Charcot Foot: Understanding Diabetes Foot Complications

 People with peripheral neuropathy, especially those with diabetes mellitus, are susceptible to the uncommon but serious condition known as Charcot foot. The soft tissues, joints, and bones of the foot or ankle are all impacted by Charcot, which is one of the diabetes foot complications. The joints in the foot or ankle might dislocate when the bones deteriorate and become fragile and brittle.

Charcot Foot Symptoms

Three stages of Charcot foot diabetes:

Destruction and fragmentation

The redness and considerable swelling of the foot and ankle are indications of this acute, first stage. In comparison to the other foot, the area may also feel hot or warm to the touch.

Internally, tiny bone fractures and soft tissue edoema are beginning to appear. The joints and surrounding bones are destroyed as a result. The joints become less stable as a result, leading to dislocation. The bones might even “jellify,” or entirely soften.

The foot’s bottom can appear flat or rocker-bottomed at this point. On the sole, bony protrusions called “plantar prominences” can also be seen. This stage could persist up to a year if untreated.

Coalescence

The body makes an effort to repair the harm from stage one during this phase. Less swelling, redness, and warmth are experienced as a result of a slower rate of destruction of the bones and joints.

Reconstruction

The foot’s joints and bones mend in this third and final stage. Sadly, they do not naturally return to their previous state or shape. The foot is frequently left in a distorted, unstable state although no additional harm is being done to it.

Additionally, the foot may be more prone to developing sores and ulcers, which could exacerbate the deformity or, in rare circumstances, need an amputation.

Causes of Charcot Foot

One of the foot problems with diabetes that affects patients who experience numbness in their feet and legs is Charcot foot. Peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve injury, is what causes this loss of sensation.

Although peripheral neuropathy is linked to several diseases, it is most closely associated with Charcot foot, a rare consequence of diabetes. These consist of:

• Diabetes
• Drinking disorder
• Usage of drugs
• Hansen’s disease (leprosy)
• Syphilis
• Syringomyelia
• Polio
• Peripheral nerve infection, injury, or harm
• HIV

Treatment for Charcot Foot

Treatments for foot problems from diabetes, such as early-stage Charcot foot, focus on lowering localized swelling and heat while also stabilizing the foot by keeping it stationary. To prevent further injury, it’s critical to remove all weight and pressure from the foot. The phrase “off-loading” has been used to describe this.

Several nonsurgical, low-tech remedies for Charcot foot may slow the condition’s development. These consist of:

• Using a walking brace, protective splint, or specialized walking boot
• Employing a wheelchair, crutches, or a walking scooter to reduce or remove all weight from the injured foot
• Employing an orthotic brace to adjust the foot’s alignment
• Putting on a contact cast that is customized for your leg and foot

The need for these services could last for several months or even longer. You should visit a doctor frequently during that period so they can keep track of your development. Your other foot will be kept an eye on for any symptoms if only one foot is impacted.

You can be fitted for therapeutic shoes or diabetic footwear once your foot has healed to lessen or eliminate your chances of developing complications of diabetic foot like Charcot foot in the future.

Sources:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15836-charcot-foot#:~:text=Charcot%20foot%20is%20a%20rare,foot%20or%20ankle%20can%20dislocate.
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/charcot-foot#treatment-options