Charcot Foot Support

Charcot Foot Stages

Charcot Foot Terminology

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AFO, NWB, CROW, these are just a few of the acronyms you are going to hear shortly after being diagnosed with Charcot Foot. In fact, you are going to hear so many new terms your head may be spinning. To help you out we have put together this helpful guide to Charcot Foot terminology.

Charcot Foot: A condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot that can occur in people who have significant nerve damage (neuropathy). The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking, the foot eventually changes shape.

Peripheral Neuropathy: A result of damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body.

Neuropathic pain: Pain associated with peripheral neuropathy, often described as sharp pains, burning pain or the feeling of pins and needles.

Non-weight bearing: Often abbreviated as NWB. This means placing no weight on your foot. During periods of non-weight bearing you should use crutches, a knee scooter or wheelchair to move about.

CROW boot: Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker, abbreviated as CROW, combines an ankle/foot orthosis and a custom boot to aid in the treatment of Charcot Foot. The boot is designed to reduce plantar surface pressure with the familiar bi-valve configuration and rocker bottom sole.

AFO: An ankle-foot orthotic, or AFO, is a support intended to control the position and motion of the ankle, compensate for weakness, or correct deformities. It is prescribed for the treatment of Charcot Foot as it can protect the foot.

Podiatrist: Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who have been trained to diagnose and treat abnormal conditions of the feet and lower limbs. They also prevent and correct deformity, keep people mobile and active, relieve pain and treat infections.

Orthopedist: An orthopedic surgeon, a physician who corrects congenital or functional abnormalities of the bones with surgery, casting, and bracing.

Orthotics Practioner: Also known as an orthotist. They design, fabricate, and fit custom-made orthopedic braces, or “orthoses,” and fit pre-fabricated devices, and provides related patient care.

Prosthetist: A prosthetist designs, fabricates, and fits custom-made artificial limbs, or “prostheses,” and provides related patient care.

Amputation:  The surgical removal of all or part of a limb or extremity such as an arm, leg, foot, hand, toe, or finger. Amputation of the leg, above the knee (AKA) or below the knew (BKA) is the most common in those with Charcot Foot.

Physical Therapy: The treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery. Those with Charcot Foot often find physical therapy helpful to strengthen core muscles and aid with balance.

Occupational Therapy: A form of therapy for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life. Those with Charcot Foot can benefit from occupational therapy to assist them in learning to live with limited mobility issues.

Hopefully this guide to Charcot Foot terminology will be helpful for you. Are there other terms which were new to you upon diagnosis? We would love to include them to assist others.

Charcot Foot Stages

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Charcot Foot is a serious condition. It can lead to deformity, disability and amputation. The earlier Charcot Foot is diagnosed and treated the better outcomes a patient will experience. When Charcot Foot is diagnosed it is done so in one of three stages, acute, sub-acute and chronic.

Charcot Foot Acute Stage

When in an “acute stage” a patient will likely experience significant swelling, the foot will be warm to the touch and will likely be red. Frequently, misdiagnosis occurs during the acute stage as the symptoms are mistaken for signs of infection. During the acute stage, significant damage can be done to the bone structure of the foot. If x-rays are done during this stage they will likely show fractures and dislocations. 

During the acute stage of Charcot Foot patients are most likely placed in a boot or cast to immobilize the foot. They are also encouraged to remain non-weight bearing until the acute stage has passed.

Charcot Foot Sub-Acute Stage

The second stage, known as the “sub-Acute stage”, is characterized by healing. Patients will begin to see a decrease in swelling, redness will subside and the temperature of the foot will begin to return to normal. During this period the bones can still be damaged so it is important to remain non-weight bearing. 

Charcot Foot Chronic Stage

Stage three is known as the cool phase or the “chronic stage”. During this period the foot should have minimal swelling, no redness and be of normal temperature. X-rays performed during this stage will show consolidation of the bone. During this stage, patients are considered stable. The foot is not worsening in condition but will not improve. It is important to remember each stage can occur more than once and can occur at varying times in either foot.

Always talk with your physician if you have concerns about what Charcot Foot stage you are in. Only a doctor can make an official diagnosis.

What is Charcot Foot?

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Charcot Foot is a serious condition. It can lead to deformity, disability and amputation. The earlier Charcot Foot is diagnosed and treated the better outcomes a patient will experience. Charcot Foot cannot be cured and damage caused by Charcot Foot cannot be reversed.

Charcot Foot Acute Stage

Charcot Foot is often “staged” by physicians using three stages.  When in an “acute stage” a patient will likely experience significant swelling, the foot will be warm to the touch and will likely be red. Frequently, misdiagnosis occurs during the acute stage as the symptoms are mistaken for signs of infection. During the acute stage, significant damage can be done to the bone structure of the foot. If x-rays are done during this stage they will likely show fractures and dislocations.

Charcot Foot Subacute Stage

The second stage, known as the “subacute stage”, is characterized by healing. Patients will begin to see a decrease in swelling, redness will subside and the temperature of the foot will begin to return to normal. During this period the bones can still be damaged so it is important to remain non-weight bearing.

Charcot Foot Chronic Stage

Stage three is known as the cool phase or the “chronic stage”. During this period the foot should have minimal swelling, no redness and be of normal temperature. X-rays performed during this stage will show consolidation of the bone. During this stage, patients are considered stable. The foot is not worsening in condition but will not improve. It is important to remember each stage can occur more than once and can occur at varying times in either foot.

When first diagnosed with Charcot Foot you most likely headed straight to Google and searched for anything you could find on Charcot Foot. Chances are you came up with a lot of information about Charcot Marie-Tooth and not much information about Charcot Foot. The two conditions are often confused, so let me be clear, Charcot Foot and Charcot Marie-Tooth are two very different conditions. Charcot Marie-Tooth is an inherited neurological disorder while Charcot Foot is a condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot.