Monofilament Testing
A quick, painless 10g monofilament test that catches nerve damage before ulcers form, in India.
Monofilament testing for diabetic neuropathy in India is a quick, painless screening test that uses a 10-gram nylon filament to check whether your feet have lost their protective sensation, the early warning sign that leads to unnoticed injuries and ulcers. At Elegance Diabetic Foot & Ulcer Clinic (EDFC) the test is performed by Dr. Ashutosh Shah (M.S., M.Ch., 22+ years) at our clinics in Surat, Gujarat and Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh.
Why Monofilament Testing Matters
When diabetes damages the nerves, your feet can stop feeling pain, pressure and injury. A small cut or blister then goes unnoticed until it becomes an ulcer. The IWGDF 2023 guidelines recommend the 10g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament as a first-line test to detect this “loss of protective sensation”, the single strongest predictor of future foot ulcers.
How the 10g Monofilament Test Is Done
- You lie or sit comfortably with your eyes closed so results are not influenced by sight.
- The 10-gram filament is pressed against specific points on the sole until it just bends.
- You say “yes” each time you feel it, and the response at each site is recorded.
- Sites that cannot feel the filament indicate reduced protective sensation.
- The test takes only a few minutes and causes no pain.
Monofilament testing is usually combined with our vibration perception testing and a full neurosensory examination for a complete picture of nerve health.
Who Should Get Monofilament Testing
- Everyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, at least once a year.
- Anyone with numbness, tingling or burning in the feet.
- People with a previous foot ulcer, callus or amputation.
- Those with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes.
Why Choose EDFC and Dr. Ashutosh Shah
As India’s first chain of clinics dedicated to diabetic foot care, EDFC treats screening as prevention. Your monofilament result is read as part of a complete diabetic neuropathy assessment and acted on immediately, rather than filed away. This is how at-risk feet are protected before a wound ever appears.
What Happens After the Test
If sensation is normal, you receive a schedule for regular re-testing. If protective sensation is reduced, you move straight into a prevention plan, protective footwear and offloading, daily foot-check education and ongoing preventive diabetic foot care.
Book Your Monofilament Test
Find out whether your feet can still protect themselves. Message us on WhatsApp (+91 83205 00350) or book a consultation with Dr. Shah at our Surat or Vizianagaram clinic.
This page is educational and does not replace an in-person diagnosis. Please have any numbness, wound or foot change assessed by a qualified specialist.