Charcot Foot Care for Diabetic Patients

What You Need To Know

Understanding Charcot foot, its warning signs, and why early care matters.

Understanding Charcot Foot

Charcot foot is a rare but serious complication that impacts the bones, joints, and soft tissue in your foot or ankle. It is typically the result of nerve damage and can cause the foot to be deformed. This deformity could lead to ulceration, infection, and amputation.

Charcot foot is a relatively rare complication of diabetes and occurs in those who suffer from diabetic neuropathy. This condition damages the connection between your brain and peripheral nerves, complicating pain signals and leaving you without normal sensation in your feet. Oftentimes, Charcot foot isn’t associated with any pain, so it’s imperative that you are on top of your foot health.

Inflammation is the primary factor in Charcot foot. Over time, this inflammation destabilizes foot joints. Destroyed bone tissue, joint subluxation, deformity, and dislocation can occur. It can begin with peripheral neuropathy or as a result of minor fractures. When repeated small fractures aren’t felt or don’t heal correctly, the fractures can worsen and Charcot foot can develop.

One of the most common deformities in people with Charcot foot is called rocker-bottom deformity. This causes a pronounced, rounded hump in the base of the foot, much like the bottom of a rocking chair. Left untreated, foot deformities can increase pressure on various areas of your foot, causing sores that can quickly become serious.

Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent joints from collapsing and deforming the foot. Contact your board-certified podiatrist right away if you notice redness, swelling, warmth, or soreness in your foot or ankle.

Treatment, Prevention, and Risk Factors

There are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, depending on the severity of Charcot foot. Decreasing pressure to your feet is one of the most important ways to heal Charcot foot, as this protects the weakened bones from further damage. Your doctor may have you wear a cast, boot, or brace, and you may need a knee scooter or crutches. Custom orthotics and bracing can help the bones heal and prevent recurrence.

If Charcot foot has caused a severe deformity or if an infection has spread, surgery may be necessary. A board-certified surgeon will repair the damage and stabilize your foot. Surgery can remove bony protuberances or correct deformities that cannot be adequately treated using restrictive footwear or orthotics. The goal is to provide a stable foot that will not develop further ulcerations.

Diabetics are most at risk for developing Charcot foot, especially those who have had diabetes for several years. Other risk factors include regular smoking, regular alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, and being overweight. Charcot foot can also develop in organ transplant patients and those with Parkinson’s disease, HIV, psoriasis, and rheumatoid disease.

The best prevention method is to have regular check-ups with your board-certified podiatrist and examine your feet daily. Manage your blood sugar levels, wear shoes and socks even indoors, get fit for custom orthotics, and maintain blood flow by wiggling your toes and elevating your feet. See your podiatrist at least once per year if you have neuropathy or diabetes to catch any changes early and protect your long-term mobility.