Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is a condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot that may occur in individuals who’ve significant nerve damage. The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking, the foot changes contour. As the disorder progresses, the joints collapse along with the foot takes on an unnatural shape, like a rocker bottom appearance. Charcot’s foot is a serious condition that may leads to severe deformity, disability and even amputation. Due to its seriousness, it’s essential that patients living with diabetes mellitus, a disease frequently associated with neuropathy, take preventative measures and seek immediate care if signs or symptoms appear.
Charcot’s foot develops as a consequence of neuropathy, which decreases sensation and the capability to feel fever, pain or injury. Since of diminished sensation, the patient might continue to walk, making the damage worse. Individuals with neuropathy are at risk of developing Charcot foot. Additionally, neuropathic patients with a tight Achilles tendon have shown to tend to develop Charcot foot.
