Charcot Disease :

Charcot foot is a disease that has many causes and typically involves the joints of the foot and ankle.



Causes
Diabetic neuropathy, syphilis (tabes dorsalis), meningomyelocele / spina bifida, nerve injury: spinal cord or peripheral nerves, leprosy , Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome


Symptoms
unilateral swelling, red skin siscoloration, warm temperature to affected extremity


Assessment
xxx


Prevention
xxx


Treatment
Aredia IV given in hospital infused over 4-6 hours to slow down disease, non-weightbearing for up to 2 months or cast.

After acute phase of disease is over patient may require surgical correction with external fixation to realign joints together. External fixation may allow patient to walk sooner.  If surgery is needed recovery time may take up to 1-2 years.