Difference Between a Podiatrist and a Nail Technician?
Many people confuse a podiatrist with a nail technician. After all, both deal with feet and toenails. But when you're facing issues like nail fungus, thickened toenails, foot pain, or cracked heels, it's important to know the difference between a podiatrist and a nail technician.
Choosing the right professional can make all the difference in getting safe, effective care or making the problem worse.
In this blog, we’ll break down what a podiatrist does, how a nail technician differs, and when to visit each. We’ll also explore the difference between a medical pedicure vs regular pedicure, common myths, and why it’s crucial to prioritise foot health. Whether you're booking an appointment for beauty or for a health concern, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
studies show :
Foot and nail problems are far more common than most people realise. Recent surveys show that “over 40% of Australians experience foot pain every year,” and many attempt self-treatment or visit a nail salon first. However, nearly “1 in 5 people develop complications” because underlying issues like fungal infections or ingrown toenails aren’t correctly diagnosed early.
What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a medical professional trained to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. They complete a university degree in podiatric medicine and undergo clinical training, making them experts in foot health.
What Does a Podiatrist Do?
A podiatrist doesn’t just trim toenails; they look after the overall health of your feet. Here are some of the services podiatrists provide:
Treat ingrown toenails, fungal toenail infections, and thickened nails
Provide care for corns, calluses, and cracked heels
Diagnose and manage heel pain, arch issues, and plantar fasciitis
Offer specialised care for diabetics, seniors, and people with circulation problems
Perform medical pedicures using sterile tools and clinical techniques
Prescribe custom orthotics or footwear recommendations to prevent injuries
Podiatrists can also identify early signs of more serious health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and nerve damage through your feet. That’s why their role goes beyond just nails and appearance; it’s about your health and mobility.
Research highlights:
the importance of professional medical care when dealing with nail or skin conditions. Data from Podiatry Australia indicates that “up to 50% of nail disorders are misdiagnosed when treated outside a clinical setting”, often delaying proper treatment. This is why conditions such as fungal toenails, cracked heels, and infected ingrown nails respond better when managed by a qualified podiatrist.
What is a Nail Technician?
A nail technician—a person who does manicures and pedicures is called a nail tech—focuses mainly on the cosmetic appearance of nails. If you’re wondering what do you call someone who does pedicures, the answer is usually “nail technician” or “beauty therapist.” Similarly, someone who does pedicure is called a nail tech trained in beauty and grooming services.
However, this is also why a nail tech might not be able to perform some services that a podiatrist might: they are not medically trained to diagnose infections, treat pain, or handle complex nail conditions.
Nail Technician Responsibilities
While their services are great for pampering and appearance, they are not medical professionals. Here's what a nail technician typically does:
Shape, trim, and polish fingernails and toenails
Offer regular pedicures and manicures
Apply acrylic nails, gel nails, or nail extensions
Perform cuticle care and foot exfoliation
Create nail art and decorative designs
Their work is ideal for aesthetic purposes but not for medical concerns. They aren’t trained or licensed to diagnose or treat conditions like fungal infections, ingrown toenails, or cracked heels.
Medical Pedicure vs Regular Pedicure
A common question people ask is: do podiatrists do pedicures?
Yes—podiatrists can perform a medical pedicure, which is completely different from the type offered at salons. Because a podiatrist is often considered a nail doctor—or, more accurately, a trained foot health professional—they treat both nails and underlying medical concerns. This is why many people refer to them informally as a nail specialist, especially when dealing with ingrown or fungal toenails.
Performed By
A medical pedicure is performed by a podiatrist, a qualified foot health specialist. In contrast, a regular pedicure is carried out by a nail technician, typically trained in beauty services but not in medical foot care.
Focus
The focus of a medical pedicure is on foot health and treatment. It addresses issues like fungal infections, corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, and diabetic foot care. On the other hand, a regular pedicure centres on nail aesthetics and beauty, aiming to improve the look and feel of your feet rather than treating underlying problems.
Tools Used
During a medical pedicure, sterile, medical-grade instruments are used to ensure the highest hygiene standards and prevent infections. A regular pedicure typically involves beauty salon tools, which may not always be sterile or suited for people with foot concerns.
Suitable For
A medical pedicure is ideal for people with foot issues, diabetes, or sensitive skin. A regular pedicure is generally suitable for the general public without foot problems, looking for cosmetic care.
Hygiene Level
Hygiene is a top priority in a medical pedicure, which adheres to medical clinic standards. In comparison, the hygiene level in a regular pedicure varies by salon and may not meet medical standards.
Risk of Infection
With a medical pedicure, the risk of infection is very low due to sterilised tools and expert care. In contrast, regular pedicures carry a moderate to high risk of infection, especially if tools are not properly sanitised.
Even though nail salons provide valuable cosmetic services, they’re not trained to manage medical conditions. Studies show that “fungal infections account for nearly 50% of all nail-related problems”, yet many people first turn to a nail technician instead of a podiatrist. Without proper sterilisation and diagnosis, these infections can spread or worsen, leading to more severe pain and thickened nails.
Who Should You Visit?
If you're unsure whether to visit a podiatrist or nail technician, consider the problem you're facing. For example, only a podiatrist—sometimes casually called a nail doctor due to their expertise—can safely treat infections, thickened nails, or chronic pain. This highlights again why a nail tech might not be able to perform some services that a podiatrist might, as beauty training does not cover medical diagnosis or treatment.
Visit a Podiatrist If:
You have thick, discoloured, or brittle toenails
You suspect a fungal nail infection
You experience foot pain, numbness, or tingling
You notice ingrown toenails, bleeding, or swelling
You’re diabetic or have a compromised immune system
You’ve had an injury, or your feet often feel sore
You want a medical-grade pedicure with long-term results
Visit a Nail Technician If:
Your feet are healthy, and you want a cosmetic refresh
You’re attending an event and want polished toenails
You enjoy regular manicures and pedicures for self-care
You want a relaxing spa experience, and do not have any nail infections or pain
If you’re still unsure, ask yourself: “Is this issue health-related or cosmetic?”
That simple question can help you choose the right expert.
Can a Nail Technician Treat Toenail Fungus?
No—and this is crucial. Even though a person who does manicures and pedicures is called a nail technician, they are not trained medically. Only a podiatrist, who acts as a true nail specialist, can treat fungal infections using clinical-grade tools and prescribed treatments.
Common Myths About Nail and Foot Care
There are many misconceptions when it comes to foot care. Let’s clear up a few:
Myth: “Pedicures are always safe.”
Truth: If done at a non-sterile salon, they can lead to infections.
Myth: “A nail tech can fix foot fungus.”
Truth: Only a podiatrist can treat nail fungus medically.
Myth: “Podiatrists are only for elderly people.”
Truth: Foot problems can affect anyone, including children and athletes.
Hygiene also plays a major role in safe foot care. Reports show that “around 15–20% of salon-related complaints involve infections,” most commonly caused by unsterilised tools or accidental skin breaks. A podiatry clinic, however, follows strict medical sterilisation protocols to eliminate this risk, ensuring safer and more hygienic treatment for every patient.
Why Foot Health Should Come First
Your feet support your entire body, and yet they’re often the most neglected. Ignoring minor issues like cracked skin, thick nails, or minor pain can lead to serious problems later on.
Conditions like diabetic foot ulcers, bacterial infections, and nail disorders can cause discomfort, reduced mobility, and even hospitalisation. Visiting a podiatrist early helps prevent complications and ensures your feet stay strong and healthy.
Podiatrists don’t just treat issues; they also educate patients about foot hygiene, proper footwear, and nail care routines to avoid recurring problems, While both professionals care for your feet in different ways, only a podiatrist—sometimes informally known as a nail doctor—is equipped to treat medical conditions. If you're dealing with pain, infection, or ongoing issues, a podiatrist is the right choice.
How Podhills Podiatry Can Help
At Podhills Podiatry, we offer professional and personalised foot care that goes beyond what a beauty salon can provide.
Our team specialises in:
Treating nail infections, ingrown toenails, and cracked heels
Medical pedicures tailored to your foot condition
Foot pain diagnosis and management
Diabetic foot care to prevent serious complications
Preventive care to maintain foot health
We understand that every foot is different, which is why we offer customised care in a clean, safe, and welcoming clinic.
Whether you need clinical treatment or just want your feet to feel fresh and healthy, we’ve got you covered.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between a podiatrist and a nail technician is essential for protecting your long-term foot health. While nail technicians offer cosmetic care, only a podiatrist can safely diagnose and treat conditions like fungal toenails, cracked heels, ingrown toenails and ongoing foot pain. Prioritising medical foot care ensures you receive the right treatment, especially if you have diabetes or recurring nail problems.
If you’re experiencing thickened nails, discomfort, infections or simply want a safe medical pedicure, Podhills Podiatry in Baulkham Hills is here to help. Our experienced team provides professional, hygienic and personalised foot care for the entire Hills District.
Book your appointment today and give your feet the expert care they deserve.
FAQs
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A podiatrist is a medical professional who treats foot and nail conditions, while a nail technician focuses on cosmetic nail care. For issues like pain, infections, or thickened nails, a podiatrist is the safer choice.
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Yes. A medical pedicure is performed by a podiatrist using sterile tools to treat nail and skin problems safely. Regular pedicures are cosmetic and may not be suitable if you have infections or diabetes.
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No. Nail technicians can file and polish nails but cannot treat fungal infections or ingrown toenails. Only a podiatrist can diagnose and treat these conditions properly.
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See a podiatrist if you have foot pain, cracked heels, thick nails, fungal infections, or recurring ingrown toenails. It’s also the safest option for people with diabetes or circulation issues.