Charcot Foot Care for Diabetic Patients

What You Need to Know

Understanding Charcot foot, its symptoms, and why early treatment matters.

Understanding Charcot Foot

Charcot foot is a rare but serious complication that impacts the bones, joints, and soft tissue in your foot and ankle. It typically results from nerve damage due to diabetes or nerve injuries, and those with diabetes mellitus are particularly prone to the condition. The bones become weak and can break, and the joints in the foot or ankle can dislocate. If not caught early, the joints can collapse and the foot eventually becomes deformed.

When the midfoot is impacted, the arch collapses and the bottom of the foot rounds, called a rocker-bottom foot deformity. The toes can begin to curve, or the ankle can become deformed and unstable. Oftentimes, Charcot foot isn’t associated with any pain, so it’s imperative that you stay on top of your foot health.

Symptoms include a red appearance of the foot or ankle, swelling, increased warmth compared to the other foot, a foot that feels warm to the touch, and soreness. Because patients with neuropathy may not sense injury, checking your feet daily for changes is essential.

Charcot foot begins with peripheral neuropathy, a disease of the nerves. When repeated small fractures aren’t felt or don’t heal correctly, they can worsen and Charcot foot can develop. Your board-certified podiatrist will examine your foot and ankle, ask about your symptoms, and may take the temperature of your feet. X-rays and other tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis, so contact us immediately if you notice any symptoms.

Treatment and Prevention of Charcot Foot

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, 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, with the goal of providing a stable foot that will not develop further ulcerations. Your physician may consider limb salvage surgery to prevent amputation. Dr. Glazer is an expert in the field of limb salvage, frequently performs the procedure, and lectures on the topic.

If Charcot foot isn’t caught early, the joints or arch can collapse, permanently affecting your ability to use your foot. Without early diagnosis, it may also cause a foot infection, and in severe cases, failure to get treatment can result in the loss of a toe, foot, or leg.

Prevention is possible with consistent care. Manage your blood sugar levels, wear shoes and socks even when indoors, get fit for custom orthotics, and stop any activity causing foot or ankle pain. If you have neuropathy or diabetes, see your podiatrist at least once per year to catch problems before they progress.