What is Charcot Foot?

Nerve damage in your feet can be caused by a wide array of conditions including bone marrow diseases, autoimmune dysfunction, and diabetes. Unfortunately, a large number of patients who lose any sense of feeling in their feet are destined to develop severely deteriorated joints in the ankles. In the condition known as Charcot foot, an individual can walk on their deteriorating ankle joints for months and years without realizing that the joint is actually collapsing under the weight and adversely changing the shape of the foot creating dreadful complications including severe disability and the probability of amputation.

Treatment for Charcot foot disorder depends upon the severity of the injury and involves the following methods:

●     Avoiding excess foot movement - In severe cases of this disease, complete immobilization of the foot is required for healing to occur. This can be accomplished with a rigid boot or cast. Weight and pressure must be removed from the joint by using crutches or a wheelchair for many months while the bones heal.

●     Specially made shoes - To prevent the problem from coming back or affecting the other foot, specially made and properly fitted shoes with the needed support and custom orthotic inserts will minimize the formation of foot ulcers that can lead to amputation.

●     Minimizing foot stress - Individuals who are recovering from this disease will need to be extremely careful to avoid stress on the feet and ankle joints to prevent any problems in the future.

If these conservative measures are insufficient, surgery may be needed. For any problems you may be experiencing with your feet and ankles, we highly recommend that you consult our board-certified podiatrists Andrew Shapiro, DPM and Michael Barkin, DPM. With access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, we can assist you with heel pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, toe deformities, nail fungus, and skin problems, among many other conditions. Our practice is conveniently located on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream to accommodate all of your foot care needs. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today!