Protect Yourself from Charcot Foot

Charcot Foot

If you have diabetes, you face the possibility of developing many foot problems, including ulcers, non-healing sores, and even amputation. But, there’s another condition you should know about and watch out for: Charcot foot.

Also called Charcot arthropathy, this condition weakens the bones in the feet of people who have peripheral neuropathy. It also attacks the joints and soft tissues. Over time, it can cause painful sores and actually change the shape of your foot.

Why does Charcot foot happen?

Your bones naturally lose calcium when injured, and, according to the Cleveland Clinic, that makes the bones weaker and more susceptible to further damage. The numbness from peripheral neuropathy increases the danger. If you can’t feel a sprain, a break, or an infected or lingering sore, you’re more likely to continue walking on your foot normally. In some cases, slow healing from a foot surgery can be responsible.

What happens?

Prompted by injury that often doesn’t get timely treatment, your bones lose the calcium that keeps them strong. At that point, your foot can start to lose its shape, and your arch can drop below your toes or heel. Doctors often call this “rocker bottom.”

Additionally, your toes might curl, and your ankle can become twisted and unsteady. Any misshapen bones can also press against your shoes, creating new sores that can also get infected and lead to amputation.

What to look for?

Diagnosing Charcot foot can be difficult, according to a study published in American Family Physician, because it mimics other conditions, including cellulitis and blood clots. Initial X-rays and lab tests can also often look normal.

However, there are some symptoms, other than the fallen arch, that can make you suspect Charcot foot. If your foot becomes reddish, warm to the touch, or swollen, talk with you doctor. You should also be concerned if you have instability in your ankle, any misalignment of the bones that form the joint, or a strong pulse in your foot.

Can you prevent it?

Yes, you can do things to potentially side-step Charcot foot. Follow this list for better foot health:

  1. Get regular check-ups with a foot doctor who has experience treating diabetic foot problems.
  2. Check your feet daily for swelling, redness, warm spots, and sores. Check between your toes, too.
  3. Wash your feet daily, and dry them thoroughly.
  4. Always wear socks and shoes.
  5. Keep your blood sugar levels under control — between 80-130 mg/dL before eating, under 180 mg/dL after.
  6. Take extra care to avoid injury, particularly while exercising.

 
Overall, if you begin to see these changes in your feet — especially if your foot begins to change shape — contact your doctor immediately. Any delays can result in further damage to your foot that could lead to infection or amputation.

For questions, please contact Amputation Prevention Centers of America.

What’s that Sore? Diabetic Foot Ulcer 101

Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Do you have a sore on your foot that’s been there for a while without improving? If you have diabetes, chances are you’ve developed a diabetic foot ulcer.

In that case, it’s important to understand what the ulcer is, what caused it, what risks it presents, and how you can treat it.

What’s a diabetic foot ulcer?

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, diabetic foot ulcers affect approximately 15 percent of people with diabetes. They’re open sores on the feet from the ankle down. Most develop on the bottom of your feet, particularly under your big toe or the ball of your foot. Typically, ulcers begin with foot injuries, such as cuts or blisters.

These wounds can linger for weeks without improvement. Between 14-24 percent of ulcers end with amputation.

Who’s at risk?

Some individuals face a higher ulcer risk. Native-American, African-American, and Hispanic patients are more likely to develop ulcers, as are men and patients over 60. Additionally, individuals with vision problems, chronic kidney disease, and obesity experience greater risk. Heart disease and high blood sugar also impede your body’s ability to heal and fight infection.

Some behaviors also make foot ulcers more likely to develop. Alcohol consumption, poorly-trimmed toenails, tobacco use, poor hygiene, and wearing poorly-fitted shoes (ones without enough cushioning or room for your toes) can promote ulcer formation.

What causes ulcers?

In addition to high blood pressure and injury, there are other causes of ulcer development and poor healing. In fact, nearly 43 percent of ulcers occur in people with both of these conditions:

Diabetic neuropathy: This common complication involves nerve damage in your feet, frequently leading to total sensation loss.  This makes it harder for you to notice any scrapes, cracks, or blisters.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD): This condition blocks arteries in your legs, strictly limiting blood flow. Without proper circulation, your body can’t get enough oxygen to the wound for healing.

Are ulcers life-threatening?

They can be. Without treatment, infectious bacteria can damage and kill your skin and tissues. It can also infect your blood stream or cause a bone infection (osteomyelitis), both of which can lead to sepsis.

If you have PAD, an untreated diabetic foot ulcer can also lead to ischemia where tissue dies, becomes gangrene, potentially leading to death.

What can you do?

Seek treatment for a diabetic foot ulcer within six weeks. Waiting longer drastically reduces your chances to heal.

Your doctor will prescribe medication to prevent or treat infection and will remove dead skin or tissue (debridement). He or she will tell you to alleviate pressure from your foot by wearing a brace, specialized cast, or using a wheelchair or crutches. Control your blood sugar levels (between 80-130 mg/dL before eating and under 180 mg/dL after eating) and monitor your feet daily for any injuries or changes.

With this knowledge, you can keep track of any lingering wounds on your feet and pursue your best treatment options. If you have any questions about a diabetic foot ulcer, please contact the Amputation Prevention Centers of America.