Everyone loves the feeling of freshly pampered feet after a pedicure, but not everyone realizes the potential risks involved. At Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, Arizona, we often treat patients with infections and injuries that could have been prevented with proper pedicure safety knowledge. Here's how to enjoy beautiful feet without compromising your foot health.

Choose the Right Salon

The first step to a safe pedicure is selecting a reputable salon. Look for these key indicators:

• A valid state license displayed in a visible location
• Clean workstations that are disinfected between customers
• Technicians who wash their hands before working with each client
• Sterilization equipment for tools (autoclave machines)
• New disposable items for each customer

If a salon looks unclean or you notice technicians reusing tools without proper sterilization, walk away. Your foot health isn't worth the risk.

Protect Yourself During Your Pedicure

Even at a clean salon, take these precautions:

• Don't shave your legs for at least 24 hours before your appointment (tiny cuts can allow bacteria to enter)
• Bring your own tools if possible
• Make sure foot baths are properly cleaned before use
• Ask technicians not to cut your cuticles (they protect your nails from infection)
• Request that calluses be gently filed, not cut with a blade
• Never allow technicians to remove ingrown toenails

Special Warning for Diabetic Patients

If you have diabetes, you need to be especially careful with pedicures. Diabetes can cause reduced feeling in your feet, meaning you might not notice if a technician cuts you or files too aggressively. Poor circulation from diabetes also makes infections harder to fight off and slower to heal. Before getting a pedicure, consult with us at Roadrunner Foot and Ankle. We can advise if pedicures are safe for you or recommend diabetic-friendly foot care specialists. Some diabetic patients should skip traditional pedicures altogether and opt for medical pedicures performed by podiatry professionals.

When to See a Podiatrist

Contact our office immediately if you notice any of these symptoms after a pedicure:

• Redness, swelling, or warmth around the toenail
• Pus or discharge from any area of the foot
• Pain that wasn't present before the pedicure
• Unusual odor from your feet
• Fever accompanied by foot pain

Your Foot Health Matters

At Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, we believe preventive care is the best approach to foot health. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Margaret Withrow or Dr. Dylan Kaumaya for a comprehensive foot evaluation and personalized foot care advice. Don't wait until a small problem becomes a major issue—your feet deserve expert care!