Diabetes Foot Check
A diabetes foot check is an important part of preventing complications. Even when your feet feel fine, changes in sensation, circulation, and pressure can develop gradually. Regular checks help identify risks early and reduce the chance of wounds or infection.
If you have diabetes, having your feet assessed by a podiatrist can help you stay active and avoid problems before they start. For a broader overview of risk, prevention, and ongoing care, you can also visit our diabetes foot assessment page.
What is a diabetes foot check?
A diabetes foot check is a structured assessment of your foot health. It focuses on identifying early signs of risk related to nerve function, circulation, skin integrity, and pressure areas.
It is not only for people with pain. Some of the most important diabetes-related changes are the ones you may not notice yourself, such as reduced feeling from diabetic neuropathy or slower healing linked to circulation changes.
What we check during your appointment
- Nerve function and protective sensation
- Blood flow and circulation
- Skin condition and dryness or cracks
- Nail health and thickness
- Pressure areas and callus build-up
- Footwear fit and support
This helps us identify patterns that may increase your risk over time, including pressure build-up, friction, skin stress, and early signs linked to diabetes foot ulcer risk.
Why regular foot checks matter
Diabetes-related foot problems often develop gradually. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to notice injuries, while circulation changes can affect healing. Regular foot checks help identify risks early and allow simple interventions before complications develop.
When pressure areas, rubbing, or thickened skin are left unchecked, they may place more stress on the foot. That is why problems such as calluses, corns, and pressure areas in diabetes deserve proper attention rather than being treated as a cosmetic issue.
Skin cracks, fungal nails, and irritation can also become more important in diabetes, especially if they create rubbing or entry points for infection. You can read more on our diabetes skin and nail problems page.
Who should have a diabetes foot check?
- Anyone diagnosed with diabetes
- People with numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet
- Those with callus, corns, or pressure areas
- People with dry, cracked skin or nail changes
- Anyone with a history of wounds or ulcers
If your feet feel different, if you have noticed changes in colour or healing, or if you are unsure about your risk, a foot check is a practical place to start.
Some people with diabetes also notice pain around the heel when walking or after standing for long periods. This can have a range of causes — if heel pain is part of the picture, it may be worth reading our heel pain page alongside your diabetes care.
Diabetes can affect feet at any age. Children and young people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes may also benefit from early foot health monitoring. Our children's feet pages provide guidance on foot health for younger patients and what to watch for as they grow.
Understanding your foot health with diabetes
- Learn more about diabetic neuropathy and reduced sensation
- Understand circulation problems in the feet
- Read about ulcer risk and prevention
- Manage pressure areas with diabetes callus and pressure care
- Address skin and nail issues on our diabetes skin and nail page
- For general hard skin care, also see our corns and calluses page.
- For broader skin concerns, visit our skin and nails page.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I have a diabetes foot check?
That depends on your risk level, but regular checks are important even when there is no pain.
What does a foot check involve?
A foot check can include assessment of sensation, circulation, skin, nails, pressure areas, and footwear.
Do I need a check if I have no symptoms?
Yes. Some important diabetes-related changes can develop without obvious pain or warning.
Can a podiatrist check circulation and sensation?
Yes. A podiatrist can assess both and identify areas of risk that may need closer monitoring.
When should I book urgently?
If you notice wounds, skin breakdown, spreading redness, swelling, or changes that are not improving, book promptly.
Diabetes foot checks in Craigieburn & Gladstone Park
We provide diabetes foot assessments for patients across Melbourne’s north, including Craigieburn and Gladstone Park.
Podiatrists near Craigieburn & Gladstone Park
We assess circulation, sensation, skin and pressure areas to help prevent complications and keep your feet healthy with diabetes.
