Charcot Foot & Ankle Reconstruction

Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey Our Services Charcot Foot & Ankle Reconstruction

Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey

Ankle and Foot Surgeons & Podiatrists located in Millburn, NJ & Livingston, NJ

Charcot foot breaks down the bones in your foot, often leading to a rocker-bottom foot or other serious deformities.  Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey offer expert minimally invasive Charcot foot and ankle reconstructive  surgery. This new minimally invasive approach has resulted in better outcomes and quicker recovery.  This procedure can restore the appearance and function of your foot and ankle and be life-changing for many diabetics. Call the office in your area or click the online scheduling tool to make your appointment.

Charcot Foot & Ankle Reconstruction Q & A

What is Charcot foot and ankle?

Charcot foot and ankle is a severe complication of diabetes. It occurs in patients who have peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in the feet), which leads to bone weakening and fractures. 

In many cases, neuropathy causes a loss of sensation in the feet, which means that people with Charcot foot and ankle often walk around on fractures without knowing it. This pressure eventually alters the shape of the foot. The foot structures may even collapse, particularly in the arch area, to cause a rocker-bottom appearance. 

What are the signs of Charcot foot and ankle?

Charcot foot doesn’t start with bone collapse. The early signs of the condition are less obvious but still warrant attention right away. If you have Charcot foot and ankle problems, you could have symptoms such as:

  • Foot swelling
  • Red foot
  • One foot feels warmer than the other one
  • Discomfort 

If you pay attention to the state of your feet and seek early care for possible signs of Charcot foot, the doctors can often help you to prevent progression using strategies such as custom orthotics, braces, and activity changes.Charcot foot and ankle reconstruction surgery can come in to help if Charcot  is already at a severe point, with major damage to the structures of your foot and ankle. 

What is Charcot foot and ankle reconstruction surgery?

Charcot foot and ankle reconstruction surgery is a restores the foot and ankle after severe Charcot foot or ankle damage. There are many approaches to Charcot foot reconstruction, including internal hardware and external hardware. Some surgeries may involve fusing joints together for improved stability in the foot. Ankle and Foot Doctors conduct their reconstructions using minimally invasive techniques.

The doctors recommend a specific surgical approach based upon the type of damage in your foot, your mobility problems, whether you have complications like diabetic foot ulcers, and other individual factors. In some cases,  minimally invasive techniques are used to rebuild  the foot and ankle. 

What are the risk factors for Charcot foot and ankle?

Charcot foot and ankle occurs in people with diabetes, most often in those under age 55 with severe peripheral neuropathy. It’s more common in people with a history of foot ulcers. 

Most people with Charcot foot and ankle have good circulation (or even increased circulation) to their lower extremities, but it’s possible to have peripheral vascular disease (PVD) alongside Charcot foot.

In many cases, people who need Charcot foot or ankle reconstruction already experience serious diabetes-related complications and are at risk of amputation. Charcot foot reconstruction can help to save your foot, restore your mobility, and enhance your quality of life. 

Reconstructive surgery can be life-changing for people living with Charcot foot and ankle. To schedule your consultation with a highly skilled surgeon, call the nearest Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey office or click on the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.

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