Are you having problems with your feet? Experiencing pain, tingling or numbness? Have you broken your foot recently for no clear reason? If so, you may be wondering if you could have Charcot Foot.
In our experience, and what we have learned from talking of hundreds of people with Charcot Foot, is that most frequently a Charcot Foot diagnosis is missed and does not occur until significant damage is done. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are early signs of Charcot Foot, that if recognized, can prevent or postpone significant damage from occurring.
Signs and symptoms of Charcot Foot
Reddish
Warm to the touch
Swollen
Numbness or tingling
Slow healing wound on the foot
What to do if you have symptoms Charcot Foot
Addressing Charcot Foot early can prevent deformity and further injury to the foot. If you are experiencing symptoms of Charcot Foot make an appointment with your physician quickly. While waiting for your appointment stay off of your feet as much as possible. At your appointment, make sure you specifically express your concerns about Charcot Foot. If your doctor does not take you seriously, ask for a referral to a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion. It never hurts to ask for a second opinion. Delaying prognosis can only cause more problems.
Remember, you are in charge of your health. Ask your doctor questions and advocate for your care.
How to get a correct Charcot Foot diagnosis
For Charcot Foot to be accurately diagnosed X-Rays will need to be done on your feet. Without an X-Ray there is no way to know for sure if you have Charcot Foot. An X-Ray will show small fractures or large breaks. It will also give your physician a baseline to go from in the future. If you don’t currently have Charcot Foot that is great news! An X-ray of your healthy foot will be helpful in the future if you do sustain an injury. You will have something to compare. If you do have Charcot Foot, the first X-ray will serve as the baseline, with future X-rays to show how the condition is progressing and if your foot is stable.
It is also common for doctors to order MRI’s or CT Scans of the feet when considering Charcot Foot. They like to get as many images as possible so they know exactly what they are dealing with and how best to proceed.
Talk to others with Charcot Foot
We have interviewed many people living with Charcot Foot about their experiences. Several of them, like Jessie, have shared their diagnosis experience. Lindsey provides wonderful tips for how she interviewed surgeons and advocated to get the Charcot Foot treatment she needed. Reaching out and connecting with others who are living with Charcot Foot can prove to be very beneficial.