Diabetic Foot Assessment
A diabetic feet exam includes an assessment of the skin, foot joints, and toenails, nerve sensation testing, circulation assessment, and range of motion, or flexibility of the feet and toes. Issues such as impaired circulation (blood flow), and neuropathy, which is a type of nerve damage, are common foot issues among people with Diabetes. At our St. Catharines diabetic foot clinic, we offer comprehensive foot care services to ensure proper diabetic foot health. Our experienced team utilizes the latest diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to provide our patients with personalized solutions for their feet. We strive to provide quality, evidence-based care in a comfortable environment that promotes healing and recovery.
Why do you need a foot exam?
If you have Diabetes, it may be a good idea to get your feet checked out at least once per year. Regular diabetic foot care can help reduce your risk of infections and other serious complications related to diabetes. It can help keep you healthy and independent for years to come. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time for a closer look:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Pain
- Burning sensation
- Swelling
- Pain and difficulty when walking
When you experience a foot injury of any kind, even as small as a splinter or blister, immediate first aid is essential. Clean the area, apply an antibacterial or first aid ointment or cream and a bandage, and seek medical attention (call your doctor) immediately if any of the following occur:
- A blister, cut, or another foot injury that doesn’t start to heal after a few days
- A foot injury or area of your foot that feels warmer when you touch it, compared to the skin around it or even your other foot
- Redness around a foot injury
- An injury or wound that smells unusual or unpleasant
What happens during an exam at our St. Catharines Diabetic Foot Clinic?
A foot care nurse will provide an exam at our St. Catharines Diabetic Foot Clinic. The exam usually includes the following:
General assessment:
– A short discussion about your health history and any previous problems you’ve had with your feet.
Skin assessment:
– checking the feet – all around and between the toes for issues such as dryness, cracking, calluses, corns, blisters, and ulcerations
– checking the toenails for any signs of fungal infection, ingrowing or other toenail issues
Neurologic (sensation) assessment:
– 10g Monofilament test. This test uses a small nylon filament similar to a fishing string to test your feet for responsiveness to sensation. Ten spots on each foot are tested – this is a non-invasive and comfortable test – not painful at all.
– Sometimes, the foot care nurse will use a tuning fork (the kind musicians use) to test foot sensation
Musculoskeletal assessment.
Your foot care nurse will:
– Assess the shape and structure of your foot.
– complete short range of motion assessments of your feet and toes
In need of diabetic foot care? Our St. Catharines Foot Clinic is here for you. Our team of foot care experts will help diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ensuring you receive the best diabetic foot care possible. We offer comprehensive assessments of your feet to provide an individualized treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs.
