Charcot Foot is a form of arthritis that often develops suddenly and without pain. Without any warning, the bones in the foot and/or ankle spontaneously fracture and fragment, often causing a severe deformity. The arch of the foot often collapses, and pressure areas develop on the bottom of the foot, leading to open sores or ulcers.
Causes of Charcot Foot
The average age of patients developing a Charcot Foot is 40 years. About one-third of patients develop a Charcot Foot in both feet and/or ankles. Charcot foot develops as a result of having diabetic neuropathy or diminished sensation in the feet. Fractures can be sustained without the patient realizing it due to the lack of sensation. Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing Charcot Foot are obesity and increased age.
Treatment of Charcot Foot
Although nonsurgical treatments, such as elevation, icing, casts, and braces, can help alleviate pain and resolve open sores or ulcers, many of these deformities may require surgery to correct the fracture or remove bone fragments. This usually occurs in cases characterized by:
- Chronic deformity with increased plantar pressures and risk of ulcers.
- Chronic deformity with significant instability that cannot be corrected by braces.
- Significant deformity that may include ulcers that do not heal or respond to therapy.
At the Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City we use an Arizona Brace to treat our patients with this foot condition.
