Sometimes, no matter how much you scrub, slather and pray to the heavenly heel gods, your tootsies demand professional help. If your heels have more cracks than that old leather couch on the verandah at your weird uncle’s place, it might be time to call in the big guns. 

Enter the medi pedi. If you suffer from dry, cracked heels, calluses, or other foot funks, a medical pedicure might be your sole saviour. 

What is a medi pedi?

Unlike a traditional pedicure at your favourite nail salon (we know how you like to hit the repeat button on the massage chair), a medical pedicure is performed by a qualified podiatrist or foot specialist. The focus isn’t on fun nail polish (bummer) but on the overall health of your feet (important!). Medical pedicures are ideal for treating issues such as:

• Dry, cracked heels

• Calluses and corns

• Ingrown toenails

• Fungal infections

• Excessive foot odour

• Diabetic foot concerns

A medi pedi is performed in a sterile environment using medical-grade tools, ensuring a safer and more effective approach to foot care than a standard salon pedicure. 

What happens during a medical pedicure?

Sure, you won’t leave with tropical palm trees painted on your toes, but the process is all about foot health:

1. Foot assessment: The specialist will examine your feet for any underlying issues, such as fungal infections, cracked heels or circulation problems.

2. Deep cleaning: Your feet will be cleaned thoroughly to remove dirt, bacteria and dead skin.

3. Gentle exfoliation: A medical pedicure includes precise callus and dry skin removal, helping to eliminate rough patches and cracks.

4. Nail & cuticle care: Your nails will be trimmed and shaped to prevent issues like ingrown toenails.

5. Hydration & protection: A podiatrist-approved moisturiser or foot balm will nourish the skin and lock in moisture.

Some clinics even offer additional treatments like laser therapy for fungal infections or custom orthotics for foot support.

Do you need a medical pedicure?

If you’ve tried all the regular treatments, but still struggle with dry, cracked heels, painful calluses, or other foot issues, a medical pedicure is worth considering. Here are a few signs you might benefit from one:

• The cracks in your heels are painful or even bleeding.

• You have corns, calluses, or thickened skin that regular pedicures don’t help.

• Your toenails are discoloured or brittle (potential signs of a fungal infection).

• You have diabetes and need specialised foot care.

Not at emergent status yet? A solid at-home routine with high-quality foot care products, like Heelalujah's miracle 3-step treatment for cracked heels, can keep your feet soft, smooth and healthy. Lots of our customers found that our 3-step foot care system healed even deep, painful cracks. Check out more fabulous foot transformations. 

Can you get a regular salon pedicure with dry, cracked heels?

If your heels are painfully cracked and drier than the Nullarbor in summer, you might be tempted to book a quick fix at your local nail salon. But hold up — standard pedicures aren’t always the best choice for severely dry or damaged feet. Here’s why:

• Risk of infection: Open cracks in the skin can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and non-medical pedicure tools aren’t always sanitised to medical-grade standards.

• Harsh exfoliation: Overzealous scrubbing or cutting of calluses can actually make things worse, leading to more pain or even deeper cracks.

• Temporary fix: A regular pedicure might smooth things out for a few days, but if the underlying dryness isn’t treated properly, the problem will just come back.

How to maintain healthy feet between medical pedicures

Even if you don’t need a medical pedicure right now, looking after your feet at home is essential. Our Heelalujah Kit is your at-home heel hero — helping to stop dryness before it turns into a full-blown foot crisis. Here are some pro tips for keeping your feet smooth, soft, and healthy:

• Exfoliate regularly: Use a natural pumice stone to gently buff away dry, dead skin.

• Moisturise daily: Apply a rich foot balm (like Heelalujah Heel Balm) to hydrate and repair cracked heels.

• Lock in moisture: Slip on Heelalujah Silicone Socks after applying balm to help the moisture penetrate deeply.

• Wear supportive footwear: Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces and opt for shoes with good arch support.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps keep your skin — including your feet — hydrated from the inside out.

Save your soles today 

A medical pedicure is a fantastic option for anyone dealing with persistent foot issues, especially dry, cracked heels. However, if your feet just need a little extra love, a solid at-home routine with the right products (hello, Heelalujah!) can work wonders. Meet your new sole mate today.