by Edrees Team | Jul 3, 2017 | Featured, Dr. Hani Badhaddah, Articles | 0 comments
An article in Al-Watan newspaper with Dr. Hani Badhaddah (American Board-Certified in Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery) – 22:50 Thursday, July 25, 2019 – Riyadh: Manal Al-Ja’eed
Dr. Hani Badhaddah, a specialist in foot and ankle surgery and the treatment of diabetic ulcers, confirmed that diabetic patients are more susceptible to Charcot foot because they are prone to losing sensation in their feet and nerve damage due to diabetes. He pointed out that 25% of Charcot foot cases require surgical intervention.
Diabetic Foot Fractures
Badhaddah explained that Charcot foot, or diabetic foot fractures, is a condition that affects individuals with peripheral neuropathy and loss of sensation, weakening the bones and making them susceptible to fractures. It is completely different from fractures resulting from injuries and accidents and was named Charcot foot after the French doctor who discovered it.
Foot Shape
According to Badhaddah, Charcot foot or diabetic foot fractures are often preceded by an injury such as twisting the ankle joint or exerting unusual stress on the feet, such as walking long distances. When a diabetic patient develops Charcot foot, they will notice an increase in the temperature of the foot, as well as swelling and redness.
In some cases, there may be foot pain, and due to the loss of sensation in diabetic patients, they continue to walk on the affected foot, which can lead to multiple bone fractures and a change in the shape of the foot.
Difficulty in Diagnosis
Badhaddah stated that Charcot foot in its early stages may resemble some diseases such as venous thrombosis, cellulitis, gout, or osteomyelitis, making it difficult to diagnose in the early stages for non-specialists, especially since X-rays are usually negative and do not indicate the presence of fractures. He explained that the earlier the diagnosis of Charcot foot is made, the lower the complication rate and the lower the rate of surgical intervention. Therefore, if a diabetic patient notices these symptoms, they should seek a foot and ankle specialist to examine and diagnose the condition.
Treatment Methods
Regarding treatment methods for Charcot foot, Dr. Hani mentioned that there are no pills or injections to treat it at the moment. The primary treatment is to avoid walking on the affected foot and to apply a cast. The cast is changed initially after a week and then every two weeks for a period of 3 months, with X-rays performed at each interval. After 3 months, the patient’s foot is placed in a specialized medical boot designed for Charcot foot for another 3 months. After this period, the condition is evaluated to determine whether non-surgical treatment or surgical intervention is needed. He emphasized that 25% of Charcot foot cases require surgical intervention.
Preventive Measures
Dr. Badhaddah emphasized some guidelines for preventing Charcot foot, including maintaining blood sugar levels and regular follow-up with a diabetes specialist. Daily foot examinations, choosing appropriate shoes, avoiding strenuous physical activities, and seeking immediate medical attention when any foot symptoms are noticed.
Causes of Charcot Foot
– Peripheral neuropathy
– Loss of muscle support in the foot
– Loss of sensation of foot positions and pressure on them
– Loss of regulation of small blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow
Initial Signs and Symptoms of Charcot Foot
– Redness of the foot
– Warmth of the foot upon touch
– Swelling of the foot
Treatment Methods for Charcot Foot:
– Avoid walking on the affected foot and apply a cast.
– The cast is changed initially after a week and then every two weeks for a period of 3 months.
– The patient’s foot is placed in a specialized medical boot designed for Charcot foot for another 3 months.
– The condition is evaluated to determine whether non-surgical treatment or surgical intervention is needed.
To read the article on Al-Watan newspaper’s website:
