Causes, Presentation, and Management of Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is a rare manifestation of peripheral neuropathy; it can also occur in individuals with diabetes mellitus due to loss of sensation in the peripheries. Unrecognized strain or any foot injury can go unnoticed; this leads to lack of foot care and consequent aberrant healing of the injury resulting in bone deformities or open wound leading to infection and eventual gangrene. The deformity of the bones can cause pressure sores. The bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot are affected. If the bones of the midfoot are fractured, impaired healing may cause rock-bottom deformity. Since pain is absent in peripheral neuropathy, Charcot foot usually presents with redness and warmth. Xray plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of Charcot foot. The management of Charcot foot is both surgical and non-surgical. The aims of treatment are to prevent further deformity, treat bone diseases, and to take the weight off the foot. Non-surgical management includes offloading (It refers to take the weight off the foot thereby reducing further injury. It also aids in decreasing inflammation.), protected-weight bearing, prescription orthopaedic footwear, and use of Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker Surgical management is indicated in severe ankle and foot deformities that hinder the use of braces. Reference: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15836-charcot-foot Image via: https://insightsimaging.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13244-019-0768-9