From the Guidelines
Normal findings in a diabetic foot examination include intact skin without ulcers, calluses, or blisters, as well as palpable and equal pulses, intact protective sensation, and normal vibration perception, as recommended by the 2023 standards of care in diabetes 1. When evaluating diabetic foot health, it is crucial to assess various aspects to determine the presence of any potential risks or complications. Key components of a comprehensive foot evaluation include:
- Inspection of the skin for any signs of damage or disease
- Assessment of foot deformities, such as hammertoes or Charcot foot
- Neurological assessment using tools like the 10-g monofilament test, as well as tests for pinprick, temperature, and vibration sensation 1
- Vascular assessment, including the evaluation of pulses in the legs and feet, capillary refill time, and other signs of peripheral arterial disease A normal diabetic foot examination should reveal:
- Intact skin without ulcers, calluses, or blisters
- Warm, well-hydrated skin of normal color
- Palpable and equal pulses (dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial)
- Capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds
- Intact protective sensation at all tested sites using a 10g monofilament
- Normal vibration perception using a 128 Hz tuning fork
- Present and symmetrical ankle reflexes
- Normal temperature sensation when tested with warm and cold stimuli
- No foot deformities, such as hammertoes, claw toes, or Charcot foot
- Proper foot alignment with normal arch structure
- Nails of normal thickness and appearance without fungal infection
- Normal range of motion in all foot joints without pain These normal findings indicate good foot health and lower risk for diabetic foot complications, though regular monitoring remains essential as diabetic neuropathy and vascular disease can develop gradually over time, as emphasized in the 2023 standards of care in diabetes 1.
From the Research
Diabetic Foot Test Normal Findings
Normal findings in a diabetic foot test may include:
- Absence of foot ulcers or wounds
- Normal sensation and feeling in the feet
- No signs of peripheral artery disease (PAD) such as coldness, numbness, or tingling in the feet
- Normal blood flow to the feet
- No signs of infection or inflammation
Factors Affecting Diabetic Foot Test Results
The following factors can affect diabetic foot test results:
- Presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) 2, 3
- Diabetic neuropathy 4, 5
- Foot deformities 4
- History of foot ulcers or wounds 5, 6
- Presence of infection or inflammation 5
Importance of Regular Diabetic Foot Tests
Regular diabetic foot tests are crucial for early detection and management of foot problems in diabetic patients: