Expert Guide: Diabetic Foot Check – Why Regular Foot Assessments Matter
At Podiatry Hub, our Brisbane-based podiatrists regularly see how even small changes in sensation or circulation can affect foot health for people living with diabetes. Understanding these early signs — and acting before symptoms progress — is the best way to protect your feet and maintain mobility.
Why your feet need extra attention
Diabetes can reduce blood flow (peripheral vascular disease) and affect nerve function (peripheral neuropathy). Together, these changes make it easier for blisters, calluses or small cuts to go unnoticed — and slower for them to heal.
Regular diabetic foot checks help detect these early issues so they can be managed promptly, lowering the risk of complications such as infection or ulceration.
What happens during a diabetic foot assessment
During your assessment at Podiatry Hub, we perform a series of evidence-based screenings to understand your overall foot health and risk level:
- Vascular assessment: Doppler ultrasound is used to assess blood flow and detect any circulation changes.
- Neurological assessment: We test protective sensation using a monofilament, vibration tuning fork or other clinical tools.
- Footwear and pressure assessment: Your shoes and walking patterns are checked for pressure points that may cause irritation.
- Skin and nail review: We look for areas of dryness, cracking, callus, or nail changes that might indicate friction or infection risk.
Each finding is explained clearly, and if needed, we communicate results with your GP or diabetes care team for coordinated management.
Our approach to diabetic footcare
Our podiatrists follow the latest Diabetes Feet Australia risk stratification guidelines to ensure every patient receives consistent, best-practice care.
We believe prevention starts with education, so every assessment includes practical advice on:
- Daily foot checks and skin care routines.
- Selecting well-fitting, supportive footwear.
- When to seek help for new symptoms such as redness, swelling or numbness.
Daily self-check guide
Between professional visits, a simple daily self-check can make all the difference. Use a mirror or ask a family member for help if needed:
- Look for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling.
- Check between your toes for moisture or irritation.
- Feel for changes in temperature or sensation.
- Inspect your nails for cracks or thickening.
- Always check inside your shoes before putting them on.
Working together for better foot health
Podiatry Hub collaborates with GPs, diabetes educators and allied health professionals across Brisbane to provide integrated, evidence-based diabetic footcare. Our goal is to help you stay active, informed and confident about your ongoing foot health.
Book your diabetic foot assessment
If you live with diabetes, a structured foot assessment with an experienced podiatrist is an essential part of your care plan.
You can book your diabetic foot assessment online with Podiatry Hub — our team will guide you through every step, from risk screening to footwear and self-care education.
FAQs
Q1: Why do I need a diabetic foot check if I don’t have any pain?
A: Because with diabetes you may have reduced nerve sensation (neuropathy) or poor blood flow in your feet, which means you might not feel a blister, sore or cut. These minor issues can then progress into ulcers if not identified early.
Q2: How often should I have my feet professionally checked?
A: At a minimum once a year if you have diabetes and no foot-risk factors. If you have nerve damage, circulation problems, foot deformities or previous foot issues, more frequent reviews (every 3-6 months) may be recommended.
Q3: What happens during a diabetic foot check at the podiatrist?
A: The podiatrist will assess your skin, nails and foot shape; check your pulses and circulation; test nerve sensation (e.g., monofilament/vibration tests); inspect your footwear and the inside of your shoes; and talk through footcare habits and risk-factors.
Q4: What should I check at home daily between professional visits?
A: Daily self-checks should include looking for redness, swelling, blisters, cuts or sores; feel for changes in temperature; check between toes for moisture; inspect your shoes (for debris or damage); and monitor any numbness or tingling.
Q5: Can proper footwear really make a difference?
A: Yes — ill-fitting shoes, pressure points, pebbles or rough spots inside shoes can cause damage, especially if you don’t feel it. Wearing well-fitting shoes, checking inside them before you put them on, and using appropriate socks are important preventive steps.
Q6: What signs mean I should seek professional help immediately?
A: If you notice a cut or sore that is not healing, redness or warmth in the foot, swelling, a change in colour or temperature of the foot, or if you cannot feel your foot or parts of it — you should contact a health professional without delay.
Q7: Does good diabetes control help protect my feet?
A: Absolutely. Maintaining your blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and avoiding smoking all help protect your nerves and circulation — which in turn reduce foot-related risks.
Dylan McDonald (Podiatrist)