Diabetic foot is diagnosed through detailed clinical examination and additional tests when needed. The aim is both to examine the wound and identify factors causing it to develop or fail to heal.
Tests are not the same for every patient; the physician selects them according to examination findings and clinical suspicion.
- Clinical wound examination
- Vascular assessment
- Sensation and nerve tests
- Imaging when needed
- Laboratory investigations
Clinical examination
The location and depth of the wound, signs of infection, foot deformities and pressure points are assessed in detail.
Vascular assessment
Circulation in the foot is examined; Doppler ultrasound or other vascular imaging may be used when necessary.
Nerve and sensation tests
The degree of sensation loss, reflexes and pressure perception are assessed to identify neuropathy that increases injury risk.
Suspected bone infection
Initial assessment for suspected osteomyelitis may combine a probe-to-bone test performed by a trained healthcare professional, plain X-rays and inflammatory markers such as ESR, CRP or procalcitonin. If uncertainty remains after this assessment, MRI is preferred; CT is not the routine next step, and a specialist selects alternative imaging if MRI is unsuitable.
Laboratory tests
Parameters such as infection markers and blood sugar are assessed alongside the overall clinical picture.
Diagnosis is not made from a photo alone
Photos may support preliminary assessment; clinical examination and tests when needed are required for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.
How can you prepare for the examination?
Note when diabetes was diagnosed, your medications, previous foot wounds and operations. Bring current test results and older imaging, if available. Whether new tests are needed is determined after reviewing this information alongside the examination.
The consultation may cover loss of sensation, circulation, foot shape and wound characteristics. You can ask why each test is requested and how its result may affect treatment decisions. No single test answers every question; interpreting the findings together forms the basis of an individual plan.
Related content
Scientific sources
This information is for general education. The assessment and treatment appropriate for you are determined by a medical examination.
Further reading: NIDDK foot health · NICE NG19 · AAOS patient guide
