Checking your feet
A diabetic foot assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the feet of a person with diabetes. This assessment is important because diabetes can cause a number of complications that affect the feet, including nerve damage, poor circulation, and an increased risk of infection.
During a diabetic foot assessment, the podiatrist will typically:
- Inspect the feet for any signs of injury, infection, or other abnormalities
- Check the sensation in the feet using a monofilament or tuning fork
- Measure the pulse in the feet to assess blood flow
- Check the range of motion in the feet and ankles
- Look for any deformities or foot problems
- Assess the condition of the skin and nails
- Provide recommendations for foot care, including proper hygiene and shoe fit
- Schedule follow-up appointments as needed
It is recommended that people with diabetes have their feet examined at least once a year, or more frequently if they have any symptoms or complications.
Foot Care
Looking after your feet
- When you have diabetes you need to take care of your feet every day
- Having diabetes can increase your risk of foot ulcers and amputations
- Daily care can prevent serious complications
- Check your feet daily for changes or problems
- Visit a podiatrist annually for a check up or more frequently if your feet are at high risk
Why?
Your feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in your feet, blood circulation and infection. Having diabetes can increase your risk of foot ulcers and amputations. This damage is more likely if:
- You have had diabetes for a long time
- Your blood glucose levels have been too high for an extended period
- You smoke – smoking causes a reduced blood flow to your feet, wounds heal slowly
- You are inactive.
Daily checks
It's important to check your feet every day.
If you see any of the following- get medical treatment that *day *
- Ulcer
- Unusual swelling
- Redness
- Blisters
- Ingrown nail
- Bruising or cuts
If you see any of the following- get medical treatment within 7 days
- Broken skin between toes
- Callus
- Corn
- Foot shape changes
- Cracked skin
- Nail colour changes