title: Physical management of the Charcot foot.
abstract: Charcot arthropathy places individuals at risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers and potentially subsequent limb amputation by means of altering the anatomy of the foot and ankle. Physical trauma is an important component to the etiology of the condition. The physical management of the Charcot foot is concerned with minimizing the stress applied to the affected foot and ankle skeletal structure. The most appropriate device is temporally dependent on the progression of the disease. At the initiation of Charcot arthropathy, care by total contact cast is recommended. As the affected bones begin to heal, use of a removable cast walker may be implemented. When the bones reach a fixed state, appropriate footwear is dictated by the degree of deformity.
authors.affiliation: Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research (CLEAR), Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA. ryan.crews@rosalindfranklin.edu
authors.forename: Ryan T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Crews
authors.forename: James S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Wrobel
mesh_terms: D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D011312:Pressure; D012775:Shoes; D016474:Weight-Bearing