Diabetic Charcot Foot
Charcot arthropathy, also called Charcot foot, is often found in persons with nerve damage and diabetes because nerve damage doesn't allow for the feeling of foot pain. An injury that goes untreated can cause the foot bone to lose calcium and cause fractures, sores or change the shape of your foot. Other complications of Charcot foot include curled toes and a twisted and unsteady ankle.
Charcot foot affects people with diabetes or people who have nerve damage in their foot from other conditions, including:
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- An infection
- Foot sore that doesn’t heal
- Foot surgery
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Syphilis
Charcot Foot Symptoms, Diagnosis and Outlook
Charcot arthropathy can be difficult to diagnose. Often initial lab tests or X-ray images may not show Charcot foot. The specialists at Penn State Health have experience in diagnosing this condition and are regional experts in treating diabetic foot issues. Typical symptoms include:
- Foot is warm to touch
- Red flush color on foot
- Swelling and pain
If you have Charcot foot or other diabetic foot conditions need to have regular foot care with a podiatrists to manage symptoms and help maintain your quality of life.
Experts in Care
Meet our doctors, view their profiles and select the one that’s right for you.
Find a doctor near youWhy Choose Penn State Health for Care
Top-Ranked by U.S. News & World Report
Penn State Health includes the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, ranked as one of the best orthopaedic providers in the country by U.S. News & World Report. This honor was earned because our doctors consistently deliver exceptional patient care and outcomes through advanced treatments, translational research and provider training.
Experts in Podiatry
Penn State Health podiatrists are board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and American Board of Medical Specialties in Podiatry.
Coordinated, Specialized Care Through a Dedicated Institute
Our orthopaedic specialists work together through our dedicated Penn State Bone and Joint Institute. They provide you with multidisciplinary, tailored care and state-of-the-art treatments and technologies. All physicians at the institute are fellowship trained and subspecialize in additional areas of orthopaedics.
Support Groups
Support groups provide an opportunity to share your feelings and connect with other patients and caregivers who are experiencing similar struggles.
Convenient Locations
Find the care your family needs, close to home, at one of our many locations throughout central Pennsylvania.
Find a location near you