Charcot foot is a softening of the bones in the foot caused by severe diabetic neuropathy. Over time it can progress into a multitude of foot problems such as fractures, arch collapse, deformities, ulcers, amputations and in some cases, death. As the disorder progresses, the sole of the foot can become swolllen and bulging out. Due to nerve damage and foot numbness, people with diabetes cannot feel pain and may continue to walk on the foot, causing further injury.

Charcot foot, in diabetics, poses several challenges in its diagnosis and it’s treatment. Considered an inflammatory issue, Charcot foot is potentially limb threatening in the lower extremities. This condition affects bones, joints and soft tissue in the diabetic foot, and is often characterized by a mid foot collapse, sometimes known as rocker- bottom foot. The bones become weak and can break, and the joints in the foot can dislocate.

Although this condition is considered rare in most cases, It is extremely serious. There is really no specific cause, but some triggers for charcot foot are untreated sprains or broken bones, problems after foot surgery and foot wounds that are slow or non healing. Patients with Diabetes usually have such severe foot ailments, that they are unable to feel when the foot is in stress, due to numbness from poor circulation. When left untreated, the foot conditions can become more severe.

In the beggining stages of Charcot foot, the foot will appear red, swollen, and warm to the touch. Early on, the condition is difficult to detect, even with x-rays and lab work. All test appear to be normal until the condition further progresses. Often it is mis- diagnosed as a different foot problem. If you are being treated by a doctor that is not a podiatrist, or isnt familiar with treating diabetes, They may not know enough about Charcot foot, and most likely will be incorrectly diagnosed.

In some cases, the Charcot deformity may be severe enough for surgery. Usually it involves some kind of bone fusion or bone removal. Some non-surgical treatments involve limiting your activities, immobilization and the use of braces or orthopedic foot wear. In extremely severe cases, amputation may be the only solution. For more information about Charcot foot, visit Dr. Joseph Picciotti at the Ankle, Foot and Wound care center,.