Diabetic Foot Assessment

A diabetic foot assessment is an important part of managing diabetes and protecting your long-term foot health. At Sydney Foot Doctor, our podiatrists provide thorough diabetic foot assessments across our eight Sydney clinics, helping patients identify risks early and take the right steps to prevent complications.

Why Diabetic Foot Assessment Matters

Diabetes can affect the feet in two significant ways. First, it can damage the nerves in the feet, a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which reduces sensation and makes it harder to feel cuts, blisters, pressure sores, or changes in temperature. Second, diabetes can affect blood circulation to the feet, slowing the healing process and increasing the risk of infection.

When these two factors combine, a small wound or blister that would heal quickly in a person without diabetes can become a serious problem. Regular diabetic foot assessments allow our podiatrists to identify early signs of nerve damage or circulation changes before they lead to complications.

What Does a Diabetic Foot Assessment Include?

Neurological assessment: testing sensation in the feet using a monofilament and tuning fork to identify signs of peripheral neuropathy.

Vascular assessment: checking blood flow to the feet by assessing skin temperature, colour, and pulses.

Skin and nail assessment: examining the skin for dryness, calluses, corns, fissures, and ulcers, and assessing the nails for thickening, fungal infection, or ingrown toenails that may go unnoticed due to reduced sensation.

Footwear assessment: reviewing your current footwear to identify any areas of pressure or rubbing that could cause skin breakdown.

Foot structure and deformity assessment: identifying structural issues such as bunions, hammer toes, or prominent bony areas that increase pressure on the skin during walking. Where needed, custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure and protect vulnerable areas.

Risk stratification: following the assessment, our podiatrists will classify your foot health risk level and recommend an appropriate review schedule and management plan.

Who Should Have a Diabetic Foot Assessment?

All people living with diabetes should have their feet assessed regularly by a podiatrist. Low risk patients with good sensation, normal circulation, and no foot deformities are typically recommended to have an assessment once per year. Moderate risk patients with some reduction in sensation or circulation are typically seen every three to six months. High risk patients with significant nerve damage, poor circulation, or a history of foot ulcers require more frequent monitoring.

Diabetic Nail and Skin Care

As part of our diabetic foot care services, our podiatrists also provide safe nail and skin care for patients with diabetes through medical pedicure services, including routine nail trimming, callus reduction, and corn removal using techniques appropriate for diabetic patients.