Ahad Ha'am 12, Haifa
Hachoshalim 8, Herzliya
Charcot foot is a state where it leads to weakness of the foot bones.
In patients with extensive nerve damage called neuropathy. The bones in this condition are weak enough to break and eventually change their structure.
As the condition persists, the joints collapse and the foot takes on a distorted structure, as shown in the image on the left.
This condition can cause significant injury and even lead to the need for amputation of the limb.
What are the causes?
Charcot foot
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The Charcot foot can occur because of neuropathy, which reduces the sensation in the foot as well as the ability to feel changes in temperature, pain or trauma. Due to the reduced sensation, the patient can continue to walk despite the injury and thus aggravate the existing condition.
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We should notice that patients with unbalanced diabetes are at a very high risk of developing neuropathy and therefore - diabetes is a significant risk factor for the development of wheezing feet.
What are the signs and symptoms of this condition?
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Heat in contact with the foot
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Redness in the foot
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Swelling in the area
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Pain or tenderness
Treatment methods
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It is very important to follow the instructions of the doctor regarding the treatment of Charcot foot. Failure to follow instructions can lead to severe complications including foot loss.
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Resting for the foot - lack of use and treading on the injured foot to prevent further damage and provide a recovery period for the sensitive foot bones. The patient will not step on the foot until the doctor decides that it can be stepped. During this period, a cast will be to the foot and the patient will move around using a wheelchair or crutches.
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Costumed shoes - after returning to stepping on the foot, special shoes must to match to the patient that suffers from the Charcot foot.
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Changes in physical activity - limiting and adjusting the patient's physical activity to his new condition. Remember – The patient, who suffered from Charcot in one foot, is at risk of suffering from it in his other foot as well.
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Surgical treatment - In some cases the condition of the foot is very serious and the only treatment that will help is surgery.
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In this situation, the foot specialist orthopaedist will decide on the appropriate surgery and its timing depending on the patient’s condition and foot
When should you see a doctor?
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Every diabetic patient must be aware of the foot condition, both in search of wounds and in search of structural changes such as whistling foot.
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If there is a suspicion that you suffer from this condition - contact us today, at our clinic.