SEPNZ Bulletin February 2021

Page 11

PAGE 11

Asics

Charcot Foot GT-4000 2

Thanks to Asics for this latest footwear review from Anthony Ng.

Charcot foot is a significant foot complication of Diabetes which involves a direct inflammatory response affecting bones, soft tissues and joints of the foot and ankle. The pathophysiology is unknown however, Charcot’s tends to develop from trauma, increased weight bearing along with neuropathy.

Charcot foot is a significant foot complication of Diabetes which involves a direct inflammatory response affecting bones, soft tissues and joints of the foot and ankle. The pathophysiology is unknown however, Charcot’s tends to develop from trauma, increased weight bearing along with neuropathy. If healthcare professionals are unable to identify the condition at the acute phase to prevent the foot changes, it will result in significant deformation primarily occurring at the Lisfranc joints, STJ or mid tarsal region of the foot. The damage to the foot skeletal shape can be of a gross foot deformity, resulting in vast valgus malalignment, notably arch collapse with a rocker bottom appearance. This often results in increased stiffening of the foot, along with associated ligament changes altering the natural forces of gait which will lead to further lower limb complications.

The best strategy is to avoid this condition from occurring and diagnose early for prophylaxis. If Charcot’s foot has already occurred and settled, the deformity of the foot structures will need to be continually supported. If you have any suspicion of a patient whom you deem will develop this condition, the treatment is more therapeutic to stop, prevent or preserve the foot from deteriorating. Surgical intervention is recommended for the most serve foot disfigurements where all other non-surgical options are exhausted. As the deformity mainly occurs at the Lisfranc joints, STJ and MTJ there will be the tendency for the foot to move medially. ASICS has engineered the new GT-4000 version 2, which provides the stiffening strength required at the rear and midportion of the shoe to help support those foot structures during the forces of plantar loading. The GT-4000 uppers and correct midsole shore densities helps correct alignment and influences the pressure distribution to prevent subsequent disorganization of the foot from further deformity and provide those at risk with supportive footwear before this condition can eventuate. The strong midfoot truss offers reduced torsional twisting to increase stabilization and strength occurring around the mid tarsal region. This will provide the desirable control and help support those associated with a rocker bottom deformity. This condition is associated with a lack of absorbency. Shock attenuation is required to provide comfort for those interlocking joints and bones throughout the gait cycle. The chosen foam offers durability and effective energy return providing comfort. The ideal pitch profile will not create additional trans ferred forces as the unstable foot moves through gait. The 2E width fit adds extra depth and girth to accommodate structural changes that may have occurred or provide the space for any accommodative custom fabricated devices. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >>


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