What Is Charcot Foot?

Charcot foot is a pattern of bone and joint damage. It can lead to foot deformity. Charcot foot begins with a type of nerve damage (called peripheral neuropathy) in the feet. Your nerves don't function well. So you may not feel pain when you injure your foot. You may break bones or damage joints without knowing it. If you keep walking on your injured foot, fractures can heal unevenly. This causes foot deformity. With Charcot foot, minor bone breaks (fractures) can lead to major problems if not treated early.

Charcot foot may also be called diabetic foot. That's because diabetes is a leading cause of peripheral neuropathy in the feet.

Acute Charcot foot

Acute Charcot foot begins when repeated small fractures aren't felt and, therefore, not protected. At first, there may be no visible signs of Charcot foot. If you keep walking, fractures become worse. Your foot may feel hot and look red and swollen.

To prevent foot problems, carefully look at both of your feet every day. This includes looking between the toes and at the bottom of your feet. Use a long-handled mirror to make it easier to see all of the areas. It's important to control your blood sugar levels to help prevent foot problems.

Get medical care right away if you see any changes in your feet or if you're having problems controlling your blood sugar levels. Getting care can help your healthcare provider find Charcot foot earlier and help prevent problems.

Fractures

Fractures begin to heal as Charcot foot progresses. But pressure from your body weight prevents bones from healing correctly. Continued walking can also cause new fractures. Your foot may still be red and swollen.

Chronic Charcot foot

Chronic Charcot foot is deformity caused by poor bone healing. Shoes may not fit the deformed foot. This can cause red, sore skin. This can lead to open sores (ulcers). Ulcers may become infected. Severe infection and poor wound healing may need amputation.

Man sitting on edge of bed looking at sole of foot with mirror.