People who are diagnosed with diabetes have an increased risk of foot complications, especially pain, loss of sensation, and progressive diseases that arise from these, such as ulcers. If proper foot care is not applied throughout the treatment of diabetes and subsequent diabetic neuropathy, the risks escalate and can even include amputation.
US Neuropathy Centers is comprised of the most highly trained physicians across the country, specialized in treating diabetic neuropathy. With 14 locations across 7 states, US Neuropathy Centers continues to be the leading choice for peripheral neuropathy treatment.
One common foot deformity that diabetic people are at risk of developing is called Diabetic Charcot Foot Syndrome. This serious condition threatens amputation to a person’s lower extremities if not cared for. Charcot Foot is considered an inflammatory syndrome, carrying different kinds of bone, joint, and soft tissue complications. Neuropathy often proceeds or develops within this condition.
Once referred to as pedal osteoarthopathy, Charcot Foot Syndrome was first recorded in medical literature in 1883. Today, little evidence exists on the efficacy of treatments. The Charcot Foot develops as a response to various peripheral neuropathies, with diabetic neuropathy being the most common cause. When the condition grows, bone destruction, subluxation, dislocation, and deformity may all occur in the foot. The most common development from Charcot Foot is midfoot collapse, commonly called “rocker-bottom” foot.
People with Charcot Foot will indefinitely endure pain and discomfort. Medical treatment aims to remove weight to the foot. Treatments may target a bone disease and other ways to prevent future foot complications and/or fractures. The most common treatments for Charcot Foot is offloading, antiresorptive therapy, and bone growth stimulation.
Offloading is recommended for active Charcot Foot because immobilization will help prevent further destruction. Pharmacological healing may help relieve pain, but no medical evidence proves it to help treat the condition. Patients should utilize protective weight bearing assistance including prescription shoes or braces.
The best defense is a good offense. Once Charcot Foot develops, the treatment options are limited, often invasive, and only provide limited relief. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and are experiencing pain or signs of nerve damage in your legs or feet, schedule an appointment with one of your specialists today. For more information about how US Neuropathy Centers can help, contact a location nearest you.
If you are suffering from neuropathy, please do not hesitate to call us at US Neuropathy Centers.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©US Neuropathy Centers, 2018
