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Charcot (say "shar-ko") foot is a foot deformity that results
from nerve damage in the foot or ankle. The nerve damage may cause minor pain
and then a loss of sensation that increases the risk of injury to the feet. When the foot is repeatedly injured, the weight-bearing joints start breaking
This condition most often results from nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) caused
by type 1 or type 2 diabetes. People whose blood sugar levels have not been controlled well are more likely to develop Charcot foot.
signs of Charcot foot include redness, swelling, and increased temperature of
the foot. A skin sore or infection may be present. Later, the foot becomes
unstable and deformed.
Early detection and treatment of the
condition can prevent deformity and loss of function as well as possible
Current as of:
May 23, 2016
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Jennifer Hone, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
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