WHAT IS CHARCOT FOOT?
Charcot foot is a pattern of bone and joint damage that can lead to foot deformity. Charcot foot begins with peripheral neuropathy, a disease of the nerves in the feet. Because your nerves do not function well, you may not sense pain when you injure your foot. You may break bones or damage joints without knowing it. If you keep walking on your injured foot, fractures can heal unevenly. This causes the foot deformity. By catching Charcot early and staying off your feet during healing, you may be able to halt Charcot’s progress.
Charcot foot occurs most often in people with diabetes.
Charcot Foot Develops, with minor fractures which can lead to major problems if not treated early.
Acute Charcot foot begins when repeated small fractures are not felt. At first, there may be no visible signs of Charcot. If you keep walking on your foot, fractures become worse. Your foot may feel hot and appear red and swollen.
Fractures begin to heal as Charcot foot progresses. But pressure from your body weight keeps bones from mending smoothly. Continued walking can cause new fractures. Your foot may still be red and swollen.
Chronic Charcot foot is deformity resulting from poor bone healing. Shoes may not fit the deformed foot. Chafing from a poorly fitting shoe can cause ulcers (open sores). Ulcers may become infected and severe infections may require amputation.
Treating Charcot Foot, the only way to stop the progress of Charcot foot is to stay off the foot long enough for it to heal. Your doctor will prescribe treatment to help healing.
Non-Weight-Bearing, while fractures are healing, it is crucial that you keep your weight off your foot. This is called non-weight-bearing. Your doctor may ask you not to walk at all. Or, he or she may prescribe a special device.
Remember, you often don’t feel pain with Charcot foot. So even if you feel fine, stay off your foot until your doctor says it’s OK.
Special Devices, special devices may help you keep weight off your foot. That way, your bones can heal smoothly. A cast lets you walk while keeping weight off your foot. A wheelchair, crutches, walker, or brace may be prescribed alone or with a cast.
Other devices may be prescribed to help you keep your foot raised while at home. An elastic bandage wrap or special stocking may also be suggested. This compresses your foot to reduce swelling and aid healing.
Remember that foot pain is not normal. Healthy, pain-free feet are a key to your independence. At the first sign of pain, or any noticeable changes in your feet, seek professional podiatric medical care. Your feet must last a lifetime, and most Americans log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50. Regular foot care can make sure your feet are up to the task. With proper detection, intervention, and care, most foot and ankle problems can be lessened or prevented. Remember that the advice provided in this page should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or evaluation by a podiatric physician.
Disclaimer: Portions of this web page were copied from the American Podiatric Medical Association's (apma.org) web site. NEOFASA, Inc. makes no claims as to being the orginial author of some portions of this web page. Please feel free to visit the apma.org web site for further infomation on this subject.
