There isn’t a single podiatry schedule that works for everyone with diabetes. At least one comprehensive foot evaluation each year is recommended, while neuropathy, poor circulation, previous wounds, and other concerns can mean more frequent care. At Physicians Footcare, our team provides diabetic foot care for patients in Columbia, South Carolina, Augusta, Georgia, and surrounding communities. Dr. Keyoka S. Smith is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and has a special interest in diabetic foot care.
How Often Is a Diabetic Foot Exam Recommended?
The American Diabetes Association recommends a comprehensive foot evaluation at least once a year for people with diabetes. After that, screening frequency depends on your risk of developing a foot ulcer.
Suggested intervals include:
- Every 6–12 months: For people with loss of protective sensation or peripheral artery disease.
- Every 3–6 months: When nerve or circulation problems occur with another concern, such as a foot deformity.
- Every 1–3 months: For certain higher-risk patients, including those with a history of foot ulcers, amputation, or end-stage kidney disease.
These are screening intervals, not a universal podiatry appointment schedule. Your podiatrist can recommend timing based on your medical history and exam findings. If you have loss of sensation or a history of ulceration or amputation, the ADA recommends having your feet inspected at every medical visit.
What Can Change Your Follow-Up Schedule?
Diabetes can damage nerves and affect circulation. With reduced sensation, you may not notice a blister, cut, or area of friction right away. Bunions, hammertoes, calluses, previous ulcers, kidney disease, and circulation problems can also increase the need for closer monitoring.
Because pain may not be a dependable warning sign when neuropathy is present, scheduled examinations can be useful even when your feet feel fine.
What Do We Check During a Diabetic Foot Visit?
A diabetic foot evaluation may include examining your skin and nails, checking circulation and sensation, assessing foot structure, and looking for calluses, sores, or irritation. Depending on your needs, custom orthotics may help protect vulnerable areas, while our certified pedorthists can assist with therapeutic footwear.
When Should You Call Before Your Next Visit?
Contact a podiatrist sooner if you notice a cut, blister, sore, redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, skin discoloration, new numbness, or a wound that is not healing as expected. Our wound care team can evaluate slow-healing and diabetic foot wounds that may need professional treatment.
Schedule a Diabetic Foot Care Appointment
If you’re unsure how often your feet should be evaluated, contact us to make an appointment with Physicians Footcare. Our podiatrists care for patients throughout South Carolina and Georgia, including Columbia at 803-256-6776 and Augusta at 706-724-7000.