- exams are essential for preventing serious complications
- The exam is painless and takes about 15-30 minutes
- Early detection of problems can p and amputation
- People with diabetes should have foot exams at least once a year—more often if high risk
Why Exams Are Critical
Diabetes affects your feet in ways you might not notice until serious damage has occurred. The combination of reduced sensation (ne poor circulation means:
- Small cuts or blisters can go unnoticed
- Wounds heal slowly
- Infections can develop rapidly
- What starts as a minor problem can become limb-threatening
The statistics are sobering: diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation. But here's the hopeful news—most amputations are preventable with proper foot care and regular examinations.
At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, is one of our core services. Regular exams catch problems early when they're easiest to treat.
What Happens During a Exam
Understanding what to expect helps you prepare and get the most from your appointment.
Medicview
We'll discuss:
- Your diabetes history (type, duration, control)
- Current medications
- Previous foot problems (ulcers, infections, surgeries)
- Other health conditions affecting your feet
- Symptoms you've noticed (pain, numbness, tingling)
- Your daily foot care habits
- Your footwear
Visual Inspection
We carefully examine your feet for:
Skin issues:- Cuts, scrapes, or blisters
- Dry, cracked skin
- or corns
- Color changes
- Swelling
- Signs of infection
- Thickened nails
- Fungal infection
- Discoloratistrong>Structural changes:
- or
- Charcot foot deformity
Changes in foot shape - Prominent bones
Neurological Testing
Testing sensation helps us assess nerve damage (neuropathy):
Monofilament test: Wer feet with a thin iber. If you can't feel it, protective sensation is diminished—meaning you might not feel injuries. Tuning fork test: Assesses vibration perception, another indicator of nerve health. Reflex testing: Checking ankle reflexes for nerve function. Pin prick test: Evaluating sharp/dull discrimination.Vascular Assessment
Checking blood flow is essential since diabetes affects circulation:
Pulse check: We feel for pulses in your feet and ankles. Capillary refill: Pressing on your toenail and watching how quickly color returns. Skin temperature: Cool skin may indicate poor circulation. Ankle-brachial index (ABI): If indicated, this test compares blood pressure in your ankle to your arm to assess circulation. It's painless and non-invasive.Musculoskeletal Evaluation
We assess:
- Range of motion in ankle and foot joints
- Muscle strength
- Gait (how you walk)
- Any deformities that could cause pressure problems
Footwear Assessment
Bring the shoes you wear most often. We'll check for:
- Proper fit
- Wear patterns indicating gait problems
- Features that could cause injury
- Appropriateness for your foot type
Risk Stratification: What Are Your Results?
After the exam, we categorize your risk level:
Low Risk
- Normal sensation
- Good pulses
- No deformities
- No history of ulcers
Moderate Risk
- Some loss of sensation OR
- Reduced pulses OR
- Foot deformity
High Risk
- Loss of sensation AND deformity or poor circulation
- Previous ulcer or amputation
What If We Find a Problem?
Early detection is the whole point of these exams. If we discover issues, treatment depends on what we find:
Minor wounds or : Immediate treatment and education on prevention Neuropathy: Discussion of causes, foot protection strategies, and possibly referral to your primary doctor for blood sugar optimization Circulation problems: May require further testing, medication adjustm vascular consultation Structural deformities: Custom orthotics, shoe modifications, or surgical evaluation if causing problems Infection: Immediate treatment—infections in diabetic feet can escalate quickly
How Often Do You Need a Exam?
Minimum: Annual Comprehensive Exam
Every person wshould have at least one thorough foot exam per year by a podiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider.
More Frequent Exams If:
- You have neuropathy (can't feel your feet well)
- You have poor circulation
- You have foot deformities
- You've had previous ulcers or amputations
- Your blood sugar is poorly controlled
- You've had recent foot problems
Daily Self-Exams at Home
Between professional exams, check your own feet daily:
- Look at tops, bottoms, and between toes
- Feel for temperature changes
- Note any cuts, blisters, or skin changes
- Check toenails
- Report anything unusual to your podiatrist promptly
Can't see or reach your feet? Use a mirror, or ask a family member to help.
Preparing for Your Appointment
To get the most from your exam:
Bring:- List of current medicationsost-worn shoes
- Questions or concerns
- Insurance card and referral if needed
- Wash feet normally (no need for special preparation)
- Remove nail polish so we can see your toenails
- Wear easy-to-remove socks and shoes
- Any symptoms you've noticed
- Your daily foot care routine
- How well your blood sugar has been controlled
- Any changes since your last visit
What We Do Differently at CFFAI
At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, we take seriously:
Comprehensive evaluation: We don't rush. Every exam includes thorough neurological and vascular testing. Patient education: We'll teach you how to check your own feet and recognize warning signs. Coordinated care: We communicate with your primary care doctor and endocrinologist to ensure your whole care team is aligned. Preventive focus: Our goal is preventing problems, not just treating them. Advanced treatments: When problems do arise, we offer the latest treatments for diabetic wounds, neuropathy, and complications.For more on daily care between appointments, see our Guide.
Don't Skip This Appointment
We understand—when you have diabetes, you have a lot of medical appointments. It's tempting to skip the ones where you feel fine.
But exams are different. The wholeching problems before you feel them. By the time your feet hurt, significant damage may have occurred.
A 15-30 minute appointment once or twice a year can prevent life-altering complications. It's one of the most valuable things you can do for your long-term health.
Schedule Your Exam
If it's been mor since your last comprehensive foot exam—or if you've never had one—now is the time.
At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, we provide expert in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Our team has extensive experience helping diabetic patients protect their feet and maintain their mobility.
📞 Call today to schedule your exam. Your feet—and your future—are worth it.