Charcot Foot

North Star Foot & Ankle Associates Our Services Charcot Foot

North Star Foot & Ankle Associates

Podiatry located in Garland, TX

Charcot foot is a serious condition that needs fast, dedicated treatment. The problem? You can develop Charcot foot without even realizing it’s happening. If you notice any unusual redness or swelling in your feet, talk to R. Jeffrey Doyle, DPM, or H. Aden Huynh, DPM, at North Star Foot & Ankle Associates even if you don’t feel any pain. They can accurately diagnose your foot condition and help you protect your feet from permanent damage. Call the Garland, Texas, office or schedule your appointment online.

Charcot Foot Q & A

What is Charcot foot?

Charcot foot is a condition that’s marked by neuropathy, or nerve damage that leaves you numb in your foot or ankle. 

Once this neuropathy develops, it’s possible for you to damage your foot without even realizing you’re doing so because you don’t feel any pain in the area. This neuropathy can be caused by:

  • Diabetes
  • Infections
  • Spinal cord injury or disease
  • Syphilis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • HIV
  • Substance abuse

The problem with Charcot foot is that because you don’t feel pain in your foot, people often develop injuries and worsen them over time by continuing to walk on them. 

What are the symptoms of Charcot foot?

Most people visit a doctor because they feel pain or discomfort. But with Charcot foot, those telltale symptoms are missing. Instead, in the early phases, you need to watch out for:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Warmth to the touch

These symptoms are indicative of an issue in your foot. If left untreated, they can develop into much more dire symptoms, including:

  • Foot deformities
  • Open sores
  • Foot infections

Foot deformities develop because you continue to put pressure on your foot without realizing it’s damaged. Over time, this pressure leads to bone fractures.

Left untreated, Charcot foot can necessitate a foot amputation. If you notice any redness, swelling, or changes in the shape of your foot, contact North Star Foot & Ankle Associates right away. 

Can Charcot foot be treated?

Absolutely. There are a number of treatment options available that don’t involve surgery. Some of the non-surgical treatments include the following:

Orthotics

With Charcot foot, it’s important to protect the shape of your foot and to ensure that your shoes aren’t rubbing anywhere they could irritate or break your skin. 

With custom-designed orthotic shoes or orthotic insoles for your existing shoes, North Star Foot & Ankle Associates ensures your foot gets the support it needs with each step you take. 

Casts, boots, and braces

If your Charcot foot has damaged the bones in your feet, they need time to heal so you’re not left with a deformed foot. 

Immobilizing the foot where the bones are affected allows them time to reform healthily. North Star Foot & Ankle Associates can fit you with the right protection — whether that’s a cast, a brace, or a boot — to allow the bones in your foot to completely heal. 

Don’t ignore warning signs in your feet. Call North Star Foot & Ankle Associates or book your appointment online today. 

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