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 progressed stage, the arch of the foot will 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.
Upon observing these signs and symptoms, you must seek
immediate medical assistance. 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. This may also apply for other patients
without diabetes to expedite the healing process.
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.
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Allan Tan is the creator of http://www.foot-care.org/ . He
provides more helpful information on ingrown toenails,
charcot's foot, heel pain, and foot calluses that you can
read up on his website. He setup this helpful website to
help people understand more about their foot conditions and
pain.
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