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TikTok has a way of showing me treatments I didn\u2019t know I needed. Lately, in between buccal massages and scalp detox treatments, my feed has been serving up medical pedicures. They may not sound particularly glamorous, but they blend traditional salon pedicures with a more clinical approach to foot care.<\/p>\n
The specific clip that sent me down the rabbit hole came from Los Angeles-based content creator Maddie J (aka @mj_726), who documented her visit after developing toenail fungus from a nail salon pedicure. Now, she says she exclusively gets pedicures at a doctor\u2019s office, aiming to go once a month. Judging by the comments section, plenty of viewers were equally surprised that medical pedicures even existed\u2014and immediately wanted to book one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
So what\u2019s the deal with them? Is there actually a standardized definition for a medical pedicure, or can anyone slap the label onto a service? With sandal season creeping closer, the timing feels right to dig deeper. Ahead, everything to know about medical pedicures, including what makes them different from traditional salon pedicures and whether they\u2019re worth booking. But first, the TikTok that started it all.<\/p>\n
\u201cA medical pedicure is performed in a clinical setting or medical spa and focuses on foot health rather than just cosmetic appearance,\u201d says California podiatrist and Dr. AntiFungus founder Nasim Kalhor, MD. \u201cIt is typically done by a podiatrist or a trained medical professional.\u201d Unlike a traditional salon pedicure, though, a medical pedicure doesn\u2019t always include polish unless it\u2019s specifically noted as part of your service\u2014definitely something worth asking about ahead of your appointment if that\u2019s a non-negotiable for you.<\/p>\n
Minnesota registered nurse Delaney Olson, who works for the medical pedicure and foot-care company The Foot Nurse, adds that medical pedicures are sometimes cleverly called \u201cmedi-pedis\u201d and take place in either a clinical setting or one\u2019s home. \u201cWhile a regular pedicure focuses on appearance, a medical pedicure prioritizes foot health, hygiene and safety to prevent infections or complications,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest distinctions between a medical pedicure and a traditional salon service comes down to sanitation and oversight. \u201cUnlike traditional pedicures, there is no use of shared soaking basins, and all instruments are either medical-grade sterilized or single-use,\u201d Dr. Kalhor explains. \u201cThat level of control, combined with medical oversight, makes the process much more hygienic than a standard salon pedicure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Kalhor notes that many people may already be exposed to fungal organisms without realizing it, whether from locker rooms, beaches or even pets at home. Add heat and moisture into the mix\u2014like during a traditional pedicure\u2014and those organisms can multiply more easily on the skin and nails.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s part of why some medical practices incorporate antifungal soaking systems into their services. \u201cIn more advanced settings, including medical spas, we often incorporate controlled, pre-measured soak systems such as the Dr. AntiFungus Mani-Pedi Kit ($59), says Dr. Kalhor, founder of the brand. \u201cEach kit contains six individual bottles that are added to clean water per service, ensuring a fresh and hygienic soak every time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Medical pedicures aren\u2019t solely for people with medical concerns. \u201cThey\u2019re a great option for anyone who wants a thorough, hygienic and professionally supervised foot-care experience, compared to a standard salon pedicure,\u201d says Olson.<\/p>\n
That said, they can be especially beneficial for people with underlying health conditions, such as \u201cdiabetes, circulation issues or compromised immune systems,\u201d Dr. Kalhor points out. \u201cThey reduce the risk of cuts, ingrown toenails or infections, which can lead to serious problems for these patients,\u201d Olson adds. She notes that \u201ctraditional salon pedicures can be risky due to non-sterile tools that may spread infections or aggressive trimming or cutting, which can cause injuries and introduce microorganisms,” she adds.<\/p>\n
Dr. Kalhor says medical pedicures \u201care also ideal for anyone dealing with chronic foot conditions, such as thickened or discolored nails, ingrown nails, calluses, corns, cracked heels and fungal infection.\u201d And if you simply prefer the idea of receiving foot care under the supervision of a medical professional, that alone may be reason enough to book one.<\/p>\n
While scrolling through the comments section of the TikTok video I shared earlier, I noticed plenty of people asking whether medical pedicures are ever covered by insurance. The answer: sometimes, but usually not. <\/p>\n
\u201cIn general, they are not covered when performed for routine or cosmetic maintenance, \u201d says Dr. Kalhor. \u201cHowever, portions of the visit may be covered if there is a documented medical condition, such as diabetic foot care, painful calluses or fungal infections.\u201d <\/p>\n
If you do end up paying out of pocket, Olson says pricing typically ranges from $75 to $175 depending on your provider and location. \u201cIt\u2019s usually more expensive than a salon pedicure because of the sterilized equipment, specialized care and health-care expertise,\u201d she adds, noting that \u201cprices may be higher in cities or when performed by a podiatrist.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n