Charcot Foot Is A Serious Foot Disorder

Charcot foot is a condition used to describe the effect of bone softening that happens within
the foot. This occurs as a result of neuropathy or extreme nerve damage. The bones become
too weak and eventually become easily fractured. Because the nerves have become too
damaged, stimuli are no longer being transmitted such as feelings of pain. In addition,
muscle movement is also hampered. Since nothing is felt within the area due to nerve
damage, the whole bone structure of the feet experience stress and trauma repeatedly until
it collapses.

As the person continues to use his or her feet for walking despite the condition, the foot
begins to change its shape. In its developed stage, the arch of the foot will probably
collapse, therefore giving the foot a rocker-bottom shape. As a result, normal walking
becomes almost impossible to handle.

Charcot foot is a very serious degenerative condition which can lead to disability and if not
treated immediately, can result to foot amputation.

People with diabetes are highly susceptible to Charcot foot. This is because diabetes is highly
associated with neuropathic occurrences which are the primary factor for exhibiting Charcot
foot. Preventive measures are thereupon enforced and immediate medical attention is
sought upon the occurrence of any symptoms.

So what are the signs and symptoms of Charcot foot?

Initial signs may begin to appear after the foot suffers from repeated trauma. This trauma
may be caused by lengthy walking or any other high-impact activity which puts great
pressure on the feet. Even accidents-causing objects to be dropped on the foot or fractures
can also lead to foot trauma.

Once Charcot foot becomes triggered, the following symptoms may be observed: - The
affected area becomes warmer than the other foot.

- A recurring redness can be seen on the foot area.

- Swelling becomes evident.

- A certain pain or sore feeling begins to happen.

- Joint dislocation is evident upon X-ray results

- A strong pulse suddenly develops.

- The bones become misaligned.

- The affected foot suddenly becomes numb and insensitive to any form of sensation.

If you see these signs and symptoms, you must seek immediate medical help. The attending
doctor would initially perform examinations on your foot and do some background checking
prior to the occurrence of the symptoms. A test for diabetes will also be conducted to rule
out any possible effects brought by the illness.

X-rays may also be done periodically to monitor the development of the bones. Additional,
laboratory tests may also be conducted depending on the severity of the condition.

In general, the treatment of Charcot foot aims to stabilize the condition of the joint once
more so that the foot can take its original form and normal walking can be facilitated again.
Rest is the primary form of treatment.

For patients diagnosed with diabetes, foot restraints may be applied within a minimum of
eight weeks so that further damage can be prevented. Casts or crutches would be needed to
help the patient walk without having to move the affected foot. Casts and crutches may also
be used by other non diabetic patients to help speed up recovery.

However extreme conditions, like when the joint can no longer do self-healing, surely need
surgical attention. Various procedures are being conducted according to the severity of the
damage.