Charcot foot is a rare and serious condition that affects those with peripheral neuropathy, especially people with diabetes. Charcot weakens the bones, joints, and tissues of the foot or ankle and can even break or dislocate the joints in the foot or ankle. If not caught in its earliest stage, this can lead to collapse of the joints in the foot, leading to a foot deformity. It is important to catch this condition early for the best outcome. Our podiatrist in Plano, TX, explains more here.
Causes & Symptoms
There isn’t one cause of Charcot foot, however, an unnoticed sprain or injury is often present. Since patients suffering from Charcot foot have neuropathy, they can’t feel the injury or sprain in their foot or ankle.
Symptoms include redness, warmth, and swelling in the early stages of Charcot foot. If the foot collapses, the arch may round out, forming what is called a rocker-bottom foot deformity. The toes may start to curve under, the ankle becomes unstable, and the resulting deformity can cause ulcers to develop.
Treatment Options
Treatment for Charcot foot aims to take the weight off the foot (offload), treat the bone disease, and prevent new fractures. Offloading simply removes weight in the early stages in order to prevent inflammation and stop the disease from progressing. Treating bone disease may include employing a cast and crutches. Later on, a walking boot or prescription footwear such as a Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker can be used to lessen pressure to prevent complications and the development of new ulcers, deformities and fractures.
Surgical Options For Charcot Foot
Surgery may be recommended in severe cases with extensive deformities that increase the risk for foot ulcers. Ulcers can be difficult to heal and can threaten limb health, sometimes leading to amputation, so it is imperative to avoid ulcers in the first place.
If the deformity makes it difficult for the patient to use orthotics or walking boots, surgery may be a better option. Following surgery, you will have to avoid putting full weight on the Charcot foot for an extended period of time.
Contact Our Podiatrist in Plano, TX, Today To Find Out More!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about hammertoe and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office in Plano, TX, by calling 972.564.8556 or by clicking here.
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The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.
Derrick W.
The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.
Joseph B.
I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.
Jeannette H.
Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.
Meryl E.
I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.
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Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.