Charcot’s foot is a condition that occurs in patients with peripheral neuropathy, where they don’t realize that they’ve injured or hurt their feet. This is because peripheral neuropathy creates numbness and tingling in the extremities. Patients who’ve been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy must have regular appointments with Knoxville Footcare in Knoxville, TN. Drs. Kelly Bumpus and Danielle Malin can identify Charcot before it’s too late.
Neuropathy softens the bones in the feet, making way for Charcot foot. This changes the build of the foot, allowing the arch to become the lowest area. This is incredibly painful because this new area of stress for the arch undergoes high amounts of pressure. This area becomes overwhelmed with ulcers and dangerous bacteria.
Your podiatrists at Knoxville Footcare encourage you to know the signs of Charcot foot. Be on the lookout for pain, redness, swelling, and heat stemming from the foot. Other medical professionals may mistake these symptoms for infection. This isn’t the case. That’s why you need an evaluation by your Knoxville, TN, podiatrist.
You can obtain a diagnosis of Charcot foot after a simple examination at our office. Earlier stages of Charcot foot won’t appear on X-rays. You will need to get an MRI or CT scan. Your podiatrist will find the areas that are breaking down.
Early intervention is needed to successfully treat Charcot foot. Your Knoxville, TN, podiatrist will stop an infection before it has a chance to set in. The first line of treatment is healing any already present sores or wounds. Then the foot needs immobilization. This keeps the bones from collapsing any further. This helps all the swelling and pain go down. You’ll need to use a protective foot brace to prevent a relapse.
Knoxville Footcare is available for all your podiatry needs. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kelly Bumpus and Danielle Malin, call 865-632-5700 or visit https://www.knoxvillefootcare.com/.