Protecting Your Feet Starts with Early Detection
A neurovascular foot assessment is recommended for patients with diabetes or reduced circulation.
It helps detect early signs of complications like ulcers, infections, or more serious conditions.
It helps detect early signs of complications like ulcers, infections, or more serious conditions.
What’s Involved in the Assessment?
The assessment includes three key tests:
Doppler Testing
Ultrasound gel is applied to two areas of the foot — the Dorsalis Pedis artery and the Posterior Tibial artery. A Doppler probe is then placed on the skin to detect sound and display a reading on the screen.
This test uses high-frequency sound waves to measure blood flow in the arteries. It is a reliable way to identify blocked or narrowed arteries, which may increase the risk of complications such as stroke or tissue damage.
Monofilament Testing
This test uses a thin, standardised filament — often described as feeling like fishing wire — to assess pressure sensation. The monofilament is pressed against the foot until it bends, applying 10 grams of pressure.
If the patient cannot feel the filament at specific sites on the foot, they may have lost protective sensation, placing them at risk of developing foot ulcers.
Vibration Testing
A vibrating probe is applied to bony areas of the foot, usually the big toe. It can vibrate at different intensities. The patient indicates when the vibration is felt.
This test, like monofilament testing, checks for loss of protective sensation — an early sign of nerve damage or neuropathy.