Everything To Know About Charcot Foot And Charcot Reconstruction
Charcot reconstruction is a procedure that helps treat Charcot foot, which is a progressive disease and a serious complication of diabetic neuropathy. This leads to painful symptoms and a risk of mobility loss if left untreated.
Phoenix Charcot reconstruction offers proper care and management for Charcot’s foot through nonsurgical and surgical approaches.
An insight into Charcot reconstruction
Charcot reconstruction is a medical procedure that helps treat damage caused by Charcot’s foot.
Charcot foot or Charcot arthropathy is a progressive condition that involves the gradual weakening of bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot or ankle.
It is believed to be a severe complication of uncontrolled diabetes that is caused due to nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). Due to repeated injury or trauma, your nerves may get damaged causing insensitivity around the ankle or foot.
Charcot foot symptoms and diagnosis
Charcot foot presents with the following symptoms:
- Pain or soreness
- Swelling or tenderness
- The affected foot is warm to touch
- Redness that may mimic an infection
- Noticeable bump around the joint
Charcot foot can be diagnosed through:
- Medical history to check for diabetes, and record your symptoms
- Physical examination of the foot and ankle to check for swelling, redness, and bruising
- Diagnostic tests which include blood tests, X-rays, and MRI
Charcot reconstruction
Charcot reconstruction involves non-surgical and surgical approaches.
Non-surgical approach
- Offloading
- Removing pressure and weight from the affected foot reduces swelling and prevents any fracture.
- A protective cast will be placed for 8 to 12 weeks.
- Your doctor will prescribe crutches, wheelchairs, or walkers to help you move.
- Orthotics
- These are customized shoe inserts that support your feet and keep your toes in the proper position.
- Physical therapy
- It helps to reduce symptoms like pain and swelling through customized sets of exercises and movements to help you move around easily.
Charcot foot surgery
- Surgery is recommended if you suffer severe fractures in your foot or ankle.
- This helps repair damage inside your foot and ankle, stabilizing them.
- Surgical options include:
- Osteotomy and fusion: Correcting the deformity
- Ostectomy: Removing the bony prominence that could cause an ulcer
Takeaway
Charcot foot is a complication of uncontrolled diabetes that damages the nerves and bones in your foot or ankle. This may lead to severe painful symptoms and may impair mobility if left untreated. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent serious complications through suitable diagnostic tests.
Treatment of Charcot foot depends on the severity of the condition and the extent of the damage. This may include non-surgical methods or Charcot reconstruction.
