
FAQ
Charcot Foot is a very serious condition that should be treated by your podiatrist and may result in the foot appearing red, warm and swollen without any pain. Clinical exam and visit to your podiatrist is absolutely necessary to begin prompt treatment but also to rule out other sources of redness, pain and swelling such as gout and foot infection.
The simplest way to evaluate for Charcot is to perform an X-ray to evaluate the bones and joints in the foot for normal alignment. X-rays can be used to track Charcot through the many phases to assure proper healing and resolution. If warranted the treating physician may order additional imaging studies such as an MRI, CT Scan or bone scan.
Typically the acute phase of Charcot lasts 4-6 months and immobilization is paramount in treatment to provide serious foot collapse and limb loss.
It is common for podiatrists to treat Charcot as they are specialists in the feet and treatment of foot conditions. The podiatrist typically will immobilize the foot and leg for a period of time during the acute phase of swelling, redness and warmth and later may depending on results consider surgical reconstruction if necessary.