Foot Examinations

Regular foot examinatiions can ensure nerve damage is spotted immediately

People with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year.

What is a foot examination for?

Diabetes can affect the nerves as well as blood circulation which are both important to our feet.

Blisters, burns and cuts are all possible and if you suffer from nerve damage you may not feel the pain.

It may not be easy to spot nerve damage as it comes on very gradually; this is partly why a foot examination once a year is important.

Blood circulation needs to be checked as good circulation is needed to keep your feet healthy; from the nerves and muscles inside to the skin outside.

How often should I have a foot examination?

People with diabetes should have a foot examination at least once a year.

What happens at a foot examination?

The foot examination may be carried out by a diabetic consultant, a GP, a podiatrist or a nurse.
The examiner will often ask you a few questions about your diabetes control, your feet or another health condition which may be directly related.

You will be asked to take off your shoes and socks so the examiner can carry out some tests on your feet.

Testing the feeling in your feet

the examiner will touch certain parts of the foot to test whether your nerves are detecting the feeling. The examiner may use a small plastic instrument or a tuning fork to do this.

Testing for hot and cold sensations

the examiner may also test whether your feet can detect hot and cold sensations.

Testing for blood circulation

The examiner may test the pulse in your feet and may check the blood pressure in your legs as well.

Your feet will also be checked to see if there is any damage to the feet such as cuts, burns, blisters, corns, calluses or any problems with the nails. If there is, they will either be able to advise how best to treat them or you may be referred to a podiatrist.

Caring for your feet

Foot care is important for diabetics. Find out more about diabetes and foot care.