What Is Charcot Foot?
Charcot Foot is a very serious condition that occurs when the bones in your foot weaken due to neuropathy (nerve damage). This weakening of the bone causes bone fractures, which can lead to foot deformity and disability if left untreated.
Causes
Charcot Foot and neuropathy are both associated with diabetes. Having diabetes puts you at risk of neuropathy, which then puts you at risk of developing Charcot Foot.
Signs & Symptoms
Many people with Charcot Foot are unaware that they have the condition because neuropathy interferes with the ability to feel pain, changes in temperature, or when an 
injury occurs.
Signs and symptoms associated with Charcot Foot include:
- Pain & swelling
- Redness & warmth
- Instability of the foot
- Loss of feeling in the foot
- Deformity of the foot
Complications
Charcot Foot can lead to the development of other conditions and issues in the foot, such as:
- Bone infection
- Foot ulcers
- Calluses
- Bone spurs
- Compression on nerves or blood vessels
Treatments
Charcot Foot should not be left untreated, as this can lead to complete loss of feeling in the foot and/or complete loss of foot function.
Rest – Try to stay off the affected foot as much as possible. This will help to prevent your condition from worsening.
Shoe Inserts or Braces – Custom inserts or braces may be required to help you walk properly again. These will be required in cases of serious deformity of the foot.
Crutches, Cast or Wheelchair – These can help you keep the weight off your affected foot so your bones can heal.
Surgery – If the foot deformity is severe enough, surgery may be required.