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What is Charcot Foot?

Charcot Foot is a type of arthritis that can develop suddenly, leading to inflammation and deformity in the feet. This foot problem commonly affects diabetic patients who experience numbness due to nerve damage since they have lost the ability to feel anything in their feet. Nerve damage can result in debilitating conditions and is also linked with a weakening of the bones, which can result in fractures and severe deformities of the foot that may eventually require surgery or complete amputation if left untreated.

Treatment for Charcot foot disease

Since each case of Charcot foot is different, your podiatrist should determine the most efficacious treatment plan. Due to the potential seriousness that Charcot foot poses to your overall health, it is extremely important to follow the treatment plan.

Symptoms of Charcot foot disease

Severe inflammation and warmth are early signs of this problem. Since diabetic patients frequently have reduced or a complete lack of feeling in their feet, It is essential to have a foot specialist perform a thorough examination, which may include imaging studies to determine the extent of any deformities and the severity of any fractures. 

Some of the treatments that do not involve surgery may include the following:

  • Activity modification—Your foot doctor will help develop an activity plan to avoid additional trauma to your feet, and to avoid a recurrence of the problem.
  • Immobilization—In order to give the weakened bones the correct environment for healing to occur, the foot needs to be secured. This will involve the use of a boot or brace to immobilize the foot and the use of a wheelchair or crutches.
  • Custom footwear and orthoticsWhen your podiatrist indicates that you are ready to start putting weight on your feet again, you will need to wear specially made shoes with stabilizing braces and inserts to decrease the occurrence of cuts and ulcers and prevent the problem from happening again.

In the most serious cases, deformities from Charcot Foot may need to be surgically repaired or the foot may require amputation. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have Charcot foot, schedule an appointment with the Foot First Podiatry in New Albany, IN. Our highly qualified foot doctor Dr. Zahid Ladha is committed to providing patients with the best diagnostic care and medical treatments. Contact us at (812) 945-9221 and schedule an appointment today!

Foot First Podiatry

3605 Northgate Ct Ste 206
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 945-9221 (812) 945-7141

Our Location

3605 Northgate Ct Ste 206 New Albany, IN 47150

Hours of Operation

The office is closed from 12:00 to 1:00 for lunch Monday thru Thursday.

Foot First Podiatry

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed