Understanding Diabetic Foot Exam
A diabetic foot exam is a routine check-up for people living with diabetes, where a doctor or nurse carefully looks at your feet to catch problems early. Diabetes can reduce blood flow and feeling in the feet, which means small cuts, sores, or infections can go unnoticed and become serious. Seeing a doctor regularly for this check helps prevent complications like ulcers or, in severe cases, amputation.
Common Symptoms / Concerns for Diabetic Foot Exam
When to Seek Professional Care
Book an evaluation with a healthcare provider immediately if you experience or present with:
- A wound or sore on your foot that is not healing after one to two weeks
- Redness, swelling, or warmth spreading around a cut or sore on your foot
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge coming from a wound on your foot
- Fever above 38.5°C alongside a foot wound or infection
- Complete loss of feeling in one or both feet
- A foot injury you cannot feel pain from, even though it looks serious
- Black or dark discolouration of the skin on your toes or foot
- Sudden severe pain or coldness in the foot or leg
What to Expect During Your Medical Consultation
During a diabetic foot exam, the doctor or nurse will ask you to remove your shoes and socks so they can look closely at your feet, checking for any sores, cracks, swelling, or changes in skin colour. They will gently test whether you can feel touch or vibration in your feet, and check your pulse to see how well blood is flowing. The appointment is straightforward and not painful — it is simply a careful check to keep your feet healthy and catch any concerns before they become serious.
Medical Divisions Vetted for Diabetic Foot Exam
Our platform supports multiple clinical specialties capable of providing consultations for this visit type:
Foot & Ankle Doctor
Clinicians available for diabetic foot exam consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a foot exam if my feet feel fine?
Diabetes can slowly damage the nerves in your feet, which means you may not feel pain even when there is a problem. A foot exam allows the doctor to spot issues like small sores or poor blood flow before they become serious. Many people with diabetes do not realise they have a foot problem until it is already advanced, so regular checks are very important.
How often should I have a diabetic foot exam?
Most doctors recommend a full diabetic foot exam at least once a year, but if you already have nerve damage, poor circulation, or a history of foot sores, you may need to be seen more often. In between appointments, you should check your own feet every day at home. Ask your doctor how often is right for your situation.
Can I treat a foot sore at home if I have diabetes?
It is not safe to treat foot sores at home if you have diabetes, even if the sore looks small or does not hurt. Because diabetes affects healing and your ability to feel pain, a minor wound can quickly become a serious infection. Always see a doctor or nurse as soon as you notice any cut, blister, or sore on your foot.
What can I do at home to protect my feet?
Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling, and use a mirror or ask someone to help you see the bottom of your feet. Always wear shoes or sandals — never walk barefoot, even indoors — and keep your feet clean and moisturised, avoiding the area between your toes. Cut your toenails straight across and see a doctor if you notice anything unusual.
What happens if a diabetic foot problem is left untreated?
If a foot sore or infection is not treated early, it can spread to the bone or deeper tissues, which is very difficult to treat. In serious cases, doctors may need to remove a toe, part of the foot, or even the leg to stop the infection from spreading further. This is why early treatment and regular foot exams are so important for anyone living with diabetes.
Schedule Consultations
Get connected with local doctors. Instantly schedule appointments for Diabetic Foot Exam on our HIPAA-compliant, telehealth-enabled platform.
Our guides are reviewed by internal medical advisory boards to uphold patient guidelines and reference certified therapies.
Your doctor is only an appointment away.
Feeling unwell? Our friendly healthcare professionals are here to listen, advise, and care for you. Just open the app for quick, expert help. No stress, no fuss.
