Recommended assessment tools for evaluating foot health in elderly patients include a comprehensive foot examination that involves removing shoes, socks, bandages, and dressings to inspect both feet for neuropathy, limb ischaemia, ulceration, callus, infection, inflammation, deformity, gangrene, and Charcot arthropathy.
Specifically, neuropathy should be assessed using a 10 g monofilament as part of the foot sensory examination.
Assessment of limb ischaemia should follow the NICE guideline on peripheral arterial disease, including the use of the ankle brachial pressure index, with careful interpretation in diabetic patients due to possible calcified arteries.
In elderly patients, especially those at risk of falls, footwear and foot condition should be assessed as part of a comprehensive falls assessment.
These assessments should be tailored to the individual's risk level, with more frequent reassessments for those at moderate or high risk of foot problems.