Foot Health Checks: Vascular, Neurological & Skin Assessments – Because healthy feet mean a healthier you

 

Why Are These Assessments Important?

Your feet are more than just the base of support—they’re full of nerves, blood vessels, and skin structures that can reveal early signs of health conditions. That’s why we assess circulation, nerve function, and skin health as part of your podiatric care.

 

These checks help us:

  • Detect problems early before they become serious

  • Monitor chronic conditions like diabetes, vascular disease, or neuropathy

  • Guide safe treatment options (e.g., for wounds, footwear, or orthotics)

  • Prevent foot complications that can impact mobility and quality of life

 

Vascular Assessment (Circulation Check)

Good circulation is essential for healing, temperature control, and oxygen delivery to the tissues in your feet.

 

We assess circulation by:

  • Checking foot pulses (dorsalis pedis & posterior tibial)

  • Doppler ultrasound to listen to blood flow

  • Capillary refill time (how quickly blood returns to toes after pressure)

  • Assessing skin temperature, colour changes, and presence of hair or nail changes

 

What Poor Circulation Might Feel Like:

  • Cold feet or toes

  • Cramping or pain when walking (claudication)

  • Delayed healing of cuts or blisters

  • Discolouration, shiny skin, or skin breakdown

 

We may recommend vascular referral, footwear changes, or offloading if poor circulation is detected.

 

Neurological Assessment (Nerve Function)

Nerve checks help us understand how well your feet can feel, balance, and protect themselves. This is especially important if you have diabetes, nerve pain, numbness, or tingling.

 

We assess sensory nerve function by using:

  • Monofilament testing (for protective pressure sensation)

  • Tuning fork or neurotip (for vibration and sharp-dull detection)

  • Reflex testing (e.g. ankle reflexes)

  • Balance and proprioception tests (how your body senses joint position)

 

Why This Matters:

Reduced sensation increases the risk of:

  • Unnoticed injuries

  • Burns, blisters or pressure sores

  • Falls and instability

  • Long-term damage in diabetic or neurological conditions

     

Early detection allows for protective footwear, orthotics, and education to reduce your risk.

 

Dermatological Assessment (Skin & Nail Health)

Skin and nails give vital clues about your hygiene, footwear pressure, immune function, and circulation.

 

We assess for:

  • Callus and corns (pressure points)

  • Fungal infections (tinea, fungal toenails)

  • Warts (verrucae)

  • Cracks, wounds or ulcers

  • Ingrown nails or thickened nails

  • Dryness, scaling or dermatitis

  • Signs of skin cancer, pigment changes or trauma

 

When We Act:

  • We provide debridement, treatment and home care advice

  • Treat fungal infections and prescribe topical or oral antifungals

  • Monitor chronic wounds and refer if necessary

  • Offer skin care routines and moisturising strategies for diabetic and aged feet

 

Who Should Have These Checks?

  • People with diabetes, arthritis or poor circulation

  • Patients over 50

  • People with nerve pain, tingling, or numbness

  • Anyone with slow-healing wounds

  • Those with long-term foot pain or pressure points

  • Individuals with a history of foot ulcers or infections

 

How Often?

  • Risk Level Assessment Frequency

  • Low Risk Every 12 months

  • Moderate Risk Every 6 months

  • High Risk / Diabetic Every 1–3 months

 

Let’s Keep Your Feet in Check!

 

Regular vascular, neurological and dermatological foot assessments are your best defence against foot complications, infections, and loss of function.

 

We’ll work with you to catch issues early, create personalised care plans, and help you stay confidently on your feet.

 

From your team at Toe-tal Podiatry

We don’t just treat feet—we protect your foundation for life!