Podiatrists and chiropodists treat nails, corns, calluses and other foot conditions with a compact kit of hand instruments. Because the same instruments are used on every patient, quality, comfort and reliable reprocessing are essential. This guide lists the core podiatry instruments.
In short
A basic podiatry kit includes heavy and fine nail nippers, an ingrown nail tool, a scalpel handle, nail files or rasps, a probe and an excavator. Most practices keep several identical kits so each can be sterilized between patients.
The core podiatry instruments#
| Instrument | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Nail nippers (straight or concave jaws) | Cutting thick or thin nails |
| Ingrown or fine-pointed nippers | Reaching nail edges and corners |
| Scalpel handle (often No. 3) | Debriding corns and callus with blades such as No. 10 and 15 |
| Nail files and rasps | Smoothing and reducing nails |
| Black’s file or nail elevator | Clearing the nail sulcus |
| Probe | Exploring the nail sulcus |
| Excavator or curette | Removing debris and enucleating corns |
Nail nippers for podiatry#
Podiatry nippers have stronger jaws than manicure nippers, with long handles for leverage on thick nails. Straight jaws cut nails straight across; concave jaws follow the nail’s curve. Fine, pointed nippers reach the edges of ingrown nails. Double-spring and barrel-spring designs are both common.
How many kits?#
Each patient needs a sterile kit, and reprocessing takes time. Practices typically keep enough kits for a full clinic session plus a reserve. Count the number of patients per session and the time taken to clean and sterilize kits to work out the number you need.
Care checklist
- Clean instruments promptly; nail debris dries hard on jaws and joints.
- Open nippers fully when cleaning and sterilizing.
- Lubricate joints regularly to keep the action smooth.
- Have nippers sharpened when they start to crush rather than cut.
Frequently asked questions#
Are podiatry nippers different from salon nail nippers?#
Podiatry nippers are usually heavier, with stronger jaws and longer handles for thick nails, and are made to withstand sterilization between patients.
Which scalpel handle do podiatrists use?#
Many use a No. 3 handle with No. 10 or 15 blades, though preferences vary.
Can podiatry instruments be autoclaved?#
Stainless steel podiatry instruments can be cleaned and steam sterilized, and in many places this is required between patients.
Order podiatry instruments from Gami Surgical#
Gami Surgical manufactures nail nippers, files, probes and other podiatry instruments in Sialkot, Pakistan, and delivers worldwide. Send us your kit list for a quote.
