Diabetic Foot Assessments

At QCity Podiatry, we understand that living with diabetes demands consistent, comprehensive care. Diabetes affects various aspects of the body, but one of the most crucial and often underestimated areas is foot health.

Routine diabetic foot assessments are not just check-ups but a proactive approach to preventing complications, preserving mobility, and improving long-term quality of life. With the proper care and early detection, many serious foot issues can be entirely avoided.

We aim to empower every person with diabetes to understand the importance of foot care as a core part of their condition management. Regular foot assessments do more than evaluate your risk; they provide peace of mind and practical strategies to keep your feet strong, healthy, and functional.

Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters

Diabetes can have a profound impact on the feet due to several interconnected factors:

• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) reduces sensation in the feet, making injuries, cuts, or blisters more likely to go unnoticed.
• Peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation) impairs the body’s ability to heal wounds, increasing the risk of infection.
• High blood sugar levels can increase susceptibility to infections, weakening the immune system and reducing the body’s ability to fight off bacteria and fungi.

These issues can combine to create a dangerous environment where minor problems can quickly escalate into severe complications such as ulcers, cellulitis, abscesses, gangrene, and even amputation. Most of these outcomes are entirely preventable with proper foot care and monitoring.

Research shows that up to 85% of diabetes-related amputations are preventable with timely intervention and routine podiatric care. That’s why assessments are not only beneficial—they’re essential.

What Is a Diabetic Foot Assessment?

A diabetic foot assessment is a detailed, head-to-toe examination of your feet performed by a qualified podiatrist. It is designed to assess your feet’ current health, identify any signs of damage or risk, and create a management plan tailored to your needs.

At QCity Podiatry, our diabetic foot assessments include:

• Neurological testing: We assess vibration, temperature, and pressure sensation to check for signs of nerve damage.
• Vascular testing: We evaluate foot and leg blood flow using palpation, Doppler ultrasound, or ABI testing.
• Skin and nail inspection: We check for dryness, cracking, fungal infections, corns, calluses, pressure sores, and colour changes.
• Foot shape and structural analysis: We assess deformities such as bunions, hammer toes, and collapsed arches that may increase risk.
• Footwear evaluation: We examine your shoes for proper fit, support, wear patterns, and any risk of friction or pressure points.
• Gait and biomechanical analysis: We observe how you walk and stand to identify abnormal loading or instability.

We also take time to review your diabetes history, including glycemic control, medications, past foot issues, and any history of ulcers or amputations.

How Often Should You Have a Foot Assessment?

The frequency of foot assessments depends on your risk level:

• Low risk: Annual foot assessments
• Moderate risk (e.g., loss of sensation or circulation): Every 3–6 months
• High risk (e.g., previous ulcer, infection, or amputation): Every 1–3 months

Our podiatrists will classify your foot health risk level at each visit and advise you on the ideal monitoring schedule. We also educate you on what signs to look out for between appointments.

If you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes, we recommend having a baseline foot assessment as soon as possible, even if you’re not currently experiencing symptoms. Early assessments help track subtle changes over time.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Following your diabetic foot assessment, we will:

• Provide a detailed explanation of your findings and risk category
• Offer tailored education on how to care for your feet based on your risk level.
• Recommend supportive devices, orthotics, or custom footwear if necessary
• Address current concerns, including nail care, skin lesions, infections, or pain
• Collaborate with your GP, diabetes educator, or endocrinologist as part of a holistic care team
• Establish a care and follow-up plan to track your foot health over time

We may also provide printed resources, self-care tools, and recommendations for offloading devices or pressure-relieving footwear. We may initiate wound care or refer high-risk patients for specialist imaging or vascular consultation.

How to Care for Your Feet at Home

Your role in foot care is just as important as your professional podiatry visits. Here are essential self-care tips:

• Inspect your feet daily: Look for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, or any changes in skin condition.
• Wash and moisturise daily: Keep your feet clean and dry. Moisturise the soles and tops—but avoid the spaces between toes.
• Trim nails carefully: Cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. If you can’t do it yourself, see a podiatrist.
• Avoid walking barefoot: Even at home, protect your feet from injury.
• Wear properly fitting shoes. Footwear should offer cushioning and support and have enough room in the toe box.
• Don’t use hot water bottles or heating pads: With reduced sensation, you may not feel burns.
• Avoid DIY treatments: Don’t attempt to remove corns, calluses, or ingrown nails at home.
• Manage your blood glucose levels: Good sugar control directly impacts your healing and infection resistance.
• Stay active: Gentle walking, as tolerated, can improve circulation and lower your risk of complications.

Early Detection Saves Limbs—and Lives

In Australia, diabetic foot complications are among the leading causes of hospital admissions and amputations. Regular podiatric assessments dramatically reduce this risk. When caught early, most issues—like a small cut, fungal infection, or pressure point—can be treated before they become serious.