What is Charcot Foot?

The condition known as Charcot foot may be obscure, but if you have it you know how debilitating it can be. Here is some information on this problem, as well as causes and treatment.

What it is

Charcot foot is a condition that usually accompanies neuropathy or nerve damage in the foot. It leads to weakened bones that are much more prone to fracture, and can also result in the foot changing shape. This is an extremely serious problem that can result in permanent disability or even amputation. That is why you need to get help as soon as you can if you show any symptoms.

Causes and Symptoms

If you have neuropathy, you cannot feel pain or most other sensations because your nerves have been damaged. If you have this condition, you need to pay extremely close attention to your feet. Since you cannot feel pain in the area, you may continue to walk and perform other activities that could make any injury worse. Symptoms of Charcot foot include swelling and redness in the foot, and one foot feeling warmer than the other.

Charcot Foot Treatments

There are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for Charcot foot. Your doctor may first recommend immobilization to keep your foot from collapsing any further. You may be fitted for a brace, a boot, a cast, crutches or possibly a wheelchair. Custom shoes with special inserts may be needed as well as activity modification.

Sometimes, however, the problem can only be treated through surgery. Your doctor will provide you with detailed information on the type of procedure he or she will recommend, as well as the expected time it will take for you to recover.

Please do not ignore the warning signs of Charcot foot, because the consequences could be devastating. Call Southwest Foot and Ankle at 972-318-2738 in Lewisville, 972-805-9985 in Plano or 972-318-2655 in Irving or contact us online to schedule an examination.