Trying to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about Charcot Foot can feel impossible. There are very few podiatrists or orthopedic surgeons who have experience with Charcot Foot. The lack of education surrounding Charcot Foot makes it crucial that you take charge of your medical care and ensure you find a doctor who knows what they are doing. Many individuals with Charcot Foot have found it helpful to meet with several physicians and interview them prior to committing to a doctor patient relationship. If you are meeting with doctors here are some questions you should ask.
How much experience do you have with Charcot Foot?
Before you commit to a doctor they should be forthcoming about their experience with Charcot Foot. Ask them some in-depth questions surrounding their experience.
- What are your educational qualifications and do you have any special training in Charcot Foot?
- How many patients have you treated with Charcot Foot?
- What types of outcomes did your previous patients have?
- How many surgeries have you performed on patients with Charcot Foot?
- What were their surgery outcomes?
Some doctors have much more experience with Charcot Foot than others. It doesn’t hurt to ask about their past experiences, their residency and educational experiences. You aren’t asking for patient identifying information so the doctor should be able to give you anecdotal information about previous Charcot Foot patients, their surgeries and outcomes.
“I researched the heck out of this disease and I wasn’t coming in and offering myself on a platter to anyone ever again,” Lindsay said. “I made him basically interview for the privilege of taking care of me. ”
What are your thoughts on Charcot Foot surgery?
Some surgeons are very quick to want to attempt reconstructive surgery on those with Charcot Foot. Others are more hesitant. It’s important to know where your doctor stands. Here are questions to consider posing.
- Do you believe foot reconstruction surgery could be successful for me?
- Since surgery doesn’t cure Charcot Foot how many surgeries do you anticipate me needing.
- What are your recommendations for reconstruction surgery?
- What methods do you use for surgery, pins and plates, external fixator, etc.
- What factors influence your decision regarding surgery? Blood sugar levels, other health conditions, etc.
Foot reconstruction surgery is a big decision with many factors to consider. You should be able to work with your physician to develop a Charcot Foot treatment plan you both agree on and are comfortable with.
What is your experience with amputation?
Amputation is something we all want to avoid. However, the reality of Charcot Foot shows us time and again that individuals with Charcot Foot often end up undergoing a below the knee amputation. Talk with every doctor you see about their experience with amputation.
- How many of your Charcot Foot patients end up having a BKA?
- What factors lead you to recommending a BKA?
- Do you perform BKA’s yourself or do you have another surgeon you refer patients too?
- If I don’t want to pursue additional reconstructive surgeries but would like to move towards amputation would you support that decision?
Amputation is another big decision those with Charcot Foot must face. Having a physician who is comfortable having those difficult conversations and who is willing to guide you through the process is beneficial.
Advocating For Your Medical Care
Physicians are intelligent human beings, they have attended school and gone through years of training. However, they don’t know everything and they don’t know you. You know your condition and situation better than anyone else. This means you have to be your own advocate to ensure you get the best medical care you can.
Jennifer, who is living with Charcot Foot, shared her experience with us before and offers some wonderful tips on how to advocate for your own care. You can find those, here.
The most important thing is finding a physician you are confident in and can have open conversations with. Charcot Foot is a lifelong condition which means you and your physician will be working together for a significant period of time.