Charcot Foot

Understanding Charcot Foot: A Patient's Guide

Charcot Foot is a serious condition that weakens the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot and ankle. It most commonly affects individuals with Diabetes (Type 1 or 2) who have developed peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage).

After the foot loses sensation, small injuries or fractures go unnoticed. Walking on these injuries causes the foot to eventually collapse and deform, often leading to an abnormal or "rocker-bottom" shape.

Common Symptoms

• Warmth: The foot feels noticeably hotter than the other.
• Redness and Swelling: Often the first visible signs.
• Deformity: The arch may collapse or the foot may look misaligned.
• Sores/Ulcers: Pressure from bone deformities can cause skin breakdown or calluses.

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgery is typically considered when the foot is too unstable for braces or when "rocker-bottom" deformities cause recurrent, non-healing ulcers. The primary goal is to create a stable, flat (plantigrade) foot that can fit into a shoe and prevent amputation.

• Exostectomy: Removing a bony prominence (bump) that is causing a recurring ulcer.
• Reconstructive Fusion: Realigning the bones and using hardware (screws, plates, or external frames) to fuse the joints into a stable position.
• Achilles Tendon Lengthening: Reducing pressure on the midfoot by stretching the tight calf muscle.

Success Rates & Clinical Outcomes

Data from recent PubMed systematic reviews and long-term studies provide a clear picture of what patients can expect from surgical reconstruction:

Important Considerations

• Complication Rates: Surgery is complex. Approximately 36% of patients may experience complications such as wound healing issues or hardware failure.
• Amputation Prevention: While the risk of minor complications is high, reconstruction is highly effective at preventing major limb loss.
• Recovery:This is a long-term commitment. It often requires months of non-weight-bearing (no walking on the foot) and specialized footwear afterward.

Note: Early diagnosis is critical. If your foot is red, hot, or swollen, consult a specialist immediately to begin offloading and potentially avoid the need for major surgery.

Schedule an appointment with Dr Sandhu today to discuss your options!

2120 N. MacArthur Blvd
Irving, TX 75061
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