What is Charcot foot, and can it be cured?

Charcot foot can be an extremely debilitating condition, especially if it is diagnosed at a late stage. Here to discuss the condition in further detail is highly regarded and skilled endocrinologist, Dr Prash Vas.

What is Charcot foot?

It is a rare complication of diabetes where the bones can disintegrate. The underlying mechanism causes nerve damage which results in potentially walking on a damaged bone which would then cause further problems to the bone in the foot.

What are the symptoms of Charcot foot, and how is it diagnosed?

You often get foot swelling, colour changes in the foot, and pain. Often, doctors can mistake Charcot foot for more common conditions such as a blood clot. The diagnosis can often therefore be delayed.

When we see anybody with diabetes and a swollen foot, we should think of Charcot foot. An X-ray of the affected foot is often carried out in order to make an accurate diagnosis. An MRI scan is the next step of the diagnostic process.

Can Charcot foot be cured?

We can treat and control Charcot foot before it becomes permanent if it is diagnosed at an early stage. Unless treated surgically once it has developed, it cannot be cured.

What is it like living with Charcot foot?

This depends on where you are in the phase of your life. If you are young and active, then you may find yourself quite limited, not being able to do things that you love. As you get older, you may find you need further assistance like wheelchairs.

It is quite a major diagnosis and something that needs early assessment and diagnostic clarification. Hopefully, this can allow one to live life to the fullest even if they cannot reverse the condition.

What are the medical treatments available for Charcot foot?

There are many different drugs for the management of Charcot foot. There are specific drugs that eat away all the bone, allowing new bone to grow. However, none of these drugs have demonstrated major, valid disease-altering capabilities yet.

If you wish to book an appointment with Dr Prash Vas today, simply head on over to his Top Doctors profile.