Charcot Foot

If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or peripheral neuropathy in your feet and legs, you may already be aware that you’re at increased risk of developing many different kinds of injuries. One of the most severe, and often permanently life-changing, is Charcot foot.

This is an extremely serious foot deformity in which weakened bones in the feet crack, crumble, and change shape under continuous pressure. Severe Charcot foot often leads to an inability to walk normally, greatly increased risk of ulcers, and quite often amputation.

Early detection is critical if you want to save your foot, but the unfortunate truth is that the early warning signs may be hard to detect if you aren’t looking for them. That’s why proper understanding and prevention of this condition are so important if you are in a high-risk group.

What Is Charcot Foot?

Charcot foot is the result of bones literally breaking down and crumbling. The condition is strongly associated with severe peripheral neuropathy, usually related to diabetes.

People with diabetes and/or neuropathy also tend to have foot bones that are more prone to fracturing. And because severe neuropathy also can substantially reduce your ability to feel anything in your feet (pain or otherwise), you may not even realize that a potentially severe fracture has occurred.

Because you are unaware of the problem, you continue to walk on your broken foot—and that quickly leads to further breakdown of bone and tissue.

As the problem worsens, the foot structure itself may start to collapse and take on a “rocker bottom” appearance. Pressure spots emerge, ulcers become more common, and your ability to walk normally will be affected. Often, the end result of severe Charcot foot is amputation.

Identifying the Early Warning Signs and Symptoms

If you have diabetes and/or peripheral neuropathy, you should be carefully and thoroughly examining your feet and ankles at least once per day, as well as after periods of exercise and activity.

If you note any of the following, it could be an early indication of fractures that could lead to Charcot foot:

Skin that is warm to the touch
Swelling
Redness
Noticeable pain or soreness, especially if your foot is typically almost totally numb

Again, it’s important not to rely on pain to be your warning sign, as your neuropathy may be so advanced that you don’t feel any pain at all.

Any of the above signs is a good reason to take the weight off your foot, give us a call, and talk about what you’re seeing. If you notice that your foot has already begun to change shape, it’s likely that extensive damage has already occurred and you need to see us as soon as possible.

Charcot Foot Treatment and Recovery

We take Charcot foot extremely seriously and will do everything we can to keep your foot from breaking down further, and keep you off the road to amputation.

Dr. Trent Timson will evaluate your feet closely. Our office is equipped with on-site X-ray and diagnostic ultrasound, which will allow us to take pictures of your foot and assess any internal damage that may have already occurred to the bones and soft tissues.

Once we understand the extent of the injury, we’ll make our recommendations for how to best protect and repair your foot.

Sometimes Charcot foot can be treated conservatively. Your foot will be immobilized using a cast or brace, and it will be important to avoid putting any weight on it. We’ll continue to evaluate you during your recovery, and as the bones continue to heal you will be able to progress to special shoes or a walking boot.

If severe damage or deformity has already occurred, however, surgical reconstruction of the foot is usually necessary. Screws and plates may be needed to hold the bones in place while they heal.

Whether your Charcot foot is treated conservative or surgically, it is possible you will need prescription shoes and/or bracing to enable a return to daily activities while reducing your risk of future injuries and ulcers as much as possible.

Stay On Top of Your Foot Health

Taking a few small preventative actions, and just a few minutes per day of checking your feet, can literally be the difference between a lifetime of good health or losing a foot to amputation.

If you have diabetes or neuropathy and you notice what could be the early warning signs of Charcot foot, leave nothing to chance. Call the Community Foot Clinic of McPherson for the evaluation and treatment options you require. You can reach us at (620) 241-3313, or request an appointment online.

Interested in an appointment with Dr. Timson?

Schedule an Appointment Today

One System, Many Applications

Laser therapy is not merely a one-trick pony; it serves as a versatile treatment option for addressing a spectrum of foot and ankle issues. While commonly associated with heel pain relief, its efficacy extends far beyond, effectively targeting chronic soft tissue pain stemming from conditions such as Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and Morton's neuroma.

By providing targeted relief, laser therapy restores mobility and improves the quality of life for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.

Exploring Other Sources of Chronic Soft Tissue Pain

Chronic soft tissue pain can significantly impact daily life, hindering mobility and diminishing overall well-being. Laser therapy offers a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with conditions beyond heel pain.

Whether it's addressing Achilles tendinitis, characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, or alleviating the discomfort associated with Morton's neuroma, laser therapy presents a non-invasive solution that promotes healing and reduces pain.

Addressing Traumatic Soft Tissue Injuries

Traumatic injuries such as sprains, strains, and contusions are all too common in the foot and ankle region, often causing acute pain and swelling. Laser therapy accelerates the healing process by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation.

By harnessing the power of targeted light energy, laser therapy expedites recovery, enabling patients to regain function and resume their daily activities with minimal delay.

Mitigating Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathy poses unique challenges, manifesting as tingling, burning, and shooting pain in the feet due to nerve damage. Laser therapy offers a promising avenue for managing neuropathic pain by stimulating nerve regeneration and improving nerve function. This holistic approach not only alleviates symptoms but also enhances the overall quality of life for individuals living with neuropathy.

Supporting Recovery Alongside Surgery

Laser therapy plays a vital role in complementing surgical interventions for various foot and ankle conditions. Post-surgery, it aids in tissue healing, reduces scar tissue formation, and minimizes post-operative pain. By integrating laser therapy into treatment plans, healthcare providers can optimize surgical outcomes and facilitate smoother recovery trajectories for patients.

Fostering Expedited Wound Healing

Chronic or non-healing foot ulcers and wounds pose significant challenges, often requiring comprehensive wound care solutions. Laser therapy emerges as a valuable adjunct to wound healing protocols, promoting blood flow, enhancing tissue repair, and creating an optimal environment for healing. With laser therapy, patients experience accelerated wound closure, reduced risk of complications, and improved overall outcomes.



McPherson Office

316 W. 4th Street
McPherson, KS 67460
P: (620) 241-3313
F: (620) 241-6967