6 Reasons You Should Schedule A Medical Pedicure RN

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No doubt you’ve had your fair share of pedicures, but have you ever dabbled in the world of medical pedicures? Also known as a medi pedi, this in-depth take on a standard pedicure has gained quite a bit of momentum over the last couple of months. (If we had to guess, it might have something to do with sandal season!)

“Medical pedicures are a sterile and waterless treatment customized and tailored to the client’s needs,” explains Marcela Correa, a licensed medical pedicurist at the very aptly named Medi Pedi NYC. “This treatment can be compared to a teeth cleaning at your dentist’s office – it’s essentially a deep cleansing of your nails and soles of the feet.” Intrigued by the notion of a medical pedicure? Keep reading for six reasons why you should schedule an appointment ASAP.

1. It’s Beyond Sanitary

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You won’t have to question sanitization during a medical pedicure. “A medi pedi is performed with instruments that have been sterilized to a hospital level, which means using an autoclave that is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal,” says Dr. Suzanne Levine, a podiatrist for Millennium Podiatry. “The pedicure is also performed using prescription-grade products and instrumentation that encourages deeper penetration and absorption of those products.”

2. You Won’t Feel Embarrassed

Ever put off a pedicure because you were embarrassed about the state of your feet? You don’t have to worry about that for even a sec when it comes to medical pedicures. Licensed medical pedicurists and podiatrists have seen it all – cracked heels, large fissures, thick nails, nail discoloration, athletes’ foot, nail fungus, and more. We promise they’ll be unphased and ready to assist.

3. You’ll Get Checked for Medical Ailments

With that said, your medical pedicurist will be on the lookout for all sorts of issues that a traditional pedicurist wouldn’t – and even things you might not notice – such as fungal infections, athlete’s foot, and ingrown toenails. “They also check the anatomy of your feet to make sure there aren’t any deformities developing that might hinder your way of life in the future,” adds Correa. “It’s always better to take preventative steps, so even a visit once a year can be extremely beneficial to your overall health.”

4. They’ll Treat Your Issues, Too

Even better than just making note of any potential issues, a medical pedicurist is equipped to treat you then and there. Correa says you can add on services such as laser treatments that zap nail fungus and nail braces to help correct painful ingrown toenails. In that sense, the focus is more on correction and prevention as opposed to masking the real issue with salt scrubs and a cute shade of pale pink or splashy neon yellow.

5. Foot Health is Important

We often think about pedicures as a way to simply enjoy cute toes in the spring and summer, but our foot health is actually pretty important and shouldn’t be overlooked. Practicing consistent foot hygiene ensures better everyday comfort and can prevent or treat issues that might otherwise affect your health in the long run. “Feet are the foundation of the human body, and if you don’t take care of them then you can cause problems in the knees, hips and even back,” explains Dr. Levine.

6. Your Feet Will Look Better

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A healthy foot is also a good-looking foot. Your medical pedicurist will help nix issues that can appear less-than-pretty, including cracks, discoloration, and fungus. And yes, you’ll still get the necessary callus and dead skin removal while you’re there!

The cost of a medical pedicure varies depending on where you live and who you see, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 to $400 for a 45-minute treatment. Additional services will likely incur another fee. If you’ve been dealing with an ongoing foot issue and want resolution stat, then a medical pedicure is a no-brainer. It can help you pinpoint the issue and, best of all, treat it.

Feet can start looking pretty gnarly in the summer, but we’ve got the full scoop on how to keep your feet sandal-ready this summer.