Charcot Foot Orthopaedic
Charcot foot is a progressive softening of the bones in the foot this can occur in people who have significant loss of sensation due to nerve damage (neuropathy) in the foot. The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking, the foot eventually changes shape. This is a serious condition that can lead to severe deformity, disability, and even amputation. Charcot foot is common in people with diabetes, a disease often associated with neuropathy.
Sign and symptoms • Redness in the foot • Warmth to touch • Swelling of the foot and ankle • Loss of sensation of the foot • Instability of the joint • Subluxation (partial displacement of a joint) • Dislocation of the joint Diagnosis Your doctor will examine the foot and ankle and ask about the event’s happening before the symptoms. X-rays will be taken for diagnosis. Other imaging studies such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or nuclear imaging may be ordered, as necessary. Treatment It is intended to protect the fragile foot and ankle, to prevent further fractures and allow repair of the soft bones.