Charcot Foot
Keeping you pain-free!
Some Foot conditions can be painful and poorly affect your daily activities. If you are among them, trust us for your orthocare needs. Our expert, Dr Dhimant Patel, is well recognized for his extensive services in treating Charcot foot problems and other musculoskeletal disorders.
What is Charcot Foot
A degenerative disorder affecting the foot’s joints and bones, Charcot foot (or Charcot arthropathy) eventually causes disfiguring foot deformities and bone fragility. It mainly affects people who have severe nerve damage, making it hard for them to perceive pain or trauma.
What are the causes of Charcot's foot?
Neuropathy is a condition when high sugar levels of blood cause damage to the nerves. It is this Neuropathy that causes Charcot foot where nerves are damaged, and it minimizes the feeling sensation. Therefore, the risk of injury increases.
The following disorders can induce Neuropathy:
- The leading cause of Charcot's foot is diabetic Neuropathy since it damages the nerves throughout the body and, significantly, in the feet.
- Addiction to alcohol and drinking also damages the nerves of the body, resulting in Neuropathy and Charcot foot.
What are the Symptoms of Charcot's Foot?
- Ankle and foot swelling.
- The affected area is warm to the touch.
- There is redness in the foot.
- You may feel pain or soreness
- Symptoms of foot instability
Types of Charcot's foot
The damaged part of the foot determines the type of Charcot’s foot that a person may experience:
- The midfoot is the most common site for Charcot dislocations, which cause the arch to collapse and cause severe deformities.
- The abnormalities caused by hindfoot Charcot, which affects the heel and the back of the foot, might compromise stability and gait.
Treatment of Charcot's foot
The primary goal of treating Charcot’s foot should be to avoid serious consequences. Stop walking on your foot immediately to prevent any injuries or concerns from worsening. A healthcare professional can provide therapies to alleviate symptoms and lessen the long-term impact of Charcot’s foot on your
foot’s functionality.
Charcot foot surgery may be necessary in cases of severe symptoms, such as joint and bone collapse, ulceration, or a potentially disseminated infectious disease. Physical therapy is the next treatment option that will help you overcome this situation and improve the physical movements of your body.
Recovery
Charcot foot takes a consecutively long time to recover, from months to years. The patient should keenly monitor their condition and follow the instructions prescribed by the doctor. Regular follow-ups promote a speedy recovery and alter the treatment if needed.