Comprehensive foot care for people
living with diabetes
Diabetes can significantly affect the health of your feet due to changes in circulation, nerve function, and skin integrity. A diabetic foot assessment is an essential part of preventing complications such as ulcers, infections, and amputations.
Diabetes doesn’t have to lead to foot problems. With early detection and proper care, you can reduce your risk of complications and stay active without worry. Book your comprehensive diabetic foot assessment today with our experienced podiatrists.
Why diabetic foot assessments are important
Diabetes can cause:
Reduced Sensation (Peripheral Neuropathy)
High blood glucose levels can damage nerves, leading to:
Numbness or tingling
Burning or sharp pain
Reduced ability to feel pressure, heat, or injury
Loss of sensation increases the risk of unnoticed wounds.
2. Poor Circulation (Peripheral Arterial Disease)
Reduced blood flow to the feet can cause:
Delayed healing
Cold feet
Leg cramps
Higher chance of infections
Good circulation is essential for preventing ulcerations.
3. Higher Risk of Infection
Because healing is slower in diabetic patients, even small cuts or blisters can become serious if not treated early.
What’s included in a diabetic foot assessment
Our Podiatrists perform a comprehensive evaluation that covers 4 key areas:
Medical & Diabetes History Review
We assess:
Duration & type of diabetes
Current blood glucose control (e.g. HbA1c levels if known)
Previous foot ulcers or infections
Footwear habits
Lifestyle factors
Other medical conditions (e.g. kidney disease, neuropathy etc)
2. Vascular (Circulation) Assessment
We check blood flow to ensure your feet are receiving enough oxygen and nutrients. This includes:
Palpation of pedal pulses (Dorsalis Pedis & Posterior Tibial)
Doppler ultrasound to assess arterial flow
Capillary refill time
Temperature and skin colour changes
Checking for swelling or varicose veins
3. Neurological Assessment
We assess nerve health using:
10g monofilament testing for protective sensation
128Hz tuning fork for vibration sense
Light touch testing
Reflex assessment
Checking for burning, tingling or numbness
This helps determine your level of neuropathy.
4. Musculoskeletal & Foot Structure Assessment
We examine:
Foot shape (flat feet, high arches, bunions, hammer toes)
Deformities that may increase pressure points
Joint mobility
Muscle strength
Gait analysis (how you walk)
This factors can increase the risk of skin breakdown.
5. Dermatological (Skin & Nail) Assessment
We inspect for:
Corns, calluses, cracked heels
Blisters, wounds, or redness
Fungal nail infections
Ingrown toenails
Dry skin
Early detection prevents complications.
6. Footwear Assessment
Poor footwear is one of the biggest contributors to foot ulcers. We assess:
Fit and size
Cushioning & support
Pressure points
Wear patterns
Need for diabetic or custom footwear
Your Risk Classification
After the assessment, you will be placed into a risk category:
Low Risk: Normal sensation & circulation
Moderate Risk: Presence of neuropathy, poor circulation, or foot deformity
High Risk: Previous ulceration, amputation, or multiple risk factors
Active Risk: Current ulcer, infection, or serious concern requiring urgent care
This risk level determines how often you should return for check-ups (e.g. every 3 - 12 months)
Signs You Should Seek Immediate Podiatric Care
Contact a Podiatrist promptly if you notice:
A blister, cut, or crack that is not healing
Redness, swelling, or warmth
Black or blue discolouration
Sudden numbness or severe pain
Ingrown toenails with infection
Unusual foot shape changes
