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Diabetic Foot Exam
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Diabetic Foot Exam

A diabetic foot exam is a critical preventive screening used to identify nerve damage and circulation issues that can lead to serious foot infections or ulcers.

What is a diabetic foot exam?

People with diabetes are at high risk for foot health problems because high blood glucose can damage nerves and blood vessels. Nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness or loss of feeling, meaning you might not notice a cut, blister, or callus. If left untreated, these wounds can become infected or develop into ulcers. Poor blood flow can further prevent healing, potentially leading to gangrene and the need for amputation.

Why do I need a diabetic foot exam?

A complete diabetic foot exam should be performed at least once a year. You should contact your provider immediately if you notice:

  • A wound or injury that does not heal after a few days.
  • Skin that is red, warm, or painful (signs of infection).
  • A callus with dried blood inside.
  • A foot infection that is black and smelly (a sign of gangrene).

What happens during a diabetic foot exam?

A complete exam typically includes:

  • Information gathering: Review of medical history, current medications, and footwear.
  • Skin exam: Checking for dryness, cracks, calluses, blisters, ulcers, toenail fungus, and temperature differences.
  • Nerve exam:
    • Monofilament test: Brushing a nylon strand over the foot to test sensation.
    • Tuning fork/Vibration perception: Testing the ability to feel vibrations.
    • Pinprick test: Gently pressing a pin against the big toe.
    • Ankle reflexes: Tapping the Achilles tendon to check nerve response.
  • Musculoskeletal exam: Looking for bunions, bent toes, or Charcot Foot (a rocker-shaped deformity).
  • Vascular exam: Checking pulses or performing an ankle-brachial index test to compare blood pressure in the ankles and arms.

How to maintain foot health

Beyond regular exams, you can protect your feet by:

  • Checking your feet daily for cuts or redness.
  • Washing feet daily with warm water and soap, but avoiding soaking.
  • Trimming toenails straight across.
  • Wearing well-fitting shoes and socks at all times—never walk barefoot.
  • Protecting feet from extreme heat and cold.
  • Keeping blood flowing by elevating feet and staying active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Even with numbness, watch for skin that is dry, cracked, or thickened; any new or worsening callus; redness, warmth, or swelling; a sore that does not heal within a week; or a change in foot shape or alignment. A black, foul‑smelling area may signal gangrene. If any of these appear, seek medical attention right away.
Callus with dried blood suggests a deep ulcer that may have been unnoticed. Do not try to remove the callus yourself. Keep the foot clean, apply a non‑adherent dressing, and avoid pressure on the area. Contact your provider for a wound care assessment; they may prescribe a topical antibiotic, a pressure‑relieving device, or refer you to a podiatrist for debridement.
The monofilament test uses a nylon filament that bends when pressed against the skin. It checks for loss of protective sensation. A positive result (the patient cannot feel the filament) indicates peripheral neuropathy and a higher risk of ulceration. Your provider may recommend daily foot inspections, custom orthotics, tighter footwear, and more frequent professional exams to prevent injuries.
comprehensive foot exam by a healthcare professional is recommended at least once a year, but if you have severe neuropathy, poor circulation, or a history of foot ulcers, more frequent checks (every 3–6 months) may be advised. While you can perform a basic self‑check—looking for cuts, blisters, calluses, swelling, redness, or changes in skin color—self‑exams lack the sensitivity of a monofilament test and vascular assessment. Use a soft brush or a cotton swab to feel for numbness, and if you notice any abnormal findings, schedule a professional exam promptly.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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