Charcot foot is described as neuroarthropathy of the foot, which typically manifests in the forefoot, midfoot and ankle region. This presents as hot red swollen foot that may be misdiagnosed as an infection or gout in the early phase with or without midfoot collapse.

Initial Diagnosis and Management

• Red, hot swollen foot
• Sudden onset of inflammation with warmth and edema, and erythema of the foot without a break in the skin or known point of entry for infection

Charcot foot generally presents with the following symptoms:

• Neuropathy, or loss of sensation to foot
• History of diabetes, anaemias, ETOH, severe or moderate rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders
• Symptoms of acute injury without known incident (i.e. red, hot, swollen foot)
• Will have good arterial flow, i.e. good pedal pulses

Charcot foot may or may not have the following symptoms:

• Pain in the affected foot
• No evidence of osteomyelitis
• Gross foot deformity
• History of or loss of foot architecture, i.e. mid foot collapse, severe lowering of foot arch
• Arthropathy affecting lower extremity
• During acute onset, charcot may have negative xray or bone scan
• During mid to late stages, may have obvious shards of bone or fracture

Labs
• ESR elevation
• Absent WBC elevation
• Baseline HbA1c of value in diabetic

Treatment of Charcot Foot

• Non-weight bearing on affected lower extremity until diagnosis confirmed.

Ongoing Management and Objectives of Charcot Foot

• To decrease the rate of toe, foot and lower extremity amputation with prompt referral of suspected charcot feet, or active foot ulcerations
• To manage each patient’s condition with a combination of mechanical, medical and surgical therapies tailored specifically for the unique characteristics of neuroarthropathy with/without ulcerations

Indications for Specialty Care Referral

All patients with suspected Charcot foot should be treated only by specialist care from a foot-care doctor or by chiropodists who deals with diabetic patients and the problems associated with feet. All charcot-foot patients should be followed-up by the primary care provider for treatment of all co-morbid conditions and routine care with the goal of optimal health & wellness for the whole patient

High Risk Diabetic Foot Evaluation Referral Guideline

High risk diabetic foot is a general term used to describe a variety of foot problems related to diabetes mellitus that may result in limb loss if unmanaged. These complications range from skin fissures to large non-healing feet ulcers that commonly originate from shoe related blisters or unidentified trauma and may potentially lead to amputation. Other factors that contribute to diabetic foot complications include: peripheral neuropathy (light touch, motor and autonomic), deep or superficial infections, structural changes and deformities (i.e., hammertoes, bunions, osseous prominences, Charcot joint, etc.), arterial and venous insufficiency, traumatic foot or ankle injury, or presentation of a foreign body.

Initial Diagnosis and Management

Below are the Risk Factors for the Charcot Foot:

Physical assessment of the foot to include:

1. Ulceration

2. Skin fissures

3. Presence of hemorrhagic hyperkeratotic tissue, excessive blisters

4. Absence of pedal pulses

5. Loss of protective threshold diagnosed with monofilament and vibratory testing

6. Foot deformity

7. Compromised nutritional status

8. End stage renal disease

9. Signs of lower extremity infection

10. Pallor of lower extremity on elevation and rubor of lower extremity on dependency

11. Maceration within digital web spaces

12. Charcot foot

Ongoing Management and Objectives

To decrease the rate of toe, foot, and lower extremity amputation in the diabetic population with referral of those patients considered to be at high risk for developing ulceration, infection, and Charcot foot deformities to a group of specialists who focus on mechanical, medical, and surgical intervention in the treatment of the diabetic foot and lower extremity.

Indications for Specialty Care Referral

Patients with any of the following should be referred to the LIMB PRESERVATION SERVICE/ WOUND CARE CLINIC:

Any diabetic patient with ulcerations, signs of foot infection, traumatic injury, presence of a foreign body or suspected charcot foot should be referred as an ASAP.

Patients with a combination of one or more of the signs and symptoms identified in the Initial Diagnosis and Management above should be referred as potential high risk to Mary Anne Landowski, RN who will perform a detailed foot evaluation and arrange for appropriate care.

Criteria for Return to Primary Care

After any acute problem has been appropriately treated.

Patients found to be at high risk for foot ulcerations should be followed in the Limb Preservation Service at intervals determined by the clinic providers in conjunction with the Primary Care Provider. These follow-up intervals will change based upon the progression or regression of the complications identified in each specific patient.

All patients should be followed by the primary care provider for treatment of all co-morbid conditions and routine care with the goal of optimal health and wellness for the whole patient.

Footwear

Improper or poorly fitting shoes are major contributors to diabetes foot ulcerations. Counsel patients about appropriate footwear. Patients with diabetes need to pay special attention to the fit and style of their shoes and should avoid pointed-toe shoes or high heels. Properly fitted and comfortable athletic, or quality walking shoes and sandals are highly recommended for daily foot-wear. If off-the-shelf shoes are used, make sure there is room to accommodate any foot deformities.