What happens in Charcot foot?

What happens in Charcot foot?

Charcot foot is a condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot that can occur in people who have significant nerve damage (neuropathy). The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking, the foot eventually changes shape.

How long can you live with Charcot foot?

These results confirm our earlier observations and indicate that mortality is high in a consecutive series of patients presenting with an acute Charcot foot to a single U.K. center between 2000 and 2007. Median survival for such a population with a mean age of 58 years is reduced from ∼22 to 8 years.

How serious is Charcot foot?

Charcot foot is a rare but serious complication that can affect persons with peripheral neuropathy, especially those with diabetes mellitus. Charcot affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot or ankle. The bones become weak and can break and the joints in the foot or ankle can dislocate.

Can Charcot foot Be Fatal?

This causes instability of the joint and is sometimes called floppy foot, which can also cause ulcers. Chronic ulcers don’t heal because of poor circulation or an infection. An infected ulcer can potentially lead to amputation and, in some cases, can be life threatening.

What do you need to know about Charcot foot?

Charcot foot is a condition that affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot or ankle. The bones become weak and can break or the joints may dislocate in the foot or ankle.

What is charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle?

Charcot Foot: Clinical Clues, Diagnostic Strategies, and Treatment Principles. Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle is an inflammatory condition affecting the periarticular soft tissues and bone in persons with peripheral neuropathy, resulting in osseous subluxation, dislocation, and fracture, if the lower extremity is not immobilized.

When does the midfoot collapse in Charcot foot?

When the midfoot is involved in Charcot foot, the arch collapses, which rounds the bottom of the foot. This is called a rocker-bottom foot deformity. Depending on the location of the bone break, the toes can start to curve under like claws or the ankle can become deformed and unstable.

What happens if you delay treatment of Charcot foot?

Delay in treatment results in the development of rigid foot and ankle deformities, increasing the risk of ulceration, infection, and major lower extremity amputation.