What is Charcot Foot?
Charcot Foot, also commonly referred to as Charcot arthropathy, is a serious condition that affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot. This is a rare complication of diabetes-related neuropathy, which can cause injuries or infections to become much more series. Charcot foot is usually the result of an injury incurred after sensation in the foot has been lost, making it hard or impossible to feel pain or notice that something has hurt your foot.
Causes of Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is seen most often in people with diabetes who have peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by a loss of sensation in the feet. Often, those with charcot foot have lost feeling in their lower extremities and are unable to notice that an injury to their foot has occurred. More advanced forms of Charcot foot can cause deformities like rocker-bottom foot, toe shape changes, ankle shape changes and foot ulcers.
To prevent Charcot foot, it’s best to manage any high blood pressure or hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol levels or underlying kidney disease.
Symptoms of Charcot Foot
Charcot Foot can present in many ways, such as redness, swelling and warmth in the affected foot. This can make it difficult to walk. If left untreated, Charcot foot may cause the following issues:
- Deformity of the foot
- Instability
- Fractures in the foot
Diagnosing Charcot Foot
Your healthcare provider will be able to best diagnose Charcot foot using a physical examination along with some imaging tests. Providers will examine both feet to look for differences, and they’ll ask about how much feeling/sensation you have in your feet. X-rays, MRI scans and blood tests will all be used to further evaluate the condition and check for any signs of underlying infection.
Treatment for Charcot Foot
Treatment for Charcot Foot will often involve immobilizing the affected foot to allow the bones to heal, along with managing any underlying conditions, such as diabetes. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help manage pain, stiffness and any discomfort impeding your ability to move. A custom set of exercises and movements will be introduced to best suit your condition and help you return to normal as quickly as possible.
In severe cases, Charcot foot surgery may be recommended to repair any damage and stabilize the foot. It’s very rare, but in the most severe cases of Charcot foot, a patient may need their foot amputated. Lean on your provider for the best guidance as it relates to Charcot foot surgery and recovery.
It’s paramount for individuals with a diabetes diagnosis to monitor foot health closely and talk with their doctor if they notice signs of Charcot foot.