The Touch the Toes* test is quick and easy, designed to assess sensitivity in your feet, and can be done in the comfort of your own home.

Why is sensitivity important?

Sensitivity is an important way that the body can alert you to other problems. Sensations, like sharp pain or throbbing, can tell you when you may have damage to a part of your body. In the case of feet, pain could be due to a burn, blister or cut and because you feel it you can take prompt action and appropriate treatment.

If sensation is impaired you may not realise if minor damage has occurred. If left unknown and untreated, the risk of infection is increased. Infections and ulcers are also painful – but not if that part of the foot also lacks sensation.

Knowing that you have impaired sensitivity requires you to rely more on regular visual checking for symptoms such as discoloration or swelling.

It is important to remember that impaired sensation itself does not cause infection and ulceration.

Full instructions

Download the full instructions for how to perform the Touch the Toes test (PDF, 1MB).

Please note that the Touch the Toes test is not a substitute for your annual foot review by an appropriately trained person.

*Officially known as the Ipswich Touch Test, which was designed by Gerry Rayman and the team at Ipswich Hospital.

Reviewed: February 2012
Next review: August 2013