Diabetic foot warning signs: when to seek help
Early detection prevents diabetic foot ulcers and infections. These are the warning signs to watch for during daily checks and temperature scans.
20-second guide to diabetic foot warning signs
Temperature changes
A warm spot on one foot that is not matched on the other foot is a common early sign of inflammation. In PodiaScan, a left-right difference of 2.2 °C or more in the same zone is flagged as a high-inflammation alert. A difference between 1.5 °C and 2.1 °C is a warning that should be monitored and rechecked.
Visual signs
- Redness that does not blanch when pressed.
- Swelling around a toe, joint or the arch.
- New blisters, cuts, cracks or areas of broken skin.
- Hard skin, corns or calluses that build up quickly.
- Changes in nail colour or shape.
Sensation changes
Numbness, tingling, burning feet or a pins-and-needles feeling can indicate neuropathy. Loss of sensation means you may not feel injuries, so visual and thermal checks become even more important. Read our guide to diabetic neuropathy in the feet.
Urgent red flags
Contact emergency services or go to A&E for an open wound, active bleeding, black or discoloured tissue, fever, pus, rapidly spreading redness, or severe pain. These signs can indicate infection or critical limb ischemia and need immediate medical attention.