Unfortunately some people find themselves with foot problems, sometimes very serious, without much warning and the results can be disastrous.

We offer a comprehensive assessment that examines 6 major areas that will indicate at what risk of problems you have. As this examination’s name suggests it is very thorough covering:

• Circulation
• Sensation
• Biomechanical, Muscle and Joint function
• Dermatological status
• Pressure under the feet
• Footwear

The tests and the equipment used have been shown in research to be the best possible to provide you with valid and reliable results.

We will provide you with a full colour report, which we will explain the results and your options if any areas need to be addressed. A copy will be sent to your GP and anyone else you wish.

This information then becomes a baseline for comparison with the results of your regular 6 monthly foot check or 12 monthly foot health reassessment done by us, your regular podiatrist or GP .

1. Assessment of Your Blood Circulation

Poor circulation is sometimes called peripheral vascular disease and occurs because of narrowed blood vessels. It limits the flow of blood to the feet. Blood carries oxygen to keep body tissues healthy as well as special white blood cells to fight bacteria.

Normally our skin protects us from infection. Poor circulation causes the skin to become cracked, or it may be broken due to injury and this allows bacteria to enter.

The late treatment of infections can lead to irreparable damage to your feet including gangrene.

We use Doppler ultrasound to measure the blood flow velocity (speed), timing and amount over 2 areas in each foot. We combine this equipment with blood pressure measurement, comparing the pressure between the arm and at the ankle. This gives us an indication of the potential of future problems.

2. Assessment of the Nerve sensation in your feet

Nerve damage, often called neuropathy, particularly when coupled with high pressure areas, can occur in the long nerve fibers connecting your sense of feeling and pain in your feet, to your brain.

If this sensation pathway is damaged, you might not feel that your feet are sore or injured and infection may result if it is left unnoticed.

We use a monofilament device to assess the sensation in 10 areas on each of your feet. This gives us the status of the health of your present sensation and indicates where any risk of insensitivity may occur. We also use a specially graduated tuning fork to measure the sense of vibration over 3 bony prominences of each foot. This gives us an indication of the potential of future problems, as vibration sense is the first sense to diminish.