Charcot Foot is a condition where the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot and ankle are destroyed due to nerve damage from underlying disorders, particularly diabetes. This leads to chronic inflammation, bone fractures, joint dislocation, and eventual foot deformity.

What Causes Charcot Foot?
Charcot Foot arises from nerve damage in the feet, causing inflammation and increased blood flow to the bones. This triggers calcium loss from the bones, making them fragile and prone to fractures. Loss of sensation in the feet allows patients to continue using the foot without pain, leading to ongoing inflammation. Eventually, bone collapse and fractures result in severe deformity and loss of function.

Conditions causing nerve damage linked to Charcot Foot include:

• Diabetes

• Syphilis (Tabes Dorsalis)

• Spinal cord tumors

• Degenerative spinal cord compression

• Poliomyelitis

• Leprosy

• Amyloidosis

• Chronic alcoholism

What Are the Symptoms of Charcot Foot?
In the early stage, the foot may become swollen, red, and warm. Some patients experience pain, but many feel none due to nerve damage. Without proper treatment, the foot gradually deforms as bones fracture and joints dislocate. A common site is the midfoot, leading to a "Rocker-Bottom Foot Deformity". Swollen areas may develop chronic ulcers from pressure or friction.

How Is Charcot Foot Treated?

• Offloading weight from the foot, elevating it, and using a Total Contact Cast to immobilize the foot and prevent further bone destruction.

• Treating pressure ulcers and secondary infections.

• Surgery to correct long-term deformities, such as:

  • Resection of protruding bones on the sole.

  • Internal fixation to realign bones.

  • Tendon surgery.

• Physical therapy after cast removal or surgery to prevent muscle weakness and joint stiffness.