Diabetic Foot Complications and Charcot Foot - Podiatrist Georgina Tay, East Coast Podiatry скачать в хорошем качестве

Diabetic Foot Complications and Charcot Foot - Podiatrist Georgina Tay, East Coast Podiatry

Charcot Foot in Diabetic Patients Diabetes can lead to multiple complications, including systemic breakdown, amputation, or even death. However, many are not aware of the specific consequences the lower limbs can face due to diabetes. For example, a flat foot in a diabetic patient is always a worrying sign to a podiatrist as it may actually be caused by a condition called Charcot's foot. Charcot foot is the result of multiple fractures across the foot and ankle over a short period of time. This causes the foot to collapse at different points, leading to a rocker-bottom foot deformity. Signs of Charcot's foot that you should keep an eye out for include swelling, inflammation, warmth, pain when resting or even when walking, flattening of the foot arch, ulcerations, or wounds. The end result of neglected Charcot foot is complete bone destruction, complex fractures across the midfoot, and deformity of the foot and ankle. With recurring wounds, this increases the risk of infection, which can lead to amputation of the affected limb and can be life-threatening in severe cases. Management of Charcot's foot depends on the stage of deformity, wound management, and offloading. Using serial casting in the early stages is vital to ensuring the survival of the lower limb and in some cases, the individual's life. Without timely intervention, a diabetic foot experiencing Charcot arthropathic changes can quickly deform to the point of irreversibility. This would leave patients with hard-to-manage foot deformities that will hinder their walking, increase their ulceration risk, and affect overall balance, making the individual more susceptible to falling. Patients with diabetes must check their feet daily for signs of infection and any kind of abnormal particularities. For individuals who are unable to do so safely, we often recommend that these regular checks be carried out by relatives or caretakers. Early intervention is always key when it comes to diabetic foot conditions.