A diabetic foot exam checks the skin, circulation, and feeling in your feet, often with a painless monofilament test for nerve damage (neuropathy). Because neuropathy can hide small injuries, regular foot exams and daily self checks help catch problems before they become ulcers that need wound care.
A diabetic foot exam checks your skin, circulation, and the feeling in your feet so problems are caught before they turn into wounds. Adults with diabetes generally need a full foot exam at least once a year, and more often if they already have nerve damage, poor circulation, or a past foot ulcer.
Why diabetes affects the feet
Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels. Nerve damage, called peripheral neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, or burning. When feeling is reduced, a blister, pebble in a shoe, or small cut may go unnoticed. Reduced circulation then slows healing, so a minor injury can become a diabetic foot ulcer.
What a diabetic foot exam includes
- A skin check for dryness, cracks, calluses, blisters, and sores
- A nail check for thick, ingrown, or infected nails
- A circulation check, including the pulses in your feet and skin color and temperature
- A monofilament test, where a thin nylon fiber is pressed lightly against several spots on the bottom of your foot to see whether you can feel it. It is quick and painless.
- A look at your shoes and foot shape, since pressure points can lead to sores
Signs to call your provider
Call your provider promptly if you notice:
- A blister, cut, or sore that is not healing
- Redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage
- A change in the color or shape of your foot
- New numbness, burning, or tingling
- A callus that is cracked or bleeding
Daily foot care habits
- Look at both feet every day, using a mirror or asking for help if needed
- Wash and dry your feet well, including between the toes
- Moisturize dry skin, but not between the toes
- Wear well fitting shoes and socks, and avoid walking barefoot
- Check inside shoes before putting them on
How foot exams connect to wound care
At our offices, foot exams are part of routine diabetes care. If a sore or ulcer is found, our advanced wound care team can start treatment, which may include debridement, specialized dressings, and offloading to take pressure off the area. Learn more in our article on when a wound should be evaluated.
Getting a diabetic foot exam in Hudson and Trinity
Diabetes care, including foot exams, is available at our Hudson and Trinity offices. New patients age 18 and older are welcome. Appointment availability is determined by the office.
Frequently asked questions
How often should someone with diabetes have a foot exam?
A full foot exam is generally recommended at least once a year, with more frequent checks for people who have neuropathy, poor circulation, or a history of foot ulcers.
Does a monofilament test hurt?
No. The fiber only presses lightly on the skin. You simply say when you feel it.
Can neuropathy be reversed?
Nerve damage often cannot be fully reversed, but good blood sugar control and foot care can help slow it and prevent complications. Your provider can also help manage nerve pain.
This content is provided for general educational information and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical needs and treatment options vary from person to person. If you have questions about your health or whether a service may be appropriate for you, contact Internal Medicine MD to speak with a member of the care team or schedule an appointment with a qualified medical provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
