Charcot Foot Support

Charcot Foot

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.

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.

How to explain Charcot Foot to others

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We love getting questions from readers! We recently had a reader contact us and ask for tips on how to explain Charcot Foot to others. They expressed frustration that people rarely know what Charcot Foot is and even if they do know what it is they don’t seem to understand how it really impacts their every day life. As we read the email we could relate. Lack of knowledge about Charcot Foot is the main reason we started this website. This was a question we knew we could tackle!

Charcot Foot 101

We recommend starting with Charcot Foot 101 when explaining it to close friends and family. They probably have no idea what Charcot Foot is but it’s likely they want more information than your neighbor. In this situation we like to give a medical explanation and a personal explanation. Our medical explanation of Charcot Foot usually goes something like this:

“Charcot Foot is a serious condition, caused by peripheral neuropathy, which leads to the weakening of the bones, muscles and tendons of the feet. Charcot Foot can lead to deformity, disability and even amputation. Charcot Foot can’t be cured and I am likely to experience fractures in my feet and continued problems related to Charcot Foot throughout my life.”

Now, the above response really focuses on the medical aspect of Charcot Foot and what most people experience. It doesn’t give people a clear view of how it impacts you personally. We encourage you to give a more detailed explanation of your experience with Charcot Foot so people understand your situation a little better. It doesn’t have to be super lengthy if you aren’t comfortable with that but it can still give them a clearer view. Something like this would be completely appropriate:

“Because of Charcot Foot I’ve had one surgery on my foot and I have had to be non-weight bearing for five months. My arch has collapsed and I have a rocker-bottom foot which makes it very hard for me to balance so walking is challenging.”

This might also be a good time to give them some resources so they can understand Charcot Foot. You could refer them to our website where we have several articles about the stages of Charcot Foot, Charcot Foot Deformity and Charcot Foot Terminology. They can also find many journal articles and resources online. Jessie, even published a short E-book all about Charcot Foot, called I Miss My Shoes: Living with Charcot Foot.

Impact of Charcot Foot

Much of the frustration that we experience surrounding explaining Charcot Foot is clearly describing how it impacts our lives. Our family members or friends may think it is just a foot issue. They may have the false idea that after surgery we will be just fine. They may even think we are making a bigger deal out of it than necessary.

While this can be insensitive of them it is still our responsibility to be honest about the impact of Charcot Foot. With family members and friends we encourage open conversations about all the ways your life has been affected by this diagnosis. Explain the isolation you may be feeling, talk about the pain, describe the multiple doctors appointments and the frustration you feel about misdiagnosis or lack of treatment options. Charcot Foot can lead to depression and anxiety or exasperate those feelings, share how you are feeling openly and honestly. The only way people will ever understand is if we are honest about it.

If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your own experience or you want to help them understand how Charcot Foot varies between person feel free to share Jennifer, Jessie, Lindsay, Joe or Charlie’s stories with them.

Telling the neighbor lady

We all have the neighbor lady, the gentleman at the library, the paperboy, or some other kind but nosy person in our life who asks us questions. They may ask, “what happened to your foot,” or possibly, “what’s wrong with you”. In these instances we recommend only telling what you are comfortable with. It may be as brief as these responses:

“I have Charcot Foot, a condition that causes the bones in my feet to deteriorate and break.”

“I broke my foot.”

“I have a diabetic foot issue.”

“It’s none of your business and I don’t feel like discussing my medical history with you.”

Explaining Charcot Foot can be challenging but remember you are in control of the information you provide people. You can be in-depth with family and friends and you also have the right to provide no information. You can even change your mind based on how you are feeling the day you are asked. You are entitled to your feelings and allowed to tell people you don’t want to talk about it. You are also allowed to share pictures, tell surgery stories, or provide a ton of detail if you like. The ball is in your court.

Do you have questions about Charcot Foot? Contact us and we will try to answer them to the best of our ability or direct you towards a more appropriate resource.