What Is Diabetic Foot Screening and Why Is It So Important?

If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is more than just trimming toenails and choosing the right shoes—it’s a vital part of staying healthy. Diabetic foot screening is a key tool used by podiatrists to detect early signs of foot complications before they become serious. But what exactly does a screening involve, and why is it so important? Let’s break it down.

Why Diabetes Affects the Feet

Diabetes can reduce blood flow and damage nerves, particularly in the feet. This makes it harder for the body to heal cuts, blisters, or pressure points. If left untreated, even minor foot problems can become ulcers or infections.

Unfortunately, these complications can often go unnoticed until they’ve progressed—especially if foot sensation is reduced. That’s where regular diabetic foot screening comes in. It helps detect problems early, when they’re much easier to treat and manage.

What Happens During a Diabetic Foot Screening?

At Mary Moore Podiatry, diabetic foot screening is a thorough, non-invasive assessment that checks your feet for signs of reduced circulation, nerve damage, and pressure-related risk.

Here’s what we typically include:

1. Circulation Check

We assess the blood flow to your feet using a Doppler test. This helps identify any narrowing of the arteries or poor circulation, which can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.

2. Nerve Function Testing

Known as diabetic peripheral neurological testing, this checks your ability to feel different types of pressure or touch. We gently test areas on your feet to see if you can detect various sensations—key to spotting early nerve damage (neuropathy).

3. Foot Pressure Scan

Using advanced pressure mapping technology, we evaluate how your feet bear weight. This allows us to pinpoint high-pressure areas that could develop into ulcers, especially if sensation is reduced.

Identifying Your Risk Level

Following your screening, we’ll determine your level of foot risk—low, moderate, or high. This guides how often you should return for checks and what treatments or footwear might be needed to keep your feet protected.

If you’re at higher risk, we’ll discuss options like:

• Diabetic orthotics to offload pressure areas

• Diabetic footwear for comfort and protection

• Podiatric care for corns, calluses, or nail issues

• Education on daily foot care and what to watch for

What If You Already Have a Foot Ulcer?

If you’re dealing with an ulcer or wound, screening helps monitor healing progress and guide treatment. We may also combine your care with biomechanical assessments, orthotics, or offloading devices to protect the affected area and prevent further damage.

Who Should Have Diabetic Foot Screenings?

If you have diabetes, it’s recommended to have your feet screened at least once a year—or more frequently if you’ve had past issues. You may need more regular checks if you:

• Have experienced a foot ulcer or infection

• Have reduced sensation or poor circulation

• Wear orthotics or specialized footwear

• Have other medical conditions affecting mobility or healing

In both our Dublin 9 and Dublin 4 clinics, we provide this essential service in a calm, supportive environment.

Conclusion

Diabetic foot screening is more than a routine check—it’s a proactive way to protect your health and mobility. By detecting issues early, we can help you avoid complications like ulcers, infections, or even amputation. It’s simple, painless, and incredibly important.

If you have diabetes and haven’t had a foot screening in the past year, now’s the time. Reach out to Mary Moore Podiatry to schedule your diabetic foot check and take a confident step toward healthier feet.