Are Pedicures Safe?

Who Should have their Feet Cared for
by Dr. Bridger?

It can be risky to get a pedicure if you have a systemic disease that affects your feet.  You may be eligible for routine foot care by Dr. Bridger under your insurance. There are many systemic conditions that affect the feet including: neuropathy, poor circulation, diabetes, vascular disease, heart disease, kidney disease, and many more. If you have one of these conditions, your feet may be at higher risk for injury and infection. Dr. Bridger will determine if your feet are at risk for problems. He will examine your feet, trim your nails, and pare your calluses.

If you have ingrown nails or structural foot problems you should seek medical treatment. Ingrown nails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the skin, much like a splinter. The edge of the nail is often not visible. Getting a pedicure or self treating an ingrown nail can increase your risk of infection. Structural foot problems occur when the bones or joints in your feet are not in the proper position, for example a bunion. Padding, orthotics, and shoe gear modifications may help accommodate structural deformities.  When necessary, surgery can fix these deformities. Pedicures do not address why you are developing calluses or how to limit their formation. Dr. Bridger will not only pare your calluses but address the structural deformities that are causing them to develop. 

There are two important things to remember about pedicures:

1. They do not substitute a medical exam and treatment by a doctor

2. If not done correctly, pedicures can cause problems even in healthy individuals