Charcot Reconstruction

What is Charcot reconstruction?

Charcot reconstruction treats damage caused by Charcot foot.

Charcot foot (also known as neuropathic arthropathy) is a condition that affects the soft and hard tissues in a weight-bearing joint (like an ankle). Specifically, it causes your bones, joints, and the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments to weaken and wear down.

Without intervention, Charcot foot destroys your bones. In severe cases, it can even result in permanent nerve damage and mobility issues. 

Who might benefit from Charcot reconstruction?

You might benefit from Charcot reconstruction if you have peripheral neuropathy –– a condition that permanently damages the nerves in your legs and feet. Peripheral neuropathy develops slowly over time, so you might not initially realize there’s a problem.

Anyone can develop peripheral neuropathy, but it’s most common in people with diabetes. Routine checkups at Prestige Medical Care can monitor your blood sugar and reduce your risk of potentially serious complications.

What are the symptoms of Charcot foot?

Symptoms of Charcot foot include the following:

• Mild pain and discomfort
• Joint changes (for example, a noticeable bump or abnormality)
• Redness
• Swelling

As Charcot foot worsens, you might notice your affected foot or ankle feels warm to the touch.

How is Charcot foot diagnosed?

Your Prestige Medical Care provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your feet and ankles, checking for redness and swelling. They also feel your skin to see if it's warm to the touch.

Next, your provider orders X-rays to examine the bones and joints in your feet and ankles. Charcot foot doesn’t always appear on X-ray imaging in the early stages, so your provider might order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.

What does Charcot reconstruction involve?

Prestige Medical Care offers surgical and nonsurgical approaches to Charcot reconstruction. They might recommend:

Offloading

The goal of offloading is to keep weight off your affected foot or ankle so it can heal. 

During offloading, you wear a cast for 8-12 weeks. Your provider prescribes crutches, a wheelchair, or a knee walker to help you get around in the meantime. 

After removing the cast, your provider prescribes custom orthotics that support your feet, reducing the risk of future injury.

Surgery

Your provider recommends surgery if you have severe fractures in your foot or ankle. 

Reconstructive surgery uses pins, plates, and screws to hold your bones in the proper position. It restores foot and ankle stability and improves mobility.

Call Prestige Medical Care today to learn more about Charcot reconstruction, or book your appointment online.