What is a diabetic foot exam?
People with diabetes are at higher risk for a variety of foot health problems. A diabetic foot exam checks people with diabetes for these problems, which include infection, injury, and bone abnormalities. Nerve damage, known as neuropathy, and poor circulation (blood flow) are the most common causes of diabetic foot problems.
Neuropathy can make your feet feel numb or tingly. It can also cause a loss of feeling in your feet. So if you get a foot injury, like a callus or blister, or even a deep sore known as an ulcer, you may not even know it.
Poor circulation in the foot can make it harder for you to fight foot infections and heal from injuries. If you have diabetes and get a foot ulcer or other injury, your body may not be able to heal it fast enough. This can lead to an infection, which can quickly become serious. If a foot infection is not treated right away, it can become so dangerous that your foot may need to be amputated to save your life.
Fortunately, regular diabetic foot exams, as well as home care, can help prevent serious foot health problems.
Other names: comprehensive foot exam
