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Foot exam in diabetes (sensation check)
diabetic foot exam · foot check for diabetes · diabetic foot · foot sensation test
The doctor examines your feet and checks how well they feel touch, vibration, and temperature. This helps avoid missing foot sores.
For everyone with diabetes, usually once a year, and more often if there are foot problems.
⏱ Duration: usually 15 to 30 minutes, with the conclusion right away
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Shoes. Come in your usual shoes and socks, as the doctor will look at them too.
- Feet. Do not trim your nails too short the day before, and do not cut calluses yourself.
- Sugar. Bring your sugar records or HbA1c test results.
What to bring
- An ID
- A sugar diary and recent tests
- The shoes you usually wear
How it goes
- You take off your shoes and socks
- The doctor examines the skin, nails, and the spaces between your toes
- Touches your feet with a thin nylon filament, and you say where you feel it
- Places a tuning fork to check vibration
- Checks the pulse in your feet
- Explains how to care for your feet
What you'll feel
- The exam does not hurt
- The touches are light, sometimes ticklish
Afterwards
- Check your feet at home every day, with a mirror if you like
- Do not walk barefoot
- Wear comfortable shoes that do not rub
- The follow-up exam is after the time your doctor sets
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A sore, ulcer, or redness on the foot that does not go away: see a doctor urgently
- The foot turned black, is very swollen, or is hot to the touch: see a doctor urgently
Common questions
Why check my feet if nothing hurts?
With diabetes, feeling goes down without you noticing. You may not feel a sore.
Can I cut calluses myself?
Better not to. A foot care specialist does it.