Charcot Foot Ankle Early Treatment Is a Must

Charcot Foot & Ankle: Early Treatment Is a Must

What is Charcot Foot & Ankle? § Progressive, degenerative condition § Weakening of bones and joints of foot and ankle § Occurs in people with neuropathy

Charcot: A Problem That Easily Progresses § Bones weaken and break § Fractures go unnoticed due to neuropathy § Continued walking makes the damage worse § Joints collapse § Abnormal shape (rocker bottom)

Potential Serious Complications of Charcot § Severe deformity § Severe disability § Amputation

Who Is at Risk for Developing Charcot? § Neuropathy is at the core of the disease § Risk factors for developing Charcot Foot § Diabetes § Neuropathy due to other causes § Tight Achilles tendon along with neuropathy

Symptoms of Charcot Foot & Ankle § Warmth to touch § Redness § Swelling § Pain or soreness

See a Foot and Ankle Surgeon Right Away § Don’t go to ER or primary doctor § Often misdiagnosed § Will delay recovery and can make it worse § Foot and ankle surgeon § Trained in identifying and treating Charcot § The sooner treatment begins, the greater chance for success

How Charcot Foot & Ankle Is Diagnosed § Early diagnosis is critical for good outcomes § Surgeon examines the foot and ankle § X-rays and perhaps other tests § Periodic x-rays

Multifaceted Treatment Plan § Nonsurgical strategies § Immobilization § Custom shoes and bracing § Activity modification § Surgery

Immobilization: The First Step in Nonsurgical Treatment § Reduces swelling and allows bones to heal § Cannot bear any weight on affected foot § Cast, removable boot, or brace § Sometimes crutches or wheelchair § Healing may take several months and considerably longer

Custom Shoes and Bracing § Custom shoes § With special inserts § Enable return to activities § Help prevent recurrence or complications § Bracing

Modifying Your Activity § Charcot in one foot increases risk of having it in the other § May need to modify your activity level to avoid injury

When Surgery Is Needed § For some severe cases § Foot and ankle surgeon will determine § The best timing § The best procedure

Prevention Is the Name of the Game § 1. Check your feet daily § 2. Be careful to avoid injury § 3. Get regular foot checkups § 4. Keep blood sugar levels under control § 5. Have custom shoes and braces inspected yearly § 6. Follow surgeon’s instructions for long-term care

With Charcot, Early Diagnosis Can Prevent Complications (Place DPM’s contact info here)