What is Diabetic Charcot Foot? Catch it Early!

At the Gentle Foot Care Clinic, Dr. Jairo Cruz sees many patients at both of his offices in Brandon and Zephyrhills Florida. One of the conditions common in diabetic patients is a condition called Charcot arthropathy, which is usually referred to as Charcot foot. Dr. Cruz would like you to have all the information about the condition so you can identify it early and get it treated before it comes to drastic measures.

What Exactly is Charcot Foot?

Charcot foot is a condition triggering weakening of the bones in the foot that can occur in people who have considerable nerve damage (neuropathy). The bones are damaged enough to fracture, and with ongoing walking the foot ultimately alters shape. As the disorder progresses, the joints collapse and the foot takes on an unusual shape, which looks like the bottom part of a rocking chair.

Charcot foot is a very major condition that can lead to serious defect, special needs, as well as amputation. Because of its seriousness, it is essential that patients with diabetes– a disease often related to neuropathy– take preventive measures and look for immediate care if indicators or signs and symptoms appear. Dr. Manohar recommends regular checkups, especially for diabetic patients.

What are the Signs and symptoms of Charcot Foot?

The signs of Charcot foot might include:

• Pain or soreness.
• Warmth to the touch (the influenced foot feels warmer than the other).
• Swelling in the area.
• Diagnosis.
• Redness in the foot.

Early diagnosis of Charcot foot is the best case scenario for successful treatment. To reach a diagnosis, Dr. Manohar will analyze the foot and ankle and ask you what kind of activities you were involved in prior to the symptoms. He may also order X-rays and other imaging studies in order to aid with diagnosis.

As soon as treatment starts, x-rays are taken periodically to assist in assessing the status of the condition.

What are the Causes of Charcot Foot?

The main cause of Charcot foot is a result of neuropathy, which reduces sensation and the ability to feel temperature level, discomfort, or trauma. Because of lessened sensation, the client may remain to walk– making the injury worse.

People with neuropathy (especially those who have actually had it for a long time) are at risk for getting Charcot foot. In addition, neuropathic patients with a tight Achilles tendon have actually been revealed to tend to develop Charcot foot.

Non-Surgical Treatment of Charcot Foot

It is extremely crucial to follow Dr. Manohar’s instructions for dealing with Charcot foot. Failure to do so can result in the loss of a toe, foot, leg, or life.

Non-surgical treatment for Charcot foot consists of some of these methods:

• Activity modification. A modification in activity level be an easy means to prevent repetitive trauma to both feet. Someone with Charcot in one foot is most likely to get it in the other foot, so measures have to be required to safeguard both feet.
• Immobilization. Due to the fact that the foot and ankle are so vulnerable during the early stage of Charcot, they need to be protected so the weakened bones can fix themselves. Complete non-weightbearing is required to keep the foot from more collapsing. The patient will certainly not be able to walk on the afflicted foot up until Dr. Manohar identifies it is safe to do so. Throughout this duration, you might be fitted with a cast, removable boot, or brace, and may be required to make use of crutches or a wheelchair. It might take the bones a number of months to heal, although it can take significantly longer in some patients.
• Custom-made shoes and bracing. Shoes with unique orthortic inserts might be required after the bones have recovered to make it possible for the client to go back to daily activities– along with aid prevent recurrence of Charcot foot, development of ulcers, and possibly amputation. In cases with considerable defect, bracing is also required.

In many cases, the Charcot deformity may become so serious that surgical treatment is required. If needed, Dr. Manohar will refer you to a podiatric surgeon to treat it.

How you can prevent Charcot Foot

You can avoid Charcot foot and its complications by following these measures:

• Keeping blood glucose levels under control can help reduce the progression of nerve damage in the feet.
• Be careful to prevent injury, such as bumping the foot or overdoing a workout program.
• Get regular check-ups at The Gentle Foot Care Clinic (Brandon and Zephyrhills offices)
• Check both feet every day and schedule an appointment with Dr. Cruz right away if you see indications of Charcot foot.
• Follow Dr. Cruz’s guidelines for long-term treatment to prevent recurrences, ulcers, and amputation.

If you are diabetic and are exhibiting some of the signs and symptoms of Charcot Foot, please contact Dr. Jairo Cruz at his Brandon office (813) 502-5904 or in Zephyrhills (813) 782-3233. Alternately, you can submit a request by clicking the button below to schedule an appointment.