Charcot foot is a condition that affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the feet due to nerve damage. This type of neuropathy may show early symptoms, such as mild pain and discomfort in the feet, redness, warmth, or swelling. In later stages of Charcot foot, the bones in the middle of the foot may collapse, causing the arch of the foot to collapse as well. The toes may also begin to curl downward. People with Charcot foot are more likely to develop foot wounds and ulcers because of damaged bones deforming the feet, creating more spots where friction and pressure from walking or wearing shoes breaks the skin. These wounds may go unnoticed due to a loss of sensation from nerve damage in the feet and can become infected. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Charcot foot, please seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Kennedy Legel from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
- Numbness
- Sensation loss
- Prickling and tingling sensations
- Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
- Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
