WHAT IS CHARCOT ARTHROPATHY?
"Charcot arthropathy, also known as Charcot neuroarthropathy or Charcot foot and ankle, is a syndrome in patients who have peripheral neuropathy, or loss of sensation, in the foot and ankle. Patients may experience fractures and dislocations of bones and joints with minimal or no known trauma."1
Possible causes
- diabetes
- alcohol and drug abuse
- Hansen's disease (leprosy)
- syphilis
- syringomyelia
- polio
- infection, trauma, or damage in the peripheral nerves
- HIV
- Parkinson's disease
- inflammatory conditions, such as sarcoidosis or psoriasis2
Stage 1: Fragmentation
Symptoms in this stage could include redness, swelling (sometimes severe), and skin in the effected area being warm to the touch.
Bones have begun to fragment and may even become soft sometimes causing dislocation and further breakdown of underlying tissues.
In some severe cases, the bottom of the foot may form a rocker-bottom where the cuboid has descended to form a protrusion.
Stage 2: Coalescence
Trying to heal itself, the bones may being to regrow and form together, often incorrectly aligned.
The foot and/or ankle may become unstable to the point of requiring future orthotics or corrective bracing and footwear.
Stage 3: Reconstruction
The healing process has completed often leaving the foot deformed.
Bony prominences may cause further sores or ulcers which, if left untreated, may restart the cycle.
Citations
1Sudheer Reddy, MD; Vinayak Sathe, MD. Charcot Arthropathy, FootCareMD, Footcaremd.org
2Whelan, Corey. Charcot Foot, Causes and Symptoms, Feb, 4, 2022, https://www.healthline.com/health/charcot-foot