People with Diabetes should have their feet examined at least Annually by a Podiatrist or qualified health professional to treat and prevent Diabetes related complications. Patients with Diabetes are encouraged to ask questions and seek advice regarding how Diabetes affects their feet or with any concern regarding any problems with their feet they maybe experiencing.
A Diabetes Foot Assessment or a Neurovascular examination involves the testing of the nerve endings, blood supply and structure of the foot, these tests do not cause any pain. The assessment may also involve the examination and treatment of any underlying dermatological, wound, self care, biomechanical or footwear related issues of the patient.
Neurological testing involves the use of a 10g Monofilament and Tuning fork over several points of the bottom and top of the feet to determine protective sensation of the feet against injury. The Podiatrist may also test your reflexes.
Blood supply testing to the feet involves the palpation of the pedal pulses of the feet and the use of a Doppler ultrasound machine and pressure cuff to determine the blood pressure of your big toe and/or foot.
Examination of the structure of the foot involves the movement of the joints of the foot to ensure adequate movement. If movement is restricted a more in-depth examination involving a full Biomechanical Assessment maybe required especially if their is pain in the feet due to walking.
Treatment of any nail and skin problems maybe recommended if there are any dermatological issues. Patient footwear and previous foot orthotics are also checked to make ensure appropriate fit to prevent injury.
The Diabetes Foot Examination can determine whether a patient is at risk of furthur Diabetes related complications including ulcerations, this is called a "Risk Status." A patients' risk status determines what types of footcare activities and advice is required to maintain their foot health and how often they are recommended to see a Podiatrist.
A Diabetes Foot Assessment or a Neurovascular examination involves the testing of the nerve endings, blood supply and structure of the foot, these tests do not cause any pain. The assessment may also involve the examination and treatment of any underlying dermatological, wound, self care, biomechanical or footwear related issues of the patient.
Neurological testing involves the use of a 10g Monofilament and Tuning fork over several points of the bottom and top of the feet to determine protective sensation of the feet against injury. The Podiatrist may also test your reflexes.
Blood supply testing to the feet involves the palpation of the pedal pulses of the feet and the use of a Doppler ultrasound machine and pressure cuff to determine the blood pressure of your big toe and/or foot.
Examination of the structure of the foot involves the movement of the joints of the foot to ensure adequate movement. If movement is restricted a more in-depth examination involving a full Biomechanical Assessment maybe required especially if their is pain in the feet due to walking.
Treatment of any nail and skin problems maybe recommended if there are any dermatological issues. Patient footwear and previous foot orthotics are also checked to make ensure appropriate fit to prevent injury.
The Diabetes Foot Examination can determine whether a patient is at risk of furthur Diabetes related complications including ulcerations, this is called a "Risk Status." A patients' risk status determines what types of footcare activities and advice is required to maintain their foot health and how often they are recommended to see a Podiatrist.
