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Diabetes & circulation
Unsure what to look for when checking your feet with diabetes? You don’t have to work it out alone. We check feeling, circulation, skin and footwear, and explain what to watch for—even when nothing hurts.
Diabetes, circulation conditions and ageing can affect feeling and healing. Regular checks help identify changes. Related: routine foot care.
Tell us if seeing, reaching or checking your feet is difficult, so we can discuss practical support.
Choose the right next step
Routine check: book a diabetic foot assessment for sensation, circulation, skin, nails, footwear and practical prevention advice.
New wound or sudden change: use the urgent-care guidance below rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
What a routine diabetic foot assessment covers
- We ask about changes, previous wounds, health conditions, medicines and anything that makes checking or caring for your feet difficult.
- We assess skin, nails, circulation, sensation and footwear, and explain what the findings mean for everyday care.
- We discuss practical steps for checking your feet, protecting pressure areas and knowing which changes need earlier attention.
- Where relevant, we coordinate with your GP or other clinicians and explain what should be reviewed over time.
Checks help identify changes but cannot remove every risk.
Why a regular check matters — even when your feet feel fine
Reduced feeling can let a rub, blister or pressure spot worsen unnoticed. Comfortable feet can still need checking.
Other health conditions to mention
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout can affect the feet and ankles, causing joint pain, swelling or stiffness. Your podiatrist can assess footwear and pressure concerns and coordinate with your GP. Sudden severe joint pain, heat or swelling needs prompt medical assessment.
See arch, forefoot and joint concerns or NHS information about arthritis.
Osteoporosis and bone health
If you have osteoporosis, tell us about your diagnosis, medicines and any previous fractures. Osteoporosis makes bones more fragile; your GP manages bone-health assessment and treatment. We consider this history when assessing foot pain, footwear and activity. New pain after a minor injury, or difficulty bearing weight, needs prompt medical assessment rather than assuming it is a routine foot problem. Read about osteoporosis.