What are the three stages of Charcot foot?
There are three phases of Charcot neuroarthropathy, acute (destructive), sub-acute (reparative), and chronic (stabilized). The entire process can take 6-12 months to resolve. In the acute phase, the foot and ankle exhibits significant swelling, erythema (redness), and warmth. It may be painful but frequently isn’t.
Can Charcot foot be misdiagnosed?
Charcot foot is a rare but serious condition that is frequently misdiagnosed, at times with terrible consequences. The disease affects individuals with peripheral neuropathy (a lack of sensation in the extremities), and so is particularly dangerous for those with diabetes who often suffer this type of nerve damage.
How can you tell the difference between Charcot and osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis of the foot and ankle tends to have a focal involvement of one weight-bearing joint, whereas Charcot arthropathy tends to involve several joints or bones.
How do you test for Charcot foot?
X-Rays. Doctors use X-rays, which produce images of structures inside the body, to examine the foot’s bones and joints. An X-ray can reveal a bone fracture or joint dislocation related to Charcot foot, as well as any change in the shape, or alignment, of the foot.
What is a Charcot ankle?
Charcot foot is a progressive condition that involves the gradual weakening of bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot or ankle. Charcot foot is a severe complication of diabetes and is caused by peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) in which the person’s foot or ankle becomes insensate (insensitive to pain).
What is Charcot foot look like?
Charcot foot is suspected in persons who have diabetes and peripheral neuropathy and the following signs: a red, hot, swollen foot (without a foot ulcer) and an increased skin temperature in the affected foot (compared with the other foot).
How do you get rid of a swollen Charcot foot?
The early stages of Charcot are usually treated with a cast or cast boot to protect the foot and ankle. The use of a cast is very effective in reducing the swelling and protecting the bones. Casting requires that the patient not put weight on the foot until the bones begin to heal.