Why Foot Checks Matter If You Have Diabetes (and What We Look For in Leeds)
- Peter Crompton
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
If you have diabetes, you'll know that managing your condition involves keeping an eye on a lot of things — blood sugar, diet, medication, annual reviews. Foot care can sometimes feel like one more thing on an already long list.
But here's the reality: your feet are one of the parts of your body most vulnerable to the effects of diabetes, and problems that are caught early are almost always easier — and less serious — to deal with than those that are left to develop.
This post explains what we check during a diabetic foot assessment, why each element matters, and what to do if you're overdue a proper check.
Why Diabetes Puts Your Feet at Risk
Two complications of diabetes directly affect the feet:
Peripheral neuropathy
Over time, high blood sugar damages the nerves in your feet and lower legs. The result is reduced sensation — numbness, tingling, or a burning feeling. The danger isn't just the discomfort; it's that when you can't feel pain properly, injuries go unnoticed. A blister, a cut, or a pressure sore that you'd normally feel and address can become infected before you've even spotted it.
Poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease)
Diabetes affects blood flow to the extremities. Reduced circulation means wounds heal more slowly and infection risk is higher. In severe cases, poor healing can lead to ulceration — and in the most serious situations, to amputation. The vast majority of diabetes-related amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer that wasn't caught or treated early enough.
That's not said to alarm you — it's said because early detection genuinely makes a difference. A foot check that identifies reduced sensation or circulation problems early gives you and your care team the chance to act before things escalate.
What We Check — and Why It Matters
When you come to us at our Swillington clinic for a diabetic foot assessment, here's what we look at:
1. Circulation
We check the pulses in your feet to assess blood flow. Weak or absent pulses can indicate peripheral arterial disease and may warrant referral to your GP or a vascular specialist. Catching circulation problems early significantly improves outcomes.
2. Sensation
We use a simple monofilament test — a small, flexible fibre pressed against different points on your foot — to check whether you can feel normal pressure. This is the standard clinical test for peripheral neuropathy and gives us a clear picture of whether nerve damage is present and how significant it is.
3. Skin condition
We examine the skin across the whole foot — including the sole and between the toes, areas that are easy to miss at home. We look for dryness, cracking, callus build-up, and any early signs of breakdown or ulceration. Callus in diabetic patients is particularly important — it can hide underlying pressure sores.
4. Nail health
Thickened nails, fungal infections, and ingrown toenails all carry greater risk in diabetic patients. We assess nail condition carefully and treat conservatively, with awareness of the slower healing times involved.
5. Footwear assessment
Poor footwear is one of the most common contributors to diabetic foot problems. We'll look at what you're wearing and identify whether any shoes are causing pressure points, rubbing, or friction — and advise accordingly.
6. Foot structure and pressure points
We assess the overall structure of your foot, looking for deformities, high-pressure areas, or gait issues that might be putting certain areas at risk. Bunions, hammer toes, and flat feet can all create pressure points that are more significant in a diabetic patient.
What Happens After the Check
At the end of your assessment, we'll give you a clear summary of what we found and what it means. This might include:
Reassurance that your feet are in good condition and advice on maintaining that
Recommendations for footwear changes or over-the-counter insoles
A treatment plan for any nail or skin issues identified
A referral to your GP if we find signs of significant circulation or nerve damage that needs further investigation
Advice on how often we'd recommend you come back, based on your risk level
We won't leave you with a vague "come back if you're worried." You'll know exactly where you stand.
How Often Should You Have a Diabetic Foot Check?
The NHS recommends an annual diabetic foot check for all people with diabetes. In practice, many patients either miss this or receive only a brief assessment.
If you've been classified as moderate or high risk — because of neuropathy, a previous foot ulcer, or circulation problems — more frequent checks are recommended, typically every three to six months.
If you're unsure of your risk status, your GP or diabetic nurse should have this on record. Alternatively, come and see us — we can assess your risk level as part of your appointment.
The Daily Habits That Make a Difference
A professional foot check is important, but what you do between appointments matters just as much. The key daily habits are:
Check your feet every day — look at the soles and between the toes, use a mirror if needed
Wash feet daily in warm (not hot) water and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes
Moisturise daily — but not between the toes
Never walk barefoot, even at home
Cut nails straight across, not too short
Wear properly fitting shoes — no tight seams, no narrow toe boxes
Never use corn plasters or blade razors on your feet
Report any cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or wounds that aren't healing within 48 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to have a foot check if I have diabetes?
Absolutely — it's one of the most important things you can do. Our podiatrists are trained to work with diabetic patients and always take a careful, conservative approach.
Do I need a GP referral?
No referral needed. You can book directly online or by calling us on 0113 345 4260.
Can I have a private foot check even if I get an NHS one?
Yes — the two complement each other. Many of our diabetic patients see us between NHS appointments, or come to us first because they're concerned about something specific and can't get seen quickly.
How much does it cost?
A diabetic foot assessment is carried out as part of a standard podiatry appointment. New patients: £65 (up to 45 minutes). Existing patients: £55 (up to 30 minutes).
What if you find something serious?
We'll tell you clearly and refer you onwards where needed. You won't leave uncertain about what we found or what to do next.
Book a Diabetic Foot Check in Leeds
If you have diabetes and haven't had your feet properly assessed recently — or if you're due a check and want to be seen sooner than your NHS appointment allows — we'd love to help.
No referral needed. Online booking available. We see patients from across Leeds including Swillington, Garforth, Rothwell, Kippax, and Woodlesford.
New patients: £85 | Existing patients: £55
0113 345 4260 | 16 Woodland Drive, Swillington, Leeds LS26
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