Patients with diabetes who have numbness from nerve damage often experience a complete lack of feeling in their feet as the disease progresses. This can lead to the development of a problem called Charcot Foot. With this condition, you’ll find a severe and disabling deformity that occurs to the foot often without the patient even being aware of it. Weakened bones can actually fracture and cause the foot to collapse, requiring surgery or even possible amputation.
Symptoms of Charcot foot
Extreme swelling and warmth in the foot are early signs of this disorder. Always have your foot specialist perform a thorough exam. Many of the problems of Charcot foot will be physically obvious, but imaging studies such as X-ray or MRI are necessary to determine the full extent of the damage.
Treatments for Charcot foot include the following:
Rigid boot or cast may be required—Weakened bones in the feet may need a rigid boot or cast to hold them in place while healing occurs. A wheelchair or walker will help to decrease pressure on the foot during the healing period which may last for several months or more.
Custom orthotic inserts and specially made shoes—After the initial healing period from any surgery or other intervention, you will need to wear custom shoes. These are constructed with stabilizing braces and orthotic inserts to prevent foot ulcers and to keep the foot from collapsing again.
Activity changes—An activity plan that isn’t too strenuous will be required to avoid causing new damage to the foot.
For expert treatment of Charcot foot disease, consult with our board-certified podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. The center offers convenient locations in Fort Lee NJ, Ringwood NJ, Flushing Queens NY, Woodhaven NY, Brooklyn NY, and Forest Hills NY. Contact us at (201) 363-9844and schedule an appointment today!
