Charcot Foot: Causes Signs And Treatments

People who suffer extensive nerve loss may develop Charcot foot, a disorder that weakens the bones of the foot (neuropathy). The foot gradually changes form as a result of repeated walking and the bones becoming weak enough to fracture. The rocker-bottom foot deformity and look are caused by the disorder progression, which causes the joints to collapse and the foot to assume an aberrant shape.

The foot's joints gradually collapse and become misshapen if the problem is not discovered in its earlier stages. Pressure sores in the foot or ankle can appear as a result of a malformed foot. An infection and perhaps an amputation are risks associated with an open wound with foot deformity.

What causes Charcot foot?

People who have nerve damage from Charcot foot have numbness in their ankles and feet. That is a typical issue for those who have diabetes. But there are other factors as well, such as:

• A fracture or sprain that is not treated right away
• A foot wound that won't go away
• An ailment
• Surgery on the feet that heals slowly
• Overuse of drugs or alcohol
• illness or damage on the spinal cord
• Parkinson's condition
• HIV
• Syphilis

What are the signs of charcot foot?

• The affected foot feels warmer than the other

• Redness or purplish in the foot

• Swelling and watery in the area

• Pain or soreness

Charcot foot can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the beginning. Lab testing and X-rays can be normal. Additionally, similar sensations might be caused by different foot issues.

How is Charcot foot treated?

Charcot foot treatment can take several months. The secret is to stop worrying about your foot and reduce the strain on your injured foot.

Surgical treatment:

There is a chance that the Charcot deformity will require surgery. The optimal time and method for the specific instance will be decided by the foot and ankle surgeon.

Only if you are unable to use special shoes or braces or if your injuries render your foot unstable will your doctor take this course of action. Additionally, a serious sore can require surgery. To strengthen your foot, the surgeon may realign or fuse bones during the procedure. They could also hone any pointed bones that could pierce your skin and lead to ulcers.

Surgery for Charcot foot aims to stabilize any broken bones or dislocated joints and permit healing. The foot's bones may also be realigned or fused by a surgeon to improve their ability to support weight.

Physicians advise utilizing orthotic shoe inserts, braces, or a specially made boot to assist keep the foot's bones evenly distributed after the foot has healed. Long-term usage can aid you in preventing future harm to the bones and joints, as well as the development of ulcers.

Non-surgical treatment:

Resting or unloading (sometimes known as "offloading") is the first and most crucial step in therapy. Offloading aids in preventing inflammation in the early stages of Charcot foot, slows the progression of the ailment, and avoids deformity. In later stages, protected weight-bearing (walking in a walking boot) helps reduce the risk of developing additional deformities as well as consequences from the current deformity.

The patient won't be allowed to use the injured foot to walk until the doctor says it is okay to do so. The patient might need to utilize crutches or a wheelchair during this time, as well as a cast, detachable boot, or brace. Although it can take some people much longer, the bones may take several months to mend.

The patient is given a prescription for shoes when the cast is taken off. Prescription orthopaedic footwear reduces pressure points and fits the foot appropriately to prevent blisters and ulcers. A Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker is a frequent item (CROW). In order to prevent additional injury to the foot, the doctor could also suggest that the patient adjust their activities.