Charcot Foot Support

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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.

Living with Charcot Foot: Courtney’s Experience

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Every person living with Charcot Foot faces uncertainty. For Courtney, the uncertainty of Charcot Foot has become overwhelming. She says the emotional toll of Charcot Foot has been far worse for her than the physical impact. We are thankful Courtney has decided to share her experience living with Charcot Foot.

Multiple surgeries to treat Charcot Foot

Courtney has had multiple surgeries on both feet due to Charcot Foot and secondary infections. She has had ulcers that were slow to heal and has experienced many slow healing wounds due to diabetes and Charcot Foot. Her surgeries have included the removal of two toes, one surgery with an external fixator, two corrective surgeries to treat wounds and infection following her external fixator surgery and a surgery to clear infection from an infection related to an ulcer. She anticipates more surgeries in her future.

“I’ve spent 22 of the last 36 months non-weight bearing and recovering from surgery,” Courtney said. “A lot of people think I should just give up and go with amputation but I don’t want to go that route yet. I do think the surgeries have helped me keep my feet. I’m just not as mobile as I’d like to be.”

Currently, Courtney is being treated for another bone infection. She has an appointment with a surgeon soon and is fearful she is reaching the point where amputation is the only option.

Emotional impact of Charcot Foot

Courtney is 59-years-old and married. She has one adult daughter. Both her husband and daughter have been a good support to her but both are now urging her to consider amputation. Courtney is hesitant to move forward with amputation because the anxiety she now feels.

“I’ve been inside for so long now, shut off from the things I used to enjoy,” Courtney says. ” If I had the amputation I could probably walk again, go do things, travel. But the idea of leaving the house, talking to people, being in a crowd… it makes me have a panic attack just thinking about it. I think I use Charcot as an excuse now to just stay in and not deal with my anxiety.”

Prior to being diagnosed with Charcot Foot, Courtney says she experienced small bouts of anxiety and depression. Since her diagnosis she reports a marked increase in the frequency and intensity of her anxiety and depression. She has talked with her doctor about her feelings and has started taking medication to treat both the anxiety and depression but she has not sought out therapy services.

“I don’t want to talk to a therapist about it,” Courtney says. “I’m a private person. And I’d have to go to a therapist’s office and that is just one more trip my husband or daughter would have to help with.”

Coping with Charcot Foot

Courtney says coping with Charcot Foot has become her full-time job. Since she is home bound she says she spends a good deal of time researching Charcot Foot. She has recently become very interested in the nutritional component and says that since changing her diet she has seen an improvement in her Charcot Foot and feels better emotionally. She is now follow a high protein, low carb diet.

She took up crocheting when she was diagnosed with Charcot Foot and enjoys the feeling of accomplishment she has when she completes a project.

Courtney says she also notices a difference in her mood when she keeps her mind busy. She tries to complete a puzzle every week and it has become the family joke that no one can leave the house without getting three pieces put together. She also likes word searches, crossword puzzles and reading.

To help take some of the load off of her husband and daughter she orders almost all of her groceries through AmazonFresh. She is the second person we have met using AmazonFresh and she has been pleased with the service. She can have unlimited groceries delivered to her door for $14.99 a month.

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“I get creative and have figured out a way to have almost everything I need delivered to the house,” Courtney says. “I haven’t really walked or shopped in over two years now. It’s amazing how many things you can have delivered. Is it the way I pictured living my life, no, but I’m able to have my needs met and I think I still have a good life.”

Courtney is a very private person and we know sharing her experience with Charcot Foot was challenging for her. We are so very thankful she decided to push herself and share with us and our readers. We know Courtney isn’t the only person with Charcot Foot struggling with anxiety and depression. Even if you are stuck at home there are still options for mental health support. Consider giving Better Help Online Counseling a try or reach out to your local mental health center. Some therapists are willing to do home visits. Please know you aren’t alone.

If you would like to learn about the experiences of others living with Charcot Foot take a moment to read about Jessie, Jennifer, Charlie, Joe, Beth and Lindsay. If you would like to share your experience contact us.

Educating others about Charcot Foot

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Over time we have found very few know about Charcot Foot until they are diagnosed with it. By the time diagnosis happens it’s too late! The damage of Charcot Foot can’t be reversed and people are left lamenting and wishing they would have known about Charcot Foot before so they could have taken steps to prevent it. This is why we are so passionate about educating others about Charcot Foot. If we can spare even a few people from this condition it is worth it.

We recently stumbled upon a nurse and diabetes educator who shares the same passion of educating others. Nurse Master Charlie is his name and educating others in a fun way is his game! We found Nurse Master Charlie on Twitter when he shared a music video about Charcot Foot. Say what? A music video about Charcot Foot!?! It’s true! He wrote it and produced it and we LOVE it! We can’t wait to hear what you think.

Nurse Master Charlie has some other great songs out there. He also has some great informative and fun posts on Twitter. He is worth following and keeping up with. We think he will have some awesome new stuff we will all enjoy.

Chiropractic Care and Charcot Foot

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Many people with Charcot Foot never consider visiting a chiropractor or seeking chiropractic care. While a chiropractor cannot cure Charcot Foot there are many ways chiropractic care can be beneficial for those living with Charcot Foot.

Chiropractic adjustment

A chiropractic adjustment can be incredibly beneficial for those with Charcot Foot. We often spend so much time non-weight bearing or sedentary that it is easy for our spine to get out of alignment. How often do you find yourself laying on the couch with one foot elevated and experience pain in your lower back? It’s common! A visit to a chiropractor for an adjustment will realign your spine and reduce some of the discomfort associated with sedentary life.

When wearing a boot it is also very easy for your hips and pelvis to become unaligned. You may notice hip or knee pain the longer you wear a boot. A chiropractic adjustment will also realign your hips and pelvis. This can help prevent sciatic pain and reduce walking with a limp.

Total Health Chiropractic

Chiropractors often focus on the total health of their patients. It has been our experience that chiropractors take a more holistic approach than medical doctors. This can prove beneficial for those with Charcot Foot because of the wide range of health conditions and symptoms we have.

Total health chiropractic includes not just chiropractic adjustments but also looking at how nutrition impacts overall health. Chiropractors are often well versed in vitamin and mineral supplements. They can make well-informed recommendations to help improve your health and address any nutritional deficits you may have.

Whether you seek chiropractic care for a chiropractic adjustment or for total health chiropractic care it can help. There is no cure for Charcot Foot but exploring all health options, including chiropractic care can help decrease secondary pain and symptoms. As usual it never hurts to visit with your physician and seek their input on chiropractic care.

Charcot Foot Surgery

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One of the great debates among those living with Charcot Foot is their opinion on Charcot Foot surgery. Some people believe reconstructive surgery is the way to go. Others avoid surgery at all costs. In some cases surgery isn’t a viable Charcot Foot treatment option while for others it can’t be avoided. With all the different opinions how do you ever decide if Charcot Foot Surgery is an option for you?

We reached out to several people living with Charcot Foot and got feedback from them. We thought we would share some of their thoughts about surgery and what helped them make a decision.

Correcting Charcot Foot Deformity

Charcot Foot surgery is often performed in hopes of correcting Charcot Foot deformity. The goal of surgery is to remove bony protrusions and correct the rocker-bottom associated with Charcot Foot. In theory, this is a fabulous idea. Wouldn’t we all love to have an arch again and have a stable foot. The reality is reconstructive surgery for Charcot Foot is very rarely successful long term.

One important thing to remember is there is no surgery or treatment option that will cure Charcot Foot. No matter how successful a surgery is you will still have Charcot Foot and can continue to experience fractures. Keeping this in mind is important in making a decision about surgery.

Lindsay had reconstruction surgery for Charcot Foot and has experienced amazing results. She is one of the few we know who have had favorable results. Prior to her successful surgery she experienced a botched surgery. The second time around Lindsay interviewed doctors until she found someone specializing in Charcot Foot. She encourages others to do the same. She also prepped her body for surgery, taking supplements and eating a healthy diet to get her A1C in a healthy range.

Since having surgery she has regained about 50 percent of her arch and will be able to wear shoes with custom inserts.

Stabilizing Charcot Foot

Jessie also had surgery as a result of Charcot Foot. Prior to being diagnosed with Charcot Foot she experienced a Lis Franc fracture. When the surgeon went in to repair the fracture and dislocated metatarsals he recognized it was Charcot Foot. Jessie’s foot was stabilized with pins, plates and screws. While she healed well from surgery and her toes have remained in placed her rocker bottom persists.

Jessie and her surgeon agree that she will have no further surgeries. In her case, surgery is very high risk with a very low chance of success. The time spent non-weight bearing after surgery when it won’t lead to a long term solution isn’t something Jessie is willing to consider.

“I’m glad I had the first surgery,” Jessie said. “It did realign my toes and I can now walk with AFO braces. But the next surgery I have will be to amputate. I’m young, 39, with two small children. I’m not willing to have surgery, be non-weight bearing and not have a permanent fix. I miss too much time with them. I have no doubt I could rehab quickly after an amputation and be in a better position to parent than I would be sitting on the couch after multiple surgeries.”

Treating infection

Courtney has had multiple surgeries on both feet due to Charcot Foot and secondary infections. She has had ulcers that were slow to heal and has experienced many slow healing wounds due to diabetes and Charcot Foot. Her surgeries have included the removal of two toes, one surgery with an external fixator, two corrective surgeries to treat wounds and infection following her external fixator surgery and a surgery to clear infection from an infection related to an ulcer. She anticipates more surgeries in her future.

“I’ve spent 22 of the last 36 months non-weight bearing and recovering from surgery,” Courtney said. “A lot of people think I should just give up and go with amputation but I don’t want to go that route yet. I do think the surgeries have helped me keep my feet. I’m just not as mobile as I’d like to be.”

Creating a Treatment Plan

When considering Charcot Foot surgery or any Charcot Foot treatment option you should always work with your surgeon or physician to create a treatment plan you are comfortable with. For Lindsay, that meant finding a qualified surgeon and preparing herself for surgery so she would have the best outcomes. For Jessie, that means keeping her feet stable as long as possible and then moving forward with amputation. For Courtney, that means multiple surgeries with a goal of keeping her feet as long as possible.

The key to any surgery decision is your comfort level and your overall health. Each person with Charcot Foot is different. What may be a good plan for one person may be a horrible plan for another. If you aren’t comfortable creating a treatment plan with your physician you need to find a physician you are comfortable with.

No surgery decision can be taken lightly. You should always consider your risk factors and ultimate goals for living with Charcot Foot. Other factors to consider are:

  • Your A1C (If your blood sugar is not under control you should not have surgery)
  • Your overall health (Think blood pressure, weight, risk for blood clots, how well you heal)
  • Time away from work (How long will you need to be non-weight bearing)
  • Support from family and friends (You will need help in the first days/weeks after surgery)
  • Will surgery help you meet your long-term goals

Always talk over all of your concerns with your physician and never hesitate to get a second or third or fourth opinion.

Have you had surgery to treat Charcot Foot? If you are willing to share your surgery experience please contact us.