Charcot Foot And Ankle Specialist

What is Charcot foot?

Charcot foot is a serious condition that weakens the bones in your foot and ankle. Charcot foot and ankle frequently affects people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. As the condition progresses, Charcot foot causes your bones to break and your joints to dislocate, eventually leading to a deformity. 

Once your foot is deformed, it becomes more susceptible to pressure sores and infections, increasing your risk of amputation. 

What causes Charcot foot and ankle?

Charcot foot affects people with peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that diminishes sensation in the lower extremities. People with peripheral neuropathy are often unable to notice foot and ankle problems like sprains and broken bones.

As the bones and joints in the foot and ankle become weak and damaged, with continued walking, your joints eventually collapse, and your foot becomes deformed. A number of underlying issues like injuries or infections often cause peripheral neuropathy, and it is often a complication of diabetes. 

What are the symptoms of Charcot foot?

Symptoms of early-stage Charcot foot include:

• Abnormal warmth
• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain
• Soreness

In the early stages, Charcot foot may cause one of your feet to feel much warmer than the other. If you notice signs of Charcot foot, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible. When caught early, Dr. Montgomery can help you develop a treatment plan to prevent your foot and ankle from collapsing and becoming deformed. 

How is Charcot foot and ankle treated?

Treating Charcot foot and ankle depends on the severity of your condition. During your appointment, Dr. Montgomery performs a thorough examination to determine the most effective treatment. If your condition is in the early stages, Dr. Montgomery may be able to treat your condition with non-surgical techniques. 

Non-surgical treatment of Charcot foot may include:

• Immobilization
• Custom shoes
• Bracing
• Activity modification

During the early stages of Charcot foot, your weakened bones are very fragile, so immobilization is essential to helping your bones repair themselves. Dr. Montgomery may use a cast, brace, or removable boot to keep your foot and ankle immobilized. Once your condition heals, you may need custom shoes or activity modifications to avoid issues like foot ulcers and prevent your condition from recurring. 

If your condition is more advanced, you may require surgery. Dr. Montgomery is fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery and specializes in a number of safe and effective procedures, including external fixation surgery. 

To speak with Travis Montgomery, DPM, about Charcot foot and ankle or another issue, call or book your appointment online today.