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Diabetic foot checks
Diabetes-related foot risk can change even when nothing hurts. A foot check should leave you knowing what was assessed, your level of risk and what to do next.
Direct answer: A diabetic foot check looks for factors that increase the chance of ulceration or delayed healing, including reduced protective sensation, circulation concerns, previous wounds, skin or nail problems, pressure and footwear. It is a risk assessment—not a guarantee that future problems cannot occur.
On this page
Does this sound familiar?
- You are due for a routine diabetes foot review
- Numbness, tingling, burning or reduced awareness of injury
- Callus, nail or footwear pressure that is difficult to manage
- A history of ulcer, amputation, circulation problems or kidney disease
- Difficulty seeing, reaching or checking your feet
Other causes can feel similar
Symptoms can overlap, so one symptom or an online label cannot confirm the cause.
- Routine screening: appropriate when the skin is intact and there is no sudden change
- Active foot problem: a wound, infection, hot swollen foot or tissue damage needs prompt clinical care, not a routine screening slot
- General nail and skin care: may be provided alongside risk assessment when clinically appropriate and booked
What an assessment can clarify
- History of previous ulceration, amputation, circulation disease and current concerns
- Skin, nails, callus, deformity and areas of pressure
- Protective sensation using recognised clinical tests such as a monofilament, with other neurological checks as indicated
- Foot pulses and other circulation observations; abnormal findings may require vascular or medical referral
- Footwear fit and your ability to inspect and care for your feet
- Risk category, review timing, daily warning signs and communication with your GP or diabetes team—with consent
What you can do now
Check both feet every day—including soles and between toes—for breaks in the skin, blisters, redness, swelling or colour change. Use a mirror or ask for help if needed. Wear well-fitting shoes and check inside them before putting them on. Do not walk barefoot or self-cut corns and callus.
Common questions
How often should I have a diabetic foot check?
The interval depends on your risk findings and broader diabetes plan. After assessment, you should be told the recommended timing and what changes need earlier review.
What should I bring?
Bring your medication list, diabetes care-plan referral if using one, usual shoes, orthotics and relevant vascular, diabetes or previous foot reports.
Can I have a check if my feet do not hurt?
Yes. Reduced sensation can mean important problems are not painful, so screening is valuable even without symptoms.
Clinical information sources
These sources support the general information above. Individual assessment may lead to different advice.