Diabetic foot complications can lead to serious health issues, including infections and amputations. Regular diabetic foot screening is crucial for early detection and prevention. At Nobel Diabetic Foot Care, we emphasize the importance of diabetic foot screening as part of comprehensive diabetes management. Here’s everything you need to know about diabetic foot screening.
What is Diabetic Foot Screening?
Diabetic foot screening is a systematic assessment performed regularly to identify foot problems in individuals with diabetes. The screening process focuses on detecting risk factors for foot ulcers, infections, and other complications that can arise from prolonged high blood sugar levels. Early detection allows for timely intervention, significantly reducing the risk of severe complications.
Who Will Benefit from Diabetic Foot Screening?
According to the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) guidelines, anyone with diabetes should undergo diabetic foot screening at least once annually. This is especially important for:
- Individuals with a long history of diabetes: The longer you have diabetes, the higher the risk of foot complications.
- Those with neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy can diminish sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries.
- Patients with poor circulation: Reduced blood flow can impair healing and increase the risk of foot problems.
- Individuals with foot deformities: Structural abnormalities, such as bunions or hammertoes, can lead to pressure points and ulcers.
- Diabetics with a history of foot ulcers or infections: Previous issues increase the likelihood of future complications.
What to Expect During the Screening?
During a diabetic foot screening, you will undergo a thorough evaluation by a qualified podiatrist. The screening typically lasts about 30 minutes, during which you will undergo several key assessments to determine the health of your feet.
What Assessments Will Be Conducted?
Visual Examination
Your podiatrist will visually inspect your feet for signs of injury, redness, swelling, or infection. Skin discolouration can also be a subtle sign of a severe complication developing. If your feet look dullish and purplish and feel cold to the touch, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Sensory Testing
To assess peripheral neuropathy, your podiatrist will check for sensation in various areas of the foot using a monofilament and a tuning fork. This is typically done with your eyes closed to minimise false positive or negative results.
Vascular Assessment
Vascular assessment is key to identifying blood circulation to the feet. Your podiatrist will conduct a pulse check in the feet and ankles. Should there be any absence of pulses, a Doppler ultrasound device will be required to detect any potential blockage in the blood vessels.
Foot Structure Evaluation
Your podiatrist will also assess the overall structure of your feet, looking for deformities or abnormalities that could lead to complications. Deformities to look out for include a high arch or flat feet, bunions, clawed or hammertoes, and areas of corns and calluses. These deformities are high-risk areas for developing foot ulcers, and early intervention is key to prevention.
Biomechanical Assessment
This may include observing your gait and how weight is distributed across your feet. Your gait pattern is important for the podiatrist to determine the type of intervention required. It will tell your podiatrist exactly what is needed to redistribute and offload the high-pressure areas
What is the Recommended Screening Interval?
The recommended screening interval for diabetic foot screening varies based on individual risk factors:
- Very low-risk individuals: Once a year
- Low-risk individuals: Every 6 to 12 months
- Moderate-risk individuals: Every 3 to 6 months
- High-risk individuals: Every 1 to 3 months or as advised by your podiatrist.
Regular screenings are critical for catching any issues early and preventing complications.
The Risk Classification of Diabetic Foot
The general guidelines for classifying a diabetic foot’s risk status are as follows:
- Very low risk: No signs of neuropathy or reduced blood circulation
- Low risk: Shows signs of either neuropathy or reduced blood circulation
- Moderate or at risk: Either neuropathy or reduced blood circulation, and the presence of foot deformity
- High risk: Presence of neuropathy or reduced blood circulation, and history of foot ulcer and/or foot amputation and/or end-stage kidney disease.
Benefits of Diabetic Foot Screening
- Early Detection: Regular screening can identify issues such as ulcers or infections before they become serious.
- Prevention of Complications: Identifying problems early means getting timely interventions, which can prevent severe complications, including amputations.
- Improved Quality of Life: Maintaining foot health improves overall well-being and mobility.
- Tailored Management Plans: Screening results help your healthcare providers tailor personalized care plans for managing your foot health.
Book Your Screening Today
Don’t wait for symptoms to arise. Proactive care is the key to preventing diabetic foot complications. If you have diabetes or are at risk, schedule your diabetic foot screening with our experienced team of podiatrists at Nobel Diabetic Foot Care today.
