your Pedicure](#) - Available on Treatwell, Fresha, and Booksy