Free MRI Review
Schedule a Consultation
Click here

Charcot Foot

Charcot foot is a serious condition most often seen in people with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot weaken, leading to fractures, dislocations, and significant deformity. If not addressed, Charcot foot can result in severe instability, ulceration, and even amputation in severe cases.

Why Charcot Foot Requires Surgical Care

When Charcot arthropathy progresses, conservative measures like casting or bracing may no longer be enough. In advanced cases, the bones may collapse or shift, creating a “rocker-bottom” foot deformity. Surgery becomes necessary to:

  • Realign the bones for better stability
  • Reduce pressure points that can cause ulcers
  • Correct deformities that interfere with walking
  • Prevent further complications and protect against amputation
Schedule A Consultation

Charcot Foot Reconstruction Techniques

Reconstruction is highly individualized, depending on the severity of damage and which part of the foot or ankle is involved. Common surgical techniques include:

Osteotomy

Osteotomy

The Same-Day Experience

Cutting and reshaping bones to correct deformity.

Arthrodesis (fusion)

Arthrodesis (fusion)

Fusing unstable joints to provide lasting support.

Internal fixation

Internal fixation

Using plates, screws, or rods to stabilize fractured bones.

External fixation

External fixation

Attaching a frame outside the foot and ankle to hold bones in place during healing.

Why Charcot Foot Requires Surgical Care

When Charcot arthropathy progresses, conservative measures like casting or bracing may no longer be enough. In advanced cases, the bones may collapse or shift, creating a “rocker-bottom” foot deformity. Surgery becomes necessary to:

  • Realign the bones for better stability
  • Reduce pressure points that can cause ulcers
  • Correct deformities that interfere with walking
  • Prevent further complications and protect against amputation
  • Benefits of Reconstructive Surgery

While recovery requires patience, successful Charcot foot reconstruction can:

  • Preserve the natural foot structure
  • Prevent amputation in severe cases
  • Improve mobility and independence
  • Reduce pain from deformity and instability
  • Protect against recurrent ulcers and wounds

A diagram of a regular foot compared to Charcot Foot.

When to Talk to a Specialist

If you have diabetes, neuropathy, or any foot deformity that seems to be worsening, early evaluation is key. Charcot foot progresses quickly and is often painless due to nerve damage, meaning serious injury can occur before you realize it.

Reconstructive surgery, performed by an experienced orthopedic or podiatric surgeon, may be the best option to preserve mobility and quality of life.

Our team at Total Spine has experts dedicated to treating charcot foot and other conditions in the feet and ankles. If you’d like to make an appointment you can call (321) 499-4646 or fill out the form on this page.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for a consultation with a licensed healthcare professional.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Discover Our Success Stories

Healing journeys that speak for themselves.

Interview with Dr. Molloy

Patient feeling amazing after surgery

Interview with Dr. Molloy

Patient feeling amazing after surgery

Patient interview

Feeling Fantastic after Surgery!

Ready to go back to fishing

Patient feeling great after surgery

We can help you with the following conditions:

Lapiplasty

The Lapiplasty procedure is a modern approach designed to correct bunions at their source, restoring natural foot alignment in three dimensions.

Flatfoot Correction

Flatfoot, also known as fallen arches or adult acquired flatfoot deformity, occurs when the arch of the foot collapses. This condition can cause pain, swelling along the inside of the ankle, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods. Over time, the deformity may worsen, leading to joint arthritis, tendon damage, and impaired mobility.

Hammertoe Correction

Toe deformities such as hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe are common conditions that can lead to pain, corns, calluses, and difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably. These deformities are often caused by imbalances in the muscles and tendons that control toe movement, sometimes worsened by arthritis, genetics, or wearing tight footwear.

Charcot Foot

Charcot foot is a serious condition most often seen in people with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot weaken, leading to fractures, dislocations, and significant deformity. If not addressed, Charcot foot can result in severe instability, ulceration, and even amputation.

Foot and Ankle

Total Spine & Orthopedics treats common foot and ankle conditions with conservative and minimally invasive care in Melbourne and Orlando, FL.

Diabetic Foot Care

Our team of expert physicians provide comprehensive diabetic foot care including infection treatment, wound care, debridement, and more.
Schedule your visit online

Take the next step and schedule an appointment today

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Do you want to be contacted via text message?
This field is hidden when viewing the form