Why a Medi Pedi or Medical Pedicure Can Give You Beautiful Feet

Last Updated on September 16, 2023 by Martina McKeough

If you are considering getting a pedicure you should be asking yourself will the classic pedicure that you tend to get at a nail spa work for you or do you need something a little more comprehensive? If you have feet that are in poor shape and need a little extra TLC then a Medi Pedi or medical pedicure may be exactly what you need to help your feet.

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What is a Medi Pedi?

A Medi Pedi or medical pedicure is a form of foot treatment that is carried out by a registered podiatrist rather than a nail technician at a spa. Podiatrists are highly qualified foot care professionals that are able to manage more difficult foot problems such as problem toenails, foot fungus, hard skin and calluses, corns, and even foot gait issues.

This form of podiatry is much more comprehensive than a classic pedicure and is designed to improve foot health or deal with medical problems in the feet. Therefore your podiatrist may use medical equipment including scalpels, injections or drills.

A Medi Pedi is likely to be far more hygienic than a standard spa pedicure because the equipment is sterilised before use and the health standards tend to be much higher.

How Long Does a Medi Pedi Take?

A typical clinical pedicure is likely to take between half an hour and one hour. The time spent with a podiatrist will of course depend on the condition of your feet and the specific treatment needed.

Do Podiatrists Give Pedicures?

Traditionally podiatrists give medical foot treatments to improve foot health but don't get involved in nail salon services such as foot scrubs, massages, and toenail painting. However recently the lines have become blurred as many people want the medical pedicure with the spa experience. Margaret Dabbs for example is a pioneer in offering a spa experience with pedicures and many other podiatrists are now following her lead.

How Much is a Medi Pedi?

A clinical pedicure is always going to be more expensive than traditional pedicures as this reflects the knowledge of the podiatrist and the more complex foot services that are required. Expect to pay on average somewhere between $50 to $100 dollars for this type of advanced service but this will depend on the location and brand name. In the UK for example a Margaret Dabbs medical pedicure can cost between £85 and £135 reflecting the luxury foot spa service.

Medi Pedicure Steps

So what are the steps that you can expect if you are having this form of a pedicure? Well, this will actually depend on the type of appointment each individual technician offers. As we have already mentioned some podiatry services will not involve scrubs or massages or even nail painting whilst others will. If you are looking for the luxury foot care experience with all the offerings then expect a typical appointment to offer the following.

When you arrive for your appointment your podiatrist will inspect your feet and discuss with you any foot or nail problems that you may be experiencing. They will then decide on a plan of action for that particular session.

Your feet are then cleaned for hygiene and nail polish removed but are unlikely to be placed in a foot bath because Dry Pedicures are better for podiatry work.

Your podiatrist will then trim your toenails and check for any ingrown sections which can be treated or clipped. Your cuticles are also treated and any excess skin removed from your toes. Then your toenails are filed into a healthy shape.

Any hard skin or corns are then removed with a scalpel to help them feel smooth and soft. A foot file may be used to smooth the feet further.

If you do have any infections such as athlete’s foot this will be treated and you may be recommended products to use at home to stop the problem.

Your feet are then moisturised to keep them soft and supple. Finally, if you have chosen a spa that also offers nail painting this will be done right at the end of your session. Just note that with certain fungal infections you may be told that nail polish shouldn’t be used until the infection has cleared.

Medi Pedi Products To Use at Home

Finally although some foot treatments should only be given by professional technicians or podiatrists there are now a huge amount of safe products that you can use at home without the foot care office prices. Here are just some of the latest medical foot care tools that you can use at home.

Whilst you may not be happy wielding a scalpel Electric Foot Callus Removers have come a long way. This particular model is a great price and it has over 20,000 reviews! Use this to remove hard skin on your feet and make them baby soft even when they feel dry and unloved.

If your toenails aren’t making you happy then this Beurer 24 piece Manicure and Pedicure kit may be just what you need. This allows you to tackle problem toenails in a safe way. Use it for filing, shaping, and grinding to make your feet look beautiful.

For Athlete’s Foot problems you can’t go far wrong with Lotrimin Cream. It is great at helping kill any foot fungus and is even safe for children over 12. For toenail fungal problems use Solomedics Nail Repair Pen.

This Pedicure Kit has all the tools you will ever need to help your feet. It comes in a great carry case as well so all your instruments are in one place.