How to do a diabetic foot check
A diabetic foot check looks for reduced sensation, poor circulation, skin damage, pressure and changes in shape. A professional assessment and a daily home check have different roles: one does not replace the other.
What happens at a professional foot check?
A GP, diabetes nurse or podiatrist (chiropodist) may examine the skin and nails, test sensation, feel foot pulses, assess footwear and record your ulcer risk. Ask how often you should be reviewed and who to contact if something changes between appointments.
Your daily check at home
- Look at the tops, soles, heels and between the toes for breaks, blisters or colour change.
- Check for new swelling, warmth, callus, discharge or a change in foot shape.
- Record seven matching temperature areas on each foot: six on the sole and one on top.
- Compare the same area on the left and right foot rather than either temperature alone.
Why might one foot be hotter?
Local warmth can accompany pressure, friction or inflammation. Research commonly uses a sustained left-right difference of 2.2 °C (4 °F) as a warning trigger for people at high risk of ulceration. It is not a diagnosis, and bilateral problems can be missed when both feet warm together.
When to seek care
Contact your GP, diabetes team or foot clinic promptly for a new hot spot, blister, wound, swelling or unexplained colour change. Seek urgent care for spreading redness, pus, fever, black tissue, active bleeding or a suddenly hot, swollen foot.