What is Charcot's Neuroarthropathy (CN)

Charcot's Neuroarthropathy Definition

Charcot arthropathy is a type of foot and ankle joint damage, most commonly seen in the foot, that results from diminished sensation. It is named after Jean-Martin Charcot, a famous French neurologist of the late 1800s, who recognized that patients with disease related loss of sensation developed severe joint deformity and destruction.

Charcot's Neuroarthropathy Symptoms and Anatomy

The typical patient has at least some numbness and cannot tell when the foot is overused. The overstressed bones begin to crumble and joint position is lost. The foot may collapse and develop calluses, ulcers, infection, and bone destruction.

Leading causes of Charcot arthropathy in the foot are:

• Diabetes
• Idiopathic (cause not known)
• Chemotherapy
• Heavy metal poisoning
• Vitamin deficiency
• Inherited neurologic disorders
• Nerve damaging infections

Symptoms in the foot of Charcot arthropathy include warmth, redness, swelling, and deep aching pain. These symptoms mimic infection of the foot and Charcot arthropathy is frequently misdiagnosed as "cellulitis".

Charcot's neuroarthropathy is closely related to other conditions caused by nerve damage. Diabetic foot is one of the most common causes of CN, as prolonged high blood sugar damages the nerves in the feet. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a hereditary neurological disorder that can also lead to foot deformities and loss of sensation.

Initially X-rays show slight irregularity of the bones' contour. Later, multiple small fractures, bony overgrowth, and severe deformity of the bone structure with collapse of joint position becomes apparent.

Charcot's Neuroarthropathy Treatment Options

Resurgens Orthopaedics offers non-surgical treatment options as well as surgical procedures for Charcot's neuroarthropathy. Initial treatment includes rest, immobilization in a boot or cast, elevation, and protected weight bearing with crutches or a scooter. Treatment is continued for many months until the fractures heal and the inflammation and swelling resolves.

Charcot's Neuroarthropathy Surgery

When the bony deformity causes a pressure point, skin calluses and ulcers may occur and lead to deep infection. Then, custom shoe liners (orthotics) are constructed to shield the prominent bony areas or the protruding bone is removed surgically. Your physician may recommend Charcot foot treatment to correct the foot position and stabilize it by fusing joints.

Schedule an appointment with a Resurgens physician today or call us at (404) 847-9999.