| A Charcot foot diagnosis could accompany any | | | | If caught early, the condition is manageable. The |
| athropathy or disease of the joints in the feet, but it | | | | joints can heal, although it may take several months |
| most commonly accompanies diabetic neuropathy; | | | | or even one-two years for complete healing. |
| loss of sensation in the nerve endings. | | | | If you receive a Charcot foot diagnosis, it is |
| Regardless of the underlying disease, two main | | | | important to follow your doctor's instructions |
| mechanisms are involved in the development and | | | | carefully. In order to prevent further damage to the |
| progression of the condition. | | | | joints, you should wear good, supportive shoes; no |
| First, there is the neuropathy. Because of the lack of | | | | flats, flip-flops or sandals. You should never go |
| sensation in the nerve endings, a minor trauma, such | | | | barefoot. |
| as a fracture, goes undetected. The fractured bones | | | | Your shoes should have rubber soles, to prevent |
| may continue to rub against each other, causing | | | | slipping and absorb shock. Oxfords with an |
| further damage. | | | | extra-deep base are a good choice. There are many |
| Second, there is poor vascular health. In diabetes, the | | | | brands of orthopedic shoes. It is important to choose |
| blood vessels leading to the feet may become | | | | a good brand. |
| damaged to the point where they are no longer able | | | | Your socks should be seam free, because a slight |
| to nourish the tiny nerve endings. That is what leads | | | | irritation can lead to an ulceration, which in a diabetic |
| to the neuropathy. | | | | can lead to amputation. If a Charcot foot diagnosis |
| In non-diabetes cases, there may be increased blood | | | | accompanies Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, it is |
| flow to the joints, which causes an imbalance in bone | | | | important to wear seamless socks and supportive |
| metabolism. Normally, bones are rebuilt over time, | | | | shoes, at all times. Additional ankle and arch supports |
| throughout a person's life, although the rebuilding can | | | | are also be beneficial. |
| be negatively affected by many things. The | | | | In all cases, it is important to maintain a healthy |
| increased blood flow can cause a kind of washing out | | | | weight, to reduce the stress on the joints. Regular |
| of the minerals that would build up new bones. So, | | | | physical activity is recommended in order to maintain |
| the bones become thinner and more fragile. | | | | strength and flexibility. Water aerobics is a perfect |
| A definitive Charcot foot diagnosis can only be made | | | | form of exercise for anyone with joint disease. |
| after X-rays reveal bone loss and degenerative | | | | As a last resort, there are some surgical procedures |
| changes in the joints. But, there are some outward | | | | that have been shown to improve a person's physical |
| signs and symptoms that diabetics, in particular, | | | | condition. Although complex, surgery may help |
| should be aware. Watch for: | | | | prevent further bone loss and restore the natural |
| - Redness | | | | function of the feet. |
| - Swelling | | | | Living with a Charcot foot diagnosis may be difficult, |
| - Pain | | | | but it is not impossible. With the right footwear and |
| - Increased skin temperature-the skin around the | | | | sound medical advice, surgery is avoidable in most |
| joint feels hot | | | | cases. |