Diabetic Foot Self-Examination Frequency
Diabetic patients should check their feet daily for any wounds, injuries, or abnormalities to prevent serious complications such as ulcers and amputations. 1
Importance of Daily Foot Self-Examination
Daily foot self-examination is critical for diabetic patients because:
- Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy leading to loss of protective sensation (LOPS), making patients unaware of injuries to their feet 1
- Diabetes reduces blood flow to the feet, making it harder to heal injuries and resist infections 2
- Early detection of foot problems can prevent progression to serious complications including ulceration and amputation 1
- Foot ulcers precede 84% of non-traumatic amputations in diabetic patients 3
How to Perform Daily Foot Self-Examination
Diabetic patients should:
- Visually inspect all surfaces of both feet daily, including between the toes, using a mirror if necessary for areas difficult to see 1
- Use palpation to check for abnormalities when visual inspection is not possible 1
- Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, calluses, or any other abnormalities 1
- Check for skin temperature changes, which may indicate inflammation 1
- Wear appropriate footwear and avoid walking barefoot 2
- Wash feet daily with gentle warm water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes 3
Risk Stratification and Professional Foot Examinations
In addition to daily self-examinations, professional foot examinations are essential:
- All diabetic patients should have a comprehensive professional foot examination at least once per year 1
- Patients with high-risk factors (previous ulceration, amputation, foot deformities, LOPS, or peripheral arterial disease) should have more frequent professional examinations 1
- Individuals with evidence of sensory loss or prior ulceration/amputation should have their feet inspected at every healthcare visit 1
Patient Education on Foot Care
Healthcare providers should ensure diabetic patients understand:
- The importance of glycemic control in preventing diabetic foot complications 4
- Proper foot care techniques including appropriate washing, drying, and moisturizing 2
- The importance of wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding walking barefoot 2
- When to seek medical attention for foot problems 1
- How to perform a thorough self-examination of their feet 1
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Patients should seek immediate medical care if they notice:
- New ulcers or wounds 1
- Rapid changes in skin color 1
- Increased pain, redness, or swelling 1
- Signs of infection including warmth, discharge, or foul odor 4
- Any foot problem that doesn't begin to heal within 24 hours 1
Common Pitfalls in Diabetic Foot Care
- Inadequate patient education: Studies show many diabetic patients receive insufficient information about foot care from their healthcare providers 3
- Delayed seeking of medical attention: Patients often wait too long to seek care for foot problems 4
- Walking barefoot: Many diabetic patients continue to walk barefoot despite the risks 2
- Infrequent self-examination: Only checking feet when problems are suspected rather than daily 2
- Focusing only on glucose control while neglecting foot care 4