Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is a neuropathic condition resulting in the weakening of the bones, the collapsing of the joints and the collapsing of the arch in the foot. The foot becomes weakened enough to fracture and change the morphology of the foot with continued walking.
Symptoms
Past diagnosis with a peripheral neuropathic disease
Warmth of the affected foot
Swelling in the area
Pain
Weakness and morphological change of the foot
Causes
Charcot foot is usually the result of late stage Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, but can also result from other neuropathies impacting the peripheral nerves like in diabetes.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a patient, the clinician will examine the past history of the patient, their symptoms and the patient’s gait. Imaging studies may be ordered to evaluate the severity of the condition.