There is a meme on the Internet of a cartoon dog sitting in a coffee shop, enjoying a drink. He’s the only one there at the time, most likely because the shop is engulfed in flames. Seemingly oblivious to the danger around him, he simply says, “This is fine.” As ridiculous as this sounds, it somewhat mirrors the damage of Charcot foot in someone who is unaware of it.
The deadening of sensation through the effects of peripheral neuropathy can pave the way to sores and fractures developing in a foot without the affected individual noticing. As the foot continues to be used, these problems grow worse until a full foot collapse and/or infection set in. This is the high danger of Charcot foot.
The earlier a developing problem such as this is detected, the better! Unfortunately, one might not be able to rely on feeling in the foot alone to determine whether something’s wrong. This is when eyes and fingers become important tools.
The starting signs of Charcot foot are mild, but important. Those who have diabetes, reduced healing factors, or other risks that raise their likelihood of Charcot foot should report them to a medical professional. Watch for:
- Redness or red marks on the foot
- Warmth to the touch
- Swelling
- Any of the above with no obvious sign of injury
In fact, it is wise to report any sort of foot abnormality to us at Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper if you are diabetic. Catching and treating potential problems early is like putting out the spark before it catches the café on fire. Then you can truly enjoy your coffee—and many more to come.
No issue is too small if you have a diabetic risk. Call our office across from IGA at (812) 481-7200 to schedule an appointment or consultation.