Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Ipswich Touch Test

🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient's eyes closed, lightly rest your index fingertip for 1-2 seconds on the tips of specific toes in turn — typically the first, third, and fifth toes of both feet — without pushing or tapping, and ask the patient to say each time they feel the touch.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Positive Ipswich Touch Test (≥2 of 6 tested toe locations not felt on light index-finger touch)
Rule in
Very helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Zhao N, Xu J, Zhou Q, Li X, Chen J, Zhou J, Zhou F, Liang J. Application of the Ipswich Touch Test for diabetic peripheral neuropathy screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2021 Oct 4;11(10):e046966. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046966. PMID 34607858; PMCID PMC8491285. (Pooled SR/MA — primary anchor.) Original validation: Rayman G, Vas PR, Baker N, et al. The Ipswich Touch Test. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(7):1517-1518. doi:10.2337/dc11-0156. Context (review of reviews): Mogilevskaya et al. Diagnostic Accuracy of Screening Tests for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: An Umbrella Review. J Diabetes Res. 2024 (PMID 39664106; PMC11634407).
  • Rayman G, Vas PR, Baker N, et al. The Ipswich Touch Test: a simple and novel method to identify inpatients with diabetes at risk of foot ulceration. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(7):1517-1518.

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