The Annual Podiatric Exam for Diabetic Patients: What Is Evaluated and Why It Matters

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that all patients with diabetes receive a thorough foot examination at least annually — and more frequently (every 3–6 months) for patients with peripheral neuropathy, prior ulceration, or peripheral arterial disease. The annual diabetic foot examination is not a routine ‘check-in’ — it is a structured evaluation designed to identify risk factors for foot ulceration before ulceration occurs, when intervention can prevent the wound from developing entirely.

Components of the Annual Diabetic Foot Exam

Protective sensation testing: 10-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament at 10 standardized sites on each foot — inability to feel the filament at any site indicates loss of protective sensation (LOPS) and places the patient in the high-risk category for ulceration. Vibration perception: 128Hz tuning fork at the great toe and first metatarsal head — absent vibration sense indicates large-fiber neuropathy. Ankle reflexes: absent Achilles DTRs are an early indicator of peripheral neuropathy. Vascular assessment: palpation of dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses; if pulses are absent or diminished, ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement is performed to quantify the degree of peripheral arterial disease. Skin and nail examination: skin integrity assessment for pre-ulcerative callus, fissuring, interdigital maceration or fungal infection; nail examination for onychomycosis, thickening, or deformity; pressure areas and bony prominences. Musculoskeletal examination: foot deformity assessment (bunion, hammer toes, Charcot deformity, high arch) that creates pressure points; joint range of motion; single-leg heel rise for posterior tibial tendon function. Footwear assessment: evaluation of current footwear for fit, cushioning, and protective features — inappropriate footwear is a leading cause of diabetic ulceration.

Risk Stratification and Follow-up

ADA Risk Classification: Category 0 (no LOPS, no PAD, no deformity) — annual examination; Category 1 (LOPS or PAD) — every 6 months; Category 2 (LOPS plus deformity or PAD plus deformity) — every 3–4 months; Category 3 (prior ulcer or amputation) — every 1–3 months. Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle performs comprehensive annual diabetic foot examinations with monofilament testing, ABI measurement, and custom diabetic footwear prescription. Medicare covers annual diabetic foot exams and therapeutic shoes. Call (810) 206-1402 at our Bloomfield Township or Howell office to schedule.

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In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home care isn’t resolving your diabetic foot concern, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.

Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should diabetics have their feet checked by a podiatrist?

People with diabetes should have a thorough foot examination by a podiatrist at least once per year, and more frequently (every 1–3 months) if they have neuropathy, poor circulation, history of foot ulcers, or active foot problems.

What is the biggest foot danger for diabetics?

Loss of protective sensation (neuropathy) combined with poor circulation creates a dangerous combination — minor injuries can go unnoticed and become infected. Foot ulcers affect 15–25% of diabetics over their lifetime and are the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations.

Does Medicare cover diabetic foot care?

Yes. Medicare covers annual diabetic foot exams for patients with peripheral neuropathy, as well as therapeutic shoes and inserts under the Diabetic Shoe Bill. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Medicare.

Need Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle?

Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin see patients at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.

Book Online or call (810) 206-1402

Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be?

Several conditions share symptoms with Diabetic Neuropathy and are commonly misdiagnosed in the first office visit. Considering these alternatives is part of every Balance Foot & Ankle exam:

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Burning radiating into the arch with positive Tinel’s at the medial ankle.
• Peripheral artery disease. Pain with walking that resolves with rest, weak pulses, hair loss on toes.
• Lumbar radiculopathy. Symptoms following a dermatome, often with back pain — MRI of spine, not foot.

If your symptoms don’t fit the textbook pattern, ask your podiatrist which differentials they ruled out — that conversation often shortcuts months of trial-and-error treatment.

Most Common Mistake We See

The most common mistake we see is: Stopping B-vitamin supplementation as soon as symptoms improve. Fix: maintain supplementation for 6-18 months alongside strict glucose control.

Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care

Related Care at Balance Foot & Ankle

Clinical diabetic services at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.

Diabetic Foot CarePeripheral NeuropathyDiabetic Wound Care

More questions patients ask

How often should diabetics check their feet?

Diabetic patients should perform daily self-examinations of both feet, checking for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, calluses, and temperature changes. Professional diabetic foot exams should occur at least annually, or every 3-6 months for patients with neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, or history of foot ulcers. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive diabetic foot care programs.

Why do diabetics have foot problems?

Diabetes causes peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage reducing sensation), peripheral artery disease (reduced blood flow), and impaired immune function. This combination means injuries go unnoticed, heal slowly, and are prone to infection. Approximately 15% of diabetics will develop a foot ulcer, and diabetic foot complications are the leading cause of non-traumatic amputation. Prevention through regular podiatric care is essential.

What are the signs of diabetic neuropathy in feet?

Early signs include tingling, burning, or numbness starting in the toes and progressing upward. Other symptoms include sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, balance problems, and loss of reflexes. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Biernacki at 810-206-1402 for nerve conduction testing and a comprehensive neuropathy management plan.

Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.