Charcot Foot Orthopaedic
Charcot foot is a progressive softening of the bones in the foot this can occur in people who have significant loss of sensation due to nerve damage (neuropathy) in the foot. The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking, the foot eventually changes shape. This is a serious condition that can lead to severe deformity, disability, and even amputation. Charcot foot is common in people with diabetes, a disease often associated with neuropathy.
Sign and symptoms • Redness in the foot • Warmth to touch • Swelling of the foot and ankle • Loss of sensation of the foot • Instability of the joint • Subluxation (partial displacement of a joint) • Dislocation of the joint Diagnosis Your doctor will examine the foot and ankle and ask about the event’s happening before the symptoms. X-rays will be taken for diagnosis. Other imaging studies such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or nuclear imaging may be ordered, as necessary. Treatment It is intended to protect the fragile foot and ankle, to prevent further fractures and allow repair of the soft bones.
Treatment consists of • Immobilisation. Restricting the movement of ankle and foot to allow the bone to heal. • Completely no standing or walking on the affected foot to prevent the foot from further collapsing. You will be taught to use crutches or wheelchair to move around. • Surgery. Severe deformities may be treated with surgery.
The foot must be protected and supported with plaster cast, walking brace or special insoles and shoes, which support the foot and allow for any changes that have occurred in the shape of the foot. Surgery may be necessary if there is a large change in shape then.
Control medical conditions It is important to control medical condition such as Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, High Cholesterol to prevent further progression of neuropathy and complications. Rehabilitation You will be allowed to put some weight on the foot when the bones starting to heal and fuse back together. The amount of weight put on the foot can be increased slowly when bones have become strong.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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