Charcot foot is a rare but serious complication associated with diabetes-related neuropathy. It can significantly worsen injuries or infections in patients with diabetes. It may lead to severe foot deformities and even amputation if uncared.
Also known as Charcot arthropathy, the condition attacks joints, soft tissues, and bones. This results in the foot altering its shape, creating significant challenges for walking and daily mobility. Early detection and proper care are vital to prevent the progression of this debilitating condition, which underscores the importance of foot health in diabetes management.
To understand what is Charcot’s foot and learn how the condition progresses, read on.
Development and Complications of Charcot’s Foot:
- Diabetes and Neuropathy:
Diabetes can lead to several complications due to microvascular and macro vascular pathologies.
Neuropathy may be sensory often affects the extremities, typically starting from the toes and progressing up to the knees and thighs. In some cases, it can also affect the hands, spreading from the fingers to the elbows. - Progression of Neuropathy:
Neuropathy generally spreads also as motor neuropathy causing weakness of muscles which leads to deformities and autonomic neuropathy which leads to constipation etc - Charcot Foot Mechanism:Cause is not known but the hypothesis is
In Charcot’s foot, a patient with diabetes and sensory neuropathy may unknowingly engage in activities like walking, lifting heavy weights, or excessive movement (e.g., dancing). These actions can trigger disturbances in the autonomic nervous system, (which normally regulates the blood flow in the foot) causing increased blood flow to the foot which acts like a “tsunami,” depleting the bones of essential minerals and nutrients, leaving them energy-deficient and weak. - Bone Deformity:
As the bones become weakened, they may dislodge from their original positions, leading to structural deformities in the foot.
People with diabetic sensory neuropathy are at a heightened risk of developing Charcot foot, a condition that can be triggered by various factors and worsened by delayed medical attention. Early nerve damage often goes unnoticed due to the lack of symptoms, allowing injuries to progress undetected.
Without prompt treatment, these issues can escalate into acute Charcot foot, leading to severe complications like foot collapse, permanent loss of movement, and in extreme cases, the need for amputation. Early consultation for swollen foot to foot specialists and Regular medical check-ups are crucial for early detection and prevention.
Causes of Charcot Foot
There can be multiple causes of Charcot’s foot. One of these could be diabetic neuropathy. Let’s discuss in detail what causes Charcot’s foot:
- Diabetic Neuropathy
One of the most common reasons for Charcot’s foot is diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic patients who have uncontrolled blood glucose levels may experience hyperglycemia(often high blood sugar levels). Due to hyperglycemia, the person is at higher risk of nerve damage in the lower legs. Once nerve damage has occurred, it may become difficult to feel pain in the legs and ankle. This gives even the smallest injury, a chance to grow into something serious due to lack of early medical attention. This is known as diabetic Charcot neuropathy.
- Other causes
People who are suffering from kidney diseases, hypertension, or are overweight may also be at risk of nerve damage in feet. With a damaged nerve, the patient may keep doing normal movements without knowing about the injury. For instance, a person with a damaged nerve may not feel the pain or sensation of a foot fracture and may continue walking. Continuous pressure and movement can permanently alter the shape of the foot and even cause more severe conditions.
Symptoms of Charcot Foot
The symptoms of Charcot’s foot often mimic those of cellulitis, making it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions. However, expert intervention is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Diabetic patients must go for regular health check-ups to watch for early signs of Charcot’s foot, if any. Once it has occurred, there are some of the symptoms that may become noticeable. These are:
- Symptom overlap
Both Charcot foot and cellulitis can present with redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area, often leading to confusion in diagnosis.
- Rocker-bottom foot
Rocker bottom foot is the condition where the middle foot bones break and the foot collapses like a boat. So, the usual shape of the foot may change. The usual upward arch formed by the foot may become bulged out and look rounder.
- Ulcers and sores
Catching ulcers and sores are common for people with Charcot’s foot. This is because the shape of the foot changes and it may cause additional pressure. Eventually, it may lead to an increased risk of injuries then ulcers, sores, and finally infection and loss of foot sometimes.
- Other symptoms
Other Charcot’s foot symptoms may also include redness or discoloration in the foot, warmth, or swelling foot.
Pain in a normally painless neuropathic foot.
Diagnosis of Charcot Foot
A specialist can help differentiate Charcot foot from cellulitis through a detailed clinical examination and diagnostic tests, ensuring the right condition is treated. Once the condition has come to the attention of the patient, seeking the right immediate medical help is a must. Your healthcare professional may ask you a few questions during Charcot’s foot diagnosis, like:
- Tenure of the condition and Charcot’s foot deformity
- What sensations can you currently feel in your foot
- Medical history, etc.
The doctor will then physically examine your foot. They may compare both feet to learn the exact condition of Charcot’s foot. It may further involve certain tests and diagnostic imaging like MRI or nuclear scanning for detailed diagnosis. Timely and accurate diagnosis is critical. Your doctor may recommend 6-weekly scans to keep a check on your condition.
Please keep in mind that without proper treatment during the acute stage, Charcot’s foot can quickly progress to a chronic condition, resulting in severe deformities and long-term complications. Thus, early detection and appropriate treatment are vital to prevent worsening of the condition.
Treatment Options for Charcot Foot
After diagnosis, your doctor will recommend Charcot’s foot treatment and the current health condition for quick recovery. Here is what your healthcare profession may suggest:
- Acute Charcot Foot:
People with acute Charcot’s foot may be recommended complete bed rest with total contact casts (TCC). Avoiding movement is a must to allow the injury to heal. A patient may also be recommended a walking boot or wheelchair. Those who are suffering from Charcot’s foot fracture or deformity may be suggested a POP plaster/ orthotic braces/ custom-made footwear to reshape the foot and ankle.
- Chronic Charcot Foot:
In cases of chronic Charcot’s foot, surgery may be required as the patient will find everyday activities very difficult. The protruding bone may dislodged. Heavily deformed feet will make things very difficult. This deformity may cause ulcer formation and increased chances of infection.
Depending on the severity of the condition, Charcot’s foot treatment options are suggested by the doctor. In rare conditions, amputation may be the last resort.
- Preventive Measures:
Discussing about cure for Charcot’s foot may be incomplete without mentioning preventive measures. Some of these measures include:
- Managing blood sugar
Since hyperglycemia is a risk factor for Charcot’s foot, managing blood sugar levels is a must. take care of your diet, body weight, and prescribed medications.
- Regular health check-up
Everyone must go for regular health check-ups. It helps in early diagnosis and treatment. If you are suffering from diabetes, regular health check-up is a must. Ask your doctor to check your feet in every check-up.
- Podiatrist check-ups
A podiatric surgeon is a foot care specialist who can check for any foot problem signs. You may pay regular visits for thorough check-ups and Charcot’s foot prevention.
- Hygiene
Wash your feet regularly. You must wear standard diabetic footwears when on foot. While going out, you may wear breathable socks, standard diabetic footwears and broad shoes if shoes are must.
- Self-care
You need to check for nails and in between the nails for fungus. Make sure to moisturize your feet every day to keep them healthy and hydrated. In case you are advised Charcot’s foot braces, make sure to wear them properly.
Recovery and Management
Charcot’s foot recovery majorly depends on the severity of your condition. People with Charcot’s foot braces/ POP plaster may need anything between a few weeks to a few months to recover. The braces are changed from time to time to adjust as per the recovery.
During the recovery period, following what your doctor says or the situation may worsen is quintessential. You must limit or avoid physical movement. The slightest of negligence during Charcot’s foot management may result in change in shape of the foot and also its recurrence. If you want Charcot’s foot treatment in Tamil Nadu, contact us today!
Risks and Complications
People with Charcot’s foot, especially those who do not seek early medical care may suffer serious Charcot’s foot complications. It may include foot ulcers and serious infections. In advanced cases where the infection starts spreading, amputation risk with Charcot’s foot may increase. So, early medical intervention is a must.
Dr. G. Saravana Kumar’s Expertise in Treating Charcot Foot
Dr Saravana Kumar and his expert team are highly trained in delivering the best Charcot’s foot treatment, specializing in the surgical management of infections and advanced wound treatment. With their extensive experience, they ensure that every patient receives safe and effective care tailored to manage their condition optimally.
If you are looking for the best services in Charcot’s foot treatment in Tamil Nadu you are at the right place. At the Madurai Foot Care Center, we offer comprehensive services for the early detection and diagnosis of foot complications. Our facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, allowing us to evaluate, diagnose, and treat diabetic foot issues with precision and care, ensuring timely intervention for the best possible outcomes, especially in Charcot’s foot surgery.
FAQ’s
What are the early signs of Charcot’s foot?
Early signs of Charcot’s foot may include swelling, redness, or discoloration of the foot..
What are all the late signs of Charcot foot?
It may also include deformity in the shape of the foot like rocker bottom foot,skewed foot,broad foot with more bumps and curves.
How is Charcot’s foot diagnosed?
The doctor physically examines the foot and asks the patient a few questions. Further, diagnostic imaging like X-rays or MRIs may be required along with other tests.
What causes Charcot’s foot?
Charcot’s foot occurs in any sensory neuropathy when a foot injury is left unnoticed .
What are the treatment options for Charcot’s foot?
Depending on the condition of the patient, Charcot’s foot treatment options may be carried out. In acute cases, rest and immobilisation later on orthotics may help once the disease is made calm.However, in advanced cases, surgery may be required. Only in rare cases, amputation becomes necessary.
When is surgery required for Charcot’s foot?
Surgery on Charcot’s foot is required in unstable foot which is not shoeble or braceable due to severe bone and joint destruction especially the hindfoot Charcot(ankle) .
How long does recovery take after Charcot’s foot surgery?
Depending on the type of treatment and severity of the condition, the recovery period may differ. In some cases, it may take a few months and even up to a year or longer.
Can Charcot’s foot be prevented? Can occur in any foot with neuropathy
But,Charcot’s foot can be prevented by reducing any injury like undue walking or unperceived repeated injury in a subtle way . This may not be possible all the time still regular health check-ups with podiatric Surgeon every six months would be better to catch this disease early to avoid bigger complications.
What are the complications of untreated Charcot’s foot?
If a Charcot’s foot is left untreated, it may cause ulcers, sores, and even the spreading of infection. This is when amputation may be required.
How does Charcot’s foot affect diabetics?
Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of Charcot’s foot disease. People who have uncontrolled high blood sugar levels are at a risk of developing nerve damage. Once it happens, the ability to feel pain or injury in the legs becomes negligible and thus, it may lead to Charcot’s foot.
How can I find the best podiatrist for Charcot’s foot treatment?
For the best Charcot’s foot treatment in Tamil Nadu, the Madurai Diabetic Foot Care Center is your go-to. Dr Saravana Kumar and his expert team are highly trained in delivering the best Charcot’s foot treatment. With advanced technology, we provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and timely treatment, specializing in Charcot’s foot surgery for optimal outcomes.
