Charcot Foot: What It Is and How Podiatrists Help You Walk Again
If you’ve been told you have Charcot foot, you might feel overwhelmed—or even scared. It’s not as widely talked about as other foot problems, but it’s serious. Charcot foot can change the shape of your foot, affect your ability to walk, and put you at risk for wounds or even amputation if not treated early.
But here’s the good news: with expert care, you can walk again—safely, comfortably, and with confidence.
Let’s talk about what Charcot foot is, who it affects, and how podiatrists like the team at American Surgeons Group can help you heal and move forward.
What Is Charcot Foot?
Charcot foot (pronounced “shar-ko”) is a condition that causes bones in the foot to weaken, shift, and break down over time—often without you even noticing at first. It usually starts with nerve damage (neuropathy), which makes it hard to feel pain, pressure, or injury in your feet.
If you can’t feel when something is wrong, you may keep walking on an injured foot without realizing the damage is growing. Over time, bones collapse or shift out of place. Joints may loosen. The entire shape of the foot can change.
Who Gets Charcot Foot?
Charcot foot is most common in people who have:
Diabetes, especially with peripheral neuropathy
Nerve damage from other conditions
A history of foot injuries or surgeries
Kidney disease or other serious chronic illnesses
It's also more likely to occur in people who are overweight or have poor circulation in their legs and feet.
Early Signs to Watch For
Charcot foot usually begins quietly, but it doesn’t stay that way. Here are some of the earliest warning signs:
Redness or warmth in one foot
Swelling that doesn’t go down
Foot feels “hot” to the touch compared to the other
Changes in foot shape or arch
No pain—even with visible changes
The key here? Lack of pain doesn’t mean nothing is wrong. If you have diabetes or nerve damage and notice swelling or warmth in your foot, see a podiatrist immediately.
What Happens if It’s Not Treated?
Left untreated, Charcot foot can lead to:
Severe deformity (such as a rocker-bottom foot)
Chronic ulcers from pressure points
Infections
Amputation
But if caught early and treated properly, many people avoid these outcomes—and keep walking on their own two feet.
How Podiatrists Help You Heal and Walk Again
At American Surgeons Group, we create a personalized plan to help stabilize your foot, stop the damage, and support healing. Here’s how we do it:
1. Immobilization (Stop the Breakdown)
We use a special boot, cast, or total contact cast to take all weight off the foot. This is the most important first step. It usually lasts 8 to 12 weeks or more—depending on how severe the condition is.
2. Offloading Devices
Once healing begins, we may move you into a custom brace, orthopedic boot, or shoe insert that redistributes pressure and supports your foot’s shape.
3. Custom Orthotics or Shoes
To prevent future breakdown, we design footwear that fits your new foot shape and helps you walk evenly and safely.
4. Wound Care (If Needed)
If you have ulcers or open sores, we provide expert wound care to prevent infection and speed up healing.
5. Surgery (In Severe Cases)
If the foot becomes too unstable or deformed, surgery may be needed to realign bones, remove infected tissue, or stabilize joints.
What Recovery Looks Like
Healing from Charcot foot isn’t overnight. It’s a process—but one that’s absolutely worth it. With care and follow-up, most people return to walking, whether in custom shoes or a brace.
You’ll need:
Patience and time
Regular checkups
Daily foot checks at home
A strong care team backing you up
Our goal is simple: protect your foot, preserve your independence, and keep you mobile.
Don’t Wait—Early Action Makes the Difference
The earlier we catch Charcot foot, the better the outcome. If you have diabetes or neuropathy and notice swelling, redness, or warmth in one foot—even without pain—call us.
We’re Here to Help You Walk Again
Charcot foot can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. At American Surgeons Group, we’ve helped many people recover from Charcot foot and get back on their feet, one step at a time.
Let’s make a plan together. Book your appointment today.
