Charcot foot management

Charcot foot management

Charcot foot is a serious complication of diabetic neuropathy in which bones fracture and collapse without the pain that would normally warn you. Immediate offloading is what preserves the shape of the foot, so this is treated urgently.

What's Involved

• Urgent assessment — Examination and X-ray at the first sign, because early Charcot is often mistaken for infection.
• Total offloading — Casting or a protective boot to stop further collapse while the bone consolidates.
• Long-term protection — Custom bracing and diabetic footwear once the active phase settles.

When to Come In

• A hot, swollen foot — Warmth and swelling in a neuropathic foot, often with no injury remembered.
• A change in foot shape — Flattening of the arch or a new prominence on the sole.
• Diabetes with neuropathy — Any unexplained swelling in a foot with reduced sensation.

This content is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Talk with a qualified provider about your own situation. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.