Diabetes can cause major deformities in your feet and ankles. This foot deformity is a severe consequence of diabetes that requires immediate attention. Charcot foot describes these changes, which include your arch collapsing with bones, causing pressure in the center of your foot. The foot will continue to collapse without proper treatment, putting you at danger of developing a diabetic foot ulcer.
Charcot foot must be treated as soon as possible and assertively. You will most likely be immobilized at first to prevent your foot from collapsing. After that, you’ll be fitted with a therapeutic shoe with an insert that’s meant to relieve pressure on the bottom of your foot. A custom shoe may be required if your foot is already too misshapen to fit into a diabetic shoe. I may propose a custom ankle-foot orthotic to be placed in the shoe to provide extra support. In the most extreme situations, I may prescribe foot reconstruction surgery.
If you have diabetes and notice changes in your foot, make an appointment with the Houston podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center. Mention that you are diabetic and believe you have an issue when you call. Our staff will get you in as soon as possible!
