| y"> | | | | symptoms may be observed: - The affected area |
| Charcot foot is a condition used to describe the | | | | becomes warmer than the other foot. |
| effect of bone softening that happens within the | | | | - A recurring redness can be seen on the foot area. |
| foot. This occurs as a result of neuropathy or | | | | - Swelling becomes evident. |
| extreme nerve damage. The bones become too | | | | - A certain pain or sore feeling begins to happen. |
| weak and eventually become easily fractured. | | | | - Joint dislocation is evident upon X-ray results |
| Because the nerves have become too damaged, | | | | - A strong pulse suddenly develops. |
| stimuli are no longer being transmitted such as | | | | - The bones become misaligned. |
| feelings of pain. In addition, muscle movement is also | | | | - The affected foot suddenly becomes numb and |
| hampered. Since nothing is felt within the area due to | | | | insensitive to any form of sensation. |
| nerve damage, the whole bone structure of the feet | | | | If you see these signs and symptoms, you must |
| experience stress and trauma repeatedly until it | | | | seek immediate medical help. The attending doctor |
| collapses. | | | | would initially perform examinations on your foot and |
| As the person continues to use his or her feet for | | | | do some background checking prior to the |
| walking despite the condition, the foot begins to | | | | occurrence of the symptoms. A test for diabetes will |
| change its shape. In its developed stage, the arch of | | | | also be conducted to rule out any possible effects |
| the foot will probably collapse, therefore giving the | | | | brought by the illness. |
| foot a rocker-bottom shape. As a result, normal | | | | X-rays may also be done periodically to monitor the |
| walking becomes almost impossible to handle. | | | | development of the bones. Additional, laboratory |
| Charcot foot is a very serious degenerative condition | | | | tests may also be conducted depending on the |
| which can lead to disability and if not treated | | | | severity of the condition. |
| immediately, can result to foot amputation. | | | | In general, the treatment of Charcot foot aims to |
| People with diabetes are highly susceptible to Charcot | | | | stabilize the condition of the joint once more so that |
| foot. This is because diabetes is highly associated | | | | the foot can take its original form and normal walking |
| with neuropathic occurrences which are the primary | | | | can be facilitated again. Rest is the primary form of |
| factor for exhibiting Charcot foot. Preventive | | | | treatment. |
| measures are thereupon enforced and immediate | | | | For patients diagnosed with diabetes, foot restraints |
| medical attention is sought upon the occurrence of | | | | may be applied within a minimum of eight weeks so |
| any symptoms. | | | | that further damage can be prevented. Casts or |
| So what are the signs and symptoms of Charcot | | | | crutches would be needed to help the patient walk |
| foot? | | | | without having to move the affected foot. Casts and |
| Initial signs may begin to appear after the foot | | | | crutches may also be used by other non diabetic |
| suffers from repeated trauma. This trauma may be | | | | patients to help speed up recovery. |
| caused by lengthy walking or any other high-impact | | | | However extreme conditions, like when the joint can |
| activity which puts great pressure on the feet. Even | | | | no longer do self-healing, surely need surgical |
| accidents-causing objects to be dropped on the foot | | | | attention. Various procedures are being conducted |
| or fractures can also lead to foot trauma. | | | | according to the severity of the damage. |
| Once Charcot foot becomes triggered, the following | | | | |