Podiatrist or pedicurist, Berkeley or Oakland
My toenails have gotten weird, not quite ingrown but almost, just a tad hard to deal with including some callouses right at the tips of the nails. I was thinking of getting a pedicure but my partner says forget it, I need to see a podiatrist, a pedicurist would not be up to the task. What are the advantages/limits of each? I was thinking I could just start with a simple pedicure and see how it goes. Maybe there are some pedicurists with more skills, or on the other hand if there is such a thing, a low-key podiatrist. I welcome all thoughts and recommendations, east bay only, preferably Berkeley or Oakland.
Sep 6, 2016
Parent Replies
Definitely pay for the podiatrist and get it fixed correctly. A pedicure will ease the immediate pain by removing the side triangle of your nail. But it will just grow back exactly like it is or worse. The best way to stop getting ingrown nails is to cut your nails straight across and leave that side piece there. But you really have to fight the ladies at the Asian nail salons not to cut that piece off. I think that they do it on purpose to force you to keep coming back. I've had no issues since I've grown out my nails and won't permit anyone to cut those side pieces off.
Sophia has been a magical foot care-giver for me since 1999, and has saved me (and others) from toe issues otherwise sent to podiatrist, who will only do macro/surgical/major interventions. She's great at on-going care, once a month save me from mega bucks. On shattuck between Cedar and Lincoln, next to Guerrilla Cafe in Chic Salon: 510.967.2572, Fri and Sat.
Connie at Joi Nail Spa on Solano Ave in Berkeley is the best. I have chronic ingrown toenails that can get really bad and she always fixes me right up. I've had other pedicurists tell me I was beyond help and that I needed a medical doctor and then I went to Connie and she fixed me up in about 5 minutes. She is very skilled. Give her a try before you go to the podiatrist and give her a big tip!