Do you know about a diabetes complica...
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Do you know about a diabetes complica...
| Wed, 10-24-2007 - 3:11pm |
Do you know about a diabetes complication called Charcot foot?
- Yes
- No
- Heard the name before but not sure what it is
You will not be able to change your vote.

Okay, so now I'll have to go google it and find out what it is...
Charcot foot is a progressive degenerative condition that affects the joints in the feet. It is associated with nerve damage (neuropathy) that decreases the ability to sense stimuli, including pain, and decreases muscular reflexes that control movement. As a result, the joints in the feet are subjected to repeated trauma and injury, causing progressive damage to the ligaments, cartilage, and bones.
--Deb
Thanks to everyone who voted in this poll! I am not surprised that most clicked "no."
The bottom line is that if you have diabetic neuropathy and suddenly get a red, hot, and swollen foot or ankle, you need emergency medical care. Those are symptoms of several dangerous conditions, including Charcot foot, but also infections and deep vein thrombosis.
I had the pleasure of interviewing a 48-year-old Houston mother of four who has diabetes and underwent foot reconstruction surgery because of Charcot. She said if her story helps educate other people with diabetes, she will be happy. You can read about her experience on the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons patient Web site, http://FootPhysicians.com.
It is considered a type of muscular dystrophy, and not sure why you are calling it a diabetic complication. OK, after seeing the other answers responses I looked up the MD disease, which is actually Charcot Marie Tooth disease. The CMT is genetic in nature and some indications of it include hammertoes and foot drop. I know about that because I was tested for that when it was determined well before the diabetes that I had neuropathy issues in various parts of my body. The doctor tested me for everything under the sun and I know he thought I had one of the variants of that disease. his final diagnosis was idiopathic neuropathy. which means I have neuropathy but they don't know the cause, although he was sure it was genetic.
So my answer would be i am somewhat familiar since i think the term "charcot" foot came out of the name of the MD disease. Both involve neuropathy.
actually looked on wikipedia and they say term is used for both causes(diabetic neurpathy ) and the foot part of the charcot marie tooth disease which usually definitely involves the feet as well as other body parts.