Charcot Foot
Original Editor - Chelsea McLene
Top Contributors - Chelsea Mclene, Kim Jackson and Nikhil Benhur Abburi
What is Charcot Foot?[edit | edit source]
Charcot foot is a rare but serious complication that can affect persons with peripheral neuropathy, especially those with diabetes mellitus. It affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot or ankle. The bones become weak and can break and the joints in the foot or ankle can dislocate. If not caught in its earliest stage, the joints in the foot collapse and the foot eventually becomes deformed. A deformed foot can cause pressure sores to develop in the foot or ankle. An open wound with foot deformity can lead to an infection and even amputation.
Charcot foot develops in persons who have peripheral neuropathy. This is a condition in which the nerves in the lower legs and feet have been damaged. The damage causes a loss of sensation in the feet.[1]
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Causes[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Complications[edit | edit source]
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
All persons with diabetes who have been treated for Charcot foot should have regular foot care with a foot and ankle specialist or a specialist in diabetic foot problems. These specialists will watch for new changes related to Charcot and other diabetic foot complications. Patients who have Charcot foot from other causes also should have regular follow up as recommended by the doctor.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Rogers LC, Frykberg RG, Armstrong DG, Boulton AJ, Edmonds M, Van GH, Hartemann A, Game F, Jeffcoate W, Jirkovska A, Jude E. The Charcot foot in diabetes. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. 2011 Sep;101(5):437-46.
