Charcot Foot Support

foot deformity

The impact of Charcot Foot deformity

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Charcot Foot most often leads to deformity of the foot. The repeated weakening and fracturing of the bones in the foot cause the foot to become deformed. Many people with Charcot Foot deformity experience a “rocker-bottom” after their arch collapses. The deformity caused by Charcot Foot can cause many complications and impact those with Charcot Foot significantly.

Foot pain and ankle pain

The deformity caused by Charcot Foot can lead to foot and ankle pain. When bones fracture and consolidate it can cause pain because the bones don’t heal correctly and at times there are bone fragments in the foot. Those fragments can press against the nerves and tendons in the foot and cause pain. The “rocker-bottom” can also be painful. Pressure on the bottom of the foot can increase pain. Additionally, because of the deformity there may also be bony protrusions on other areas of the foot which may be painful.

While breakage of the ankle is less common with Charcot Foot there is still a potential for ankle pain. The AFO braces or CROW boots usually required for those with Charcot Foot can cause weakening of the ankle muscles. The lack of regular movements and use of the ankle due to the restriction of the braces causes weakening. Then when you do use your ankle more it is likely to hurt.

Mobility issues

Charcot Foot deformity is a primary cause of mobility issues. When in the acute stage of Charcot Foot most people are non-weight bearing so their mobility is impacted. But even in the other two stages of Charcot Foot the deformity can limit mobility.

The “rocker-bottom” destabilizes you as you attempt to stand and walk. The lack of balance often makes walking difficult. Even if you can walk for short periods the deformity can make it difficult and painful to walk for long distances.

Orthotics

Because of Charcot Foot deformity orthotics will most likely be necessary. Orthotics, braces, boots or inserts, help in several ways. First, orthotics help to protect your feet from additional injury. Boots and braces in particular serve as a layer of protection for your feet. The hard casing surrounding your feet may not be comfortable but it does help protect your bones.

Custom made orthotics are created using a mold of your foot and leg. Every bony protrusion, the rocker-bottom and any misshapen toes will be accounted for. The custom made orthotics ensure you won’t feel pain when wearing them, which means they shouldn’t cause any sores or wounds on your foot. We wouldn’t describe orthotics as comfortable but they should never be painful. If you feel pain or have any wounds or sores you should return to your orthotist immediately.

Foot deformities of any kind aren’t what any of us want. But the reality is foot deformity is a part of life with Charcot Foot. By wearing proper orthotics and following your physicians direction you should be able to manage the pain associated with foot deformity. Never hesitate to discuss any concerns or pain you have related to foot deformities with your physician.

Why is this happening to me? Beth shares her experience with Charcot Foot

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Beth is a 46-year-old Type I Diabetic who was diagnosed with Charcot Foot in 2010. She is sharing her experiences living with Charcot Foot in hopes of helping others.

When Beth first heard the words, diabetic Charcot Foot, from her physician she was confused. She had actually heard about Charcot Foot years previously but never thought it would happen to her.

“Diabetic Charcot Foot, he actually said diabetic Charcot Foot and I couldn’t believe it,” Beth said. “I had a good A1C, I took care of myself, how was this happening and why was it happening to me.”

Beth was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was only 18 months old. She reports in her early childhood her blood sugars were never controlled. Her home life was chaotic and her parents were unable to successfully manage her health needs. She was frequently hospitalized due to high blood sugar. It wasn’t until she was a teenager, when she was in control of her own health, that her blood sugar returned to a stable range.

She says she maintained her A1C consistently between 6.5 and 7.8 from the time she was 16 until she was in her early 30’s. At the age of 32, Beth experienced a significant trauma, her young son died in a tragic farm accident. The grief sent her into a spiral of depression.

“After Ben died I couldn’t function,” Beth says. “I was in such a deep depression and I couldn’t manage to get out of bed and shower most days, let alone take care of my diabetes. I spent close to two years with very high blood sugars while I tried to pull myself together.”

Eventually the grief and depression lifted, though still present, it wasn’t as intense and Beth was able to begin caring for herself again. Her blood sugars returned to normal and her A1C returned to 6.8. She was happy with the progress she had made and was even able to return to work for the first time since her son died. She was thrilled to return working as a nurse at her local hospital.

Not long after returning to work Beth experienced significant swelling in her feet. She said she thought it was due to working 12 hour shifts after a few years of laying in bed. But the swelling became intense and she noticed it was becoming harder to walk. Then one day she fell.

“I was walking back from the mailbox and went to step up on the curb and I just fell,” Beth says. “It was like my foot just gave out. It hurt but not bad. I got up and went back to the house and went about the rest of my day. That night I took of my shoe and was blown away.”

What Beth saw was a large bulge on the side of her foot. She knew instantly the bulge was from a broken bone. How had she broken her foot and not realized it? She was stumped. But she also knew from the color of her toes she needed medical care soon. Her toes were swollen and a blueish purple color.

At the hospital Beth underwent x-rays and her foot was in fact broken in several locations. She was referred to an orthopedic surgeon and met with him the next day. It was then she first heard the dreaded words, Diabetic Charcot Foot.

“I was angry when he told me,” Beth says. “I know there were periods of time that my blood sugars were high but overall I thought I was doing well. To find out I had this pissed me off. I knew what it meant for me and I wanted none of it.”

She wanted none of it but Charcot Foot was here to stay. Beth has now undergone two surgeries on her right foot and one surgery on her left foot. She has significant Charcot Foot deformity including the infamous “rocker bottom”.

“The Charcot Foot deformity has been rough,” Beth says. “My feet are so deformed it is almost impossible to walk. I haven’t been able to work as a nurse for the last five years. It still makes me sad and angry and I still wonder why this is happening to me.”

Beth does wear orthotics to help her walk which she says does help with the balance issues caused by the Charcot Foot deformity. She also regularly uses a knee scooter. She maintains her blood sugar at a healthy range and has experienced no other diabetic complications.

We thank Beth for being willing to share her experience on living with Charcot Foot. If you would like to share your experience please contact us. You can read about Jessie and Charlie’s experiences as well.