What Are The Causes And Complications Of Charcot Foot?

Charcot foot is a complication that occurs in individuals with peripheral neuropathy that involves an inflammatory process affecting the soft tissues of the ankle or foot, bones, and joints. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterized by a loss of sensation in the feet from incurred nerve damage in the feet and lower legs. Charcot foot occurs in three stages. Fragmentation and destruction is the first stage and is characterized by small bone fractures, soft tissue swelling, and complete joint destruction. Coalescence, the second stage, is where the body attempts to heal the first stage damage where the bone and joint destruction slows down. Reconstruction is the third stage where the bones and joints of the foot heal themselves up, but not back to their original shape or condition. No further damage is incurred to the foot, but it is left in a weak and deformed state.