Treatment Options for Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is a condition that is typically diagnosed in individuals that are suffering from neuropathy. Neuropathy is the result of nerve damage in the foot that can be caused by diabetes. This means that if you suffer from diabetes and have symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is possible to be diagnosed with Charcot foot. This is a foot condition that essentially makes the bones within the foot much weaker. In most cases, this condition only affects one of the feet. Since the bones become weaker within the foot, it places more pressure on the joints and the foot begins to collapse and change shape as a result. The abnormal shape of the foot also allows for some immobility. When you are diagnosed with Charcot foot, it is important to know what your treatment options are and how effective each can be.
Immobilise
One of the best treatment options for people that are dealing with Charcot foot is immobilisation of the foot. When you continue to walk on a foot that has this condition, it only puts more strain on the joints and causes the foot to further collapse. It is important for the foot to have time to heal once you have been diagnosed with this condition. This means that people that are diagnosed with Charcot foot are typically required to stay of their feet for weeks at a time. However, immobolisation is only so effective because once you begin walking on the foot again, symptoms of the condition will normally return.
Shoes
It can also be an effective treatment option to have custom shoes recommended by your podiatrist. Your podiatrist can write you a prescription for custom shoes or bracing that can help to offer your foot the support that it requires to combat the condition of Charcot foot. However, it is important that the custom shoes that you are prescribed are made from material that does give. This will ensure that the shoes do not cause sores to form where rubbing occurs. When you have Charcot foot, this tends to reduce your body's ability to heal sores. This means that small sores can become infections over time if they are not cared for properly. The type of custom shoes that you are prescribed need to be carefully measured and fitted to your foot size. In some cases, using a crutch along with custom shoes will provide the support that is required to relieve the joints.