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Signs and Symptoms of Charcot Foot in Type 1 Diabetes

Charcot foot is a condition that weakens and degenerates the joints in the feet. It is associated with nerve damage, and according to PodiatryChannel.com, it most commonly affects people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association says 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes develop nerve damage which can lead to Charcot foot. According to FootHealthFacts.org, Charcot foot can lead to disability, severe deformity and, in some cases, amputation.

  1. Neuropathy

    • Charcot foot develops as a result of neuropathy, which makes it difficult for nerves to send messages from the brain to other parts of the body. According to FamilyDoctor.org, in diabetics, neuropathy most commonly affects the legs and feet, resulting in an inability to feel sores, pain or in the case of Charcot foot, damaged joints. The joint damage then leads to deformities in the feet, resulting in Charcot foot.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of Charcot foot involve redness, swelling, warmth in the affected area of the foot, pain, soreness, insensitivity, a strong pulse in the foot and misalignment of the joints, also called subluxation. According to FamilyDoctor.org, the warning signs of nerve damage, which leads to Charcot foot, are numbness, tingling, sharp pain, muscle weakness and difficulty walking. FamilyDoctor.org recommends diabetics check their feet regularly and warns, "If you see swelling, redness and feel warmth in your foot, see your doctor immediately."

    Deformity

    • In the advanced stages of Charcot foot, joint displacement, overgrowth and fractures can result in deformities in the bones of the foot. The arch of the foot can collapse, causing what is called "rockers foot." FootHealthFacts.org stresses that early diagnosis is imperative to avoiding any deformity or worse as a result of Charcot foot. Doctors should regularly examine the feet and order x-rays if symptoms are found. If Charcot foot is diagnosed, a doctor may recommend immobilization, braces, special shoes, modification of activities or surgery.

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