What is the most common cause of Charcot Arthropathy?
Diabetes is considered to be the most common cause of Charcot arthropathy, although it can be caused by other medical conditions.
When a patient has diabetes and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), they are more at risk of developing Charcot foot.
Charcot foot is a serious foot complication that both diabetic patients and clinicians must be aware of. It can be difficult to deal with but having treatment as early as possible can reduce the risk of further problems, like developing a foot ulcer, permanent changes to the architecture of the foot, which may result in the need for amputation.
What are the signs and symptoms of Charcot foot?
The signs and symptoms of Charcot foot may include:
- Swelling
- Heat across the foot
- Change in foot colour
- Change in foot shape
Often, this can occur after a non-traumatic trip or slip that a non-diabetic patient would not otherwise notice but can lead to a subtle fracture.
If a diabetic patient reports any of these symptoms, the advice must be x-ray, followed by a repeat x-ray within 14 days. During that time, weight must be taken off the foot immediately, and an offloading boot provided.
If weight bearing continues during the initial period, there is a significant risk that the bony structure of the foot will change and cause a permanent deformation. Due to this, there is a profound risk of ulceration, which can lead to osteomyelitis. This significantly increases the risk of amputation.
A delay in diagnosis of Charcot Arthropathy can result in serious harm.
Why choose Tozers?
When you’re making a claim, you need a trusted, expert team on your side.
Our medical negligence solicitors are accredited members of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel and recognised as experts in their field.
We’re ranked Band 1 by leading legal directory, Chambers & Partners, praised for handling complex clinical negligence claims, and hold a Tier 1 ranking in the Legal 500 which highlights our team leader, Endurance Arthur, as a 'leading individual'.
Most importantly to us, our expertise is reflected in the positive feedback we receive from our clients.
How can we help?
If you think that you may have suffered an avoidable delay in diagnosis of diabetes or Charcot, or poor management our specialist medical negligence team can help.
While no amount of compensation can make up for a life changing injury or the loss of a loved one, we can assist by investigating what happened and help by providing answers. We can recover compensation for the pain and suffering, as well as loss of earnings, aids and equipment such as prosthetics or specialist orthotics, care and adaptation costs.
Our specialist team have many years of experience helping those affected by management of diabetes.
Make a claim today
We're ready to help you make your medical negligence compensation claim today. Contact our specialist solicitors for a free initial chat about your situation and find out how you can get started. Use our online enquiry form or call us at 01392 207 020.