Charcot Foot Support

Archives for September 2019

Pool Workouts for Charcot Foot

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Exercising with Charcot Foot can be a challenge. It’s difficult to walk, riding a bike may be out if you are wearing a boot and forget a dance class. While you may not be able to do some of your favorite workouts you can for sure hit the water! Swimming and water aerobics are wonderful forms of exercise for those living with Charcot Foot.

“When I’m in the water it is the only time it can walk and not be in pain,” Jessie said. “Since I was first diagnosed with Charcot Foot exercising has been difficult and it was depressing. But now that my doctor has cleared me I try to make it to the pool at least three times a week.”

Water Workouts

Water workouts can raise your heart rate, provide resistance and loosen up stiff muscles and joints. Check with your local YMCA or recreation center to find out about water aerobics classes and make it a point to attend. Water aerobics routines led by an instructor will teach you routines you can do in the pool even if you can’t make it during a scheduled class time. Attending a water aerobics class, at least a few times, can help you become more comfortable with pool workouts and adjusting to the the water.

Pool exercises for weight loss

If you can’t make it to a water aerobics class but can sneak to the pool during an open session you can do your own pool workout. Here are some of our favorite pool exercises for weight loss.

  • Begin with a warm up. Walk or swim four to six laps to get adjusted to the water and loosen up your muscles.
  • Grab a pool noodle and alternate between pool planks and kicks. To do a pool plank Stand on the pool floor. Hold the pool noodle in both hands. Press it straight down into the water and lean forward until your body is on an even incline. Your head stays out of the water. Try to keep yourself stable for 1 to 2 minutes. When you have completed the plank hold onto the pool noodle with both hands, keep your head above water and simply kick your legs. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes and then go back to the plank. Alternate for four sets.
  • Time for fly-backs. Fly-backs are a great way to strengthen your core and back which will help with balance! Start in a lunge position with your right knee bent and your left leg extended straight behind you in the pool. Reach your arms straight out in front of you at chest height — palms touching, fingers extended and thumbs up. Open your arms straight out to the sides in the water, then return them to the starting position to complete one rep. Do four sets of 8 to 15 reps, switching the forward leg for each set. 
  • Squats. As long as it doesn’t hurt your feet squats are a great exercise to do in the water. Stand in waist height water with your feet shoulder width apart. Squat down and back up. Do eight reps and then turn your feet out and do eight more reps. Alternate between the two squats to complete four reps each.
  • Horse cardio. Straddle the pool noodle like you would if you were riding a horse. Pedal around the pool as fast as you can while also using your hands to move through the water. Don’t lean back! Try to keep your back as straight as possible. Push yourself to ride the horse for five minutes.
  • Cool down time! Cool down by swimming or walking four laps in the pool.
  • Congratulate yourself on a great pool workout!

Protecting Your Feet in the Pool

When living with Charcot Foot we never get a break from taking care of our feet, even in the pool. You should never get in the pool if you have any open wounds or sores on your feet. You should also only place your feet on the bottom of the pool if you have been released to bear weight. If you are non-weight bearing it applies in the pool as well. You should also wear pool shoes. Pool shoes not only help protect your feet but they provide traction in the pool and will help with balance.

What is diabetic arthropathy?

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What in the world is diabetic arthropathy and why does it get mentioned in connection with Charcot Foot? And what is the difference between Charcot arthropathy and diabetic arthropathy? We receive quite a few questions similar to these from those newly diagnosed with Charcot Foot. There are so many different terms and it can make a confusing situation more confusing than necessary.

The simple answer is Charcot Arthropathy, Diabetic Arthropathy and Charcot Foot are basically the same thing. Often times the terms are used in place of one another. It’s very possible you have been told you have Charcot Arthropathy from one doctor and Charcot Foot from another. Don’t worry, you don’t have multiple conditions. They are just using different terms for the same condition. We will break it all down for you though!

Arthropathy

Arthropathy is defined as a disease of a joint. Arthritis is a form of arthropathy that involves inflammation of one or more joints, while the term arthropathy may be used regardless of whether there is inflammation or not Many people are diagnosed with arthropathy. It is incredibly common with more than three million Americans diagnosed with it.

Diabetic Arthropathy

Diabetic arthropathy is a disease of the joint caused by diabetes. Some people also call this Charcot Joint. A joint is a place where two bones come together, like the ankle and foot. Once a joint wears down the protection it provides is gone and can cause pain.

Charcot Arthropathy

Charcot Arthropathy is  also known as Charcot Foot, is a syndrome in patients who have neuropathy or loss of sensation. It includes fractures and dislocations of bones and joints that occur with minimal or no known trauma.​ Charcot Arthropathy is exactly the same as Charcot Foot.

How To Complete Daily Tasks When Non-Weight Bearing

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Most of us with Charcot Foot panicked the first time we were told we had to be non-weight bearing. It’s overwhelming to try and comprehend how to complete daily tasks when non-weight bearing. The idea of showering, cooking, driving, working, taking care of our children, or even going to the bathroom when we aren’t able to walk normally is almost to much to fathom in those early days.

There is that old saying, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Individuals with Charcot Foot show time and again how true the statement is. We figure it out, we are resourceful and we get ideas from others. Here are some of the ways we have managed to complete daily tasks even when we are non-weight bearing.

Knee Scooters

Knee scooters quickly become the best friend of individuals with Charcot Foot. At first it may be a dreaded friend but it quickly becomes a life saver. Not only can it help you stay somewhat mobile must knee scooters come with a handy dandy basket! That basket has been a lifesaver to many with Charcot Foot.

We recommend buying a knee scooter rather than renting one. In the beginning, it is easy to think you will just need the scooter for a few weeks following diagnosis or surgery and then you can return it. The truth is the knee scooter will be helpful even after your doctor releases you to begin walking again.

There is always a chance you will need to be non-weight bearing again and if you own the scooter you already have it on hand. But even once you get walking again there are always those bad days where your feet may hurt more than others. Those are the days the scooter is just good to have. You can hide it away somewhere but when a rough day hits it is still readily available.

Assistive Devices

Assistive devices also know as daily living aids are so incredibly helpful! Daily living aids include items like grabbers, shoe horns, adjustable trays to place beside your bed or chair and elastic shoe laces. They may seem like small items but they can help you accomplish tasks while you are non-weight bearing and save you a lot of energy and frustration.

Bath and Shower Safety Aids

One of the big concerns for most of us when we have to go non-weight bearing is how in the world we will shower. The good news is there are tons of Bath and shower safety aids out there designed to help us. Even though tools like shower chairs and adjustable shower heads can help us tremendously we still recommend showering when someone else is in the home just in case you fall and need assistance.

Delivery, delivery, delivery

When you are non-weight bearing it is nearly impossible to do your own shopping. Not only is this an inconvenience but the isolation and loss of independence can be a huge blow to your emotional health. While delivery services don’t alleviate the isolation they do provide an answer to the question of how in the world you are going to get groceries.

If you weren’t an Amazon Prime member before Charcot Foot you most definitely need to be one now! With Amazon Prime you can get just about everything you need delivered to your door in two days. It’s a little bit of heaven. Amazon Prime also gives you access to a number of movies and shows to help keep you occupied while non-weight bearing.

There are many grocery stores that have delivery services. Delivery services do vary based on your location so you will have to check with individual stores. We have had success with Aldi and Dillon’s for grocery delivery. Wal-Mart offers curbside pick up which is another great option. You can place your order online and have a friend pick it up for you. Amazon Fresh is also being rolled out in some locations. Courtney is using it and says it’s a great program as well. It is likely to expand quickly to include more locations throughout the country.

Being non-weight bearing is tough. We will never claim it is an easy experience. But there are tools and resources out there to help. And remember, we are always here! If you need to vent, have questions or need some extra support, contact us!

Should I take pain medication for my Charcot Foot?

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Should you take pain medication if you have Charcot Foot? It’s a question we have received from a couple of different readers. The interesting thing is some people with Charcot Foot report absolutely no pain because of the neuropathy they have and then others report a good deal of pain. Those who do have pain report chronic pain which makes the question of using pain medication a difficult one to answer.

Pros and Cons of Pain Medication

The obvious pro when it comes to considering pain medication is the fact that pain medication can relieve pain. None of us want to experience pain so it is an obvious benefit to be able to have the pain reduced. However, it’s important to consider the downside to pain medication.

Pain medication is incredibly addictive. When you are already battling so many health conditions the risk of addiction must be considered. Addiction will only increase the troubles you are currently facing due to Charcot Foot.

You also have to be realistic about the effectiveness of pain medication. Pain medication can relieve some pain but it doesn’t eliminate it completely. It’s important to weigh the benefits and risks before taking pain medication.

Additionally, pain serves a purpose. It is a clear indicator to us that something is wrong. Pain can tell us the shoes we are wearing don’t fit right, it can tell us we have walked to far for the day or stood too long. It can indicate a new fracture or wound that needs attention. Using pain medication can prevent us from recognizing problems quickly and addressing them.

Managing pain without pain medication

There are ways to manage Charcot Foot pain without medication. There are several pain relieving creams which can be applied to your feet which can help. We even did a more in-depth review of some pain management options here.

Soaking your feet in Epsom Salt is a wonderful way to reduce pain and swelling. It can also help you relax which will in turn reduce pain. You should never soak your feet if you have any open wounds or sores. After a foot soak make sure you dry your feet completely and apply lotion.

There are over the counter pain relievers which can be helpful. It is important to talk with your doctor before taking them to ensure they won’t cause problems if you have other health concerns, like kidney problems.

Elevate your feet and go non-weight bearing as much as possible! We know it is annoying but one of the best ways to reduce pain is to get off your feet and elevate them. Think toes above nose. While you are resting those feet listen to a relaxing guided meditation to help you relax.

Talk with your doctor about pain medication

Always talk with your doctor about using pain medication. Have a frank discussion about your concerns, the risks associated with pain medication and the possible benefits. No one knows your body and your pain better than you. It is your job to educate your doctor on what you are experiencing so they can provide the best guidance.

It can be helpful to keep a journal or calendar documenting your pain prior to appointments with your doctor. You may notice a spike in pain at night or over the weekend. By documenting you can identify trends and help provide your doctor with a clear view of what you are experiencing.

What ways do you manage Charcot Foot pain? If you have found a tactic that works for you and would like to share it with others please contact us. Additionally, if you have a question you would like answered, please reach out to us. You can see our response to previous questions about how to explain Charcot Foot to others.