Charcot Foot Surgery

 

Charcot foot surgery can be performed by a podiatrist.

Charcot foot is a disease that has many causes and typically involves the joints of the foot and ankle.  Podiatrist in St. Louis can perform charcot foot surgery for charcot foot.  A podiatric surgeon must be at least 3 years surgical trained and have experience in diabetic foot surgery.  Dr. Dennis Timko is a podiatrist in St. Louis Missouri that can help.

Etiologies

• diabetic neuropathy
• syphilis (tabes dorsalis)
• meningomyelocele / spina bifida
• nerve injury: spinal cord or peripheral nerves
• leprosy
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome

Symptoms

• unilateral swelling
• red Skin Discoloration
• warm temperature to affected extremity

Treatment

• Aredia IV given in hospital infused over 4-6 hours to slow down disease.
• Non-Weightbearing for up to 2 months.
• Cast
• After acute phase of disease is over patient may require surgical correction with external fixation to realign joints together.  External fixation may allow patient to walk sooner.
• If charcot foot surgery is needed recovery time may take up to 1-2 years.