Who Is a Podiatrist and When to See One: How It Differs from a Pedicure

Many people take foot problems to a salon for a pedicure. But an ingrown nail, nail fungus or deeply cracked heels are not cosmetic — they are medical problems, and they are treated by a podiatrist. Here is who a podiatrist is, when to see one and how the visit goes.

Who is a podiatrist?

A podiatrist diagnoses and treats conditions of the skin and nails of the feet. At Radeski the podiatrists are dermatovenereologists: they do not just tidy the nails, they find the cause — fungus, infection, footwear or a sign of a general illness.

How it differs from a pedicure

| Pedicure | Podiatry | |---|---| | Care and looks | Diagnosis and treatment | | A beautician | A doctor | | For healthy feet | For problem feet | | Does not treat disease | Takes tests and treats when needed |

What does a podiatrist treat?

• Ingrown toenails — pain, redness, swelling. The ingrown part is removed or corrected with a titanium wire, which guides the nail to grow properly without surgery.
• Nail fungus (onychomycosis) — yellow, thick, crumbly nails. It is confirmed with a test first, then device cleaning, laser and medicines are combined.
• Corns and calluses — with or without a core; removed painlessly with a device.
• Cracked heels — device treatment and a care plan.
• Thick and deformed nails — device treatment.
• Foot care in diabetes — regular medical checks, because even a small wound is dangerous.

When to see a podiatrist

• The skin around a nail is painful, red or pus-filled.
• A nail has changed colour, thickness or shape.
• A corn hurts when walking or keeps coming back.
• Heel cracks bleed.
• You have diabetes — your feet need regular checks.

How the visit goes

1. Your complaints and an examination of the feet; dermatoscopy if needed.
2. A fungus test if needed.
3. Treatment — often on the same day: device cleaning, corn or ingrown nail treatment.
4. Advice on care and footwear, and a follow-up date.

Do not do it yourself

Cutting out an ingrown nail, slicing a corn with something sharp or burning it with home remedies raises the risk of infection and recurrence.

At Radeski

Podiatrists see patients at the Fergana and Kokand branches. Prices for the first consultation and treatments are on the prices page.

Read more: Podiatrist in Fergana, Podiatrist in Kokand, Ingrown toenail, Nail fungus.