Diabetic Foot Treatment & Assessment

Service Description

Diabetic Foot Treatment & Doppler Assessment A clear explanation for patients and for use in clinical materials A diabetic foot appointment is a detailed clinical assessment designed to identify risks early, prevent complications, and provide tailored treatment. It typically involves history‑taking, visual inspection, neurological testing, vascular testing (including Doppler), and treatment of any active foot issues. 1. Medical History & Symptom Review The podiatrist begins by discussing: Any changes in your feet since your last review Pain, numbness, tingling or cramping when walking (possible neuropathy or vascular issues) Any previous foot ulcers, infections or nail problems [nhsborders...cot.nhs.uk], [rcn.org.uk] Your diabetes management and daily foot‑care routine [diabetes.org.uk] This step helps identify risk factors such as neuropathy, vascular disease and previous complications. 2. Visual Foot Examination The podiatrist removes shoes/socks and examines both feet, checking for: Skin changes (dryness, fissures, callus, redness, infection, maceration) Nail conditions Deformities (bunions, claw toes, flat feet, high arches) Signs of pressure, corns, swelling or ulceration Foot shape abnormalities linked to diabetes risk (e.g., Charcot changes) [nhsborders...cot.nhs.uk], [nice.org.uk] Footwear is also inspected for poor fit or patterns of wear that may contribute to problems. [preventing...tes.org.uk] 3. Neurological Assessment (Nerve Function) A diabetic foot assessment always includes sensory testing to detect peripheral neuropathy. This may involve: 10g monofilament testing (checking loss of protective sensation) Vibration testing using a tuning fork Checking for changes such as numbness, tingling or burning [diabetes.org.uk], [vspodiatry.co.uk] Neuropathy increases the risk of pain-free injuries, ulceration and infection. 4. Vascular Assessment (Circulation Check) The podiatrist checks: Foot pulses (Dorsalis Pedis & Posterior Tibial) Skin colour, temperature and capillary refill Symptoms of claudication (calf or foot pain on walking) [nhsborders...cot.nhs.uk], [diabetes.org.uk] If pulses are weak or unclear, Doppler ultrasound is used. 5. Doppler Assessment (Blood Flow Analysis) A Doppler assessment involves placing a small ultrasound probe over the foot arteries to listen to blood flow. This allows the podiatrist to: Assess arterial quality and detect early signs of vascular disease Identify biphasic/monophasic waveforms that may