title: Acute Charcot foot and diabetes: A primer for the vascular nurse.
abstract: The clinical findings of the acute Charcot process includes a swollen, warm, and erythematous foot; although pain may be present, it is often mild and out of proportion to the clinical examination. The diagnosis is confirmed by radiologic imaging, and the diagnosis must be considered in any patient with diabetic neuropathy and unilateral foot swelling. Initial treatment calls for immediate immobilization of the foot. Failure to do so can lead to further foot damage, destruction, and possibly amputation. The patient with acute CN requires referral to a multidisciplinary team experienced in the care of the diabetic patient with this devastating condition. Patient education is a crucial component of the treatment plan when caring for a client with CN.
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: anne.foley@uphs.upenn.edu.
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Foley
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D064646:Cardiovascular Nursing; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000150:complications*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005528:Foot; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic