Charcot foot is primarily caused due to diabetic neuropathy. The nerves of the foot get damaged due to loss of blood flow and subsequently the bones are also weakened. If a person continues to walk with Charcot foot without taking treatment, it can cause change in shape of his foot.
The joints of the foot are seriously damaged and in medical terms this disorder is called neurogenic arthropathy. Since the nerve begins to lose sensation the affected person will not feel any pain on his foot even when it is hurt or damaged. This condition gives rise to serious deformity and change in shape of the foot and hence diabetic patients should regularly check their foot to ensure that there is no nerve damage. There is every chance for the person to get his feet hurt without his knowledge and they will feel very minimal pain. Subsequently the bones begin to regenerate in shape giving rock like appearance on the foot. This in turn makes the muscles to withdraw support for the foot. Charcot foot affects the metatarsal bones of the feet and very often this affects both the feet.
Charcot Foot Causes :
The main cause for getting Charcot foot is diabetic neuropathy which reduces the sensation in the nerves. The nerves will not send signals to the brain when there is any injury or pain in the foot. Diabetes is the main cause for getting peripheral neuropathy and the patient will continue walking since there is no pain making the disease to worsen.
Charcot foot can be caused by peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury, neurosyphillis and Hansen’s disease. Normally such neuropathic disorders may take several years to develop, but Charcot foot can progress rapidly within a week or two. Any minor injury to the feet is enough to cause damage to the nerves. Due to repeated carelessness the position of the foot becomes worse which may again cause more injury to the jonts while walking. An individual with neuropathic problems like Achilles tendon is likely to develop Charcot foot.