I will discuss Charcot neuropathic arthopathy or “Charot foot” in this blog. Charcot foot is named after a French neurologist J. Charcot. Charcot foot occurs when a foot becomes fracture and dislocated as a result of diabetic neuropathy. People with advanced syphilis were the first to be diagnosed with Charcot foot but sometime in the 1930’s doctors realized individuals with diabetes were also prone to this condition. Charcot foot occurs in four stages. In the first stage, someone loses their sense of sensation as a result of peripheral neuropathy. The second stage, this person has an unrecognized injury. This injury could be a fall, an auto accident or something as minor as bumping a foot on a piece of furniture. The third stage, the foot continues to become damaged by repetitive use. After all, this individual does not feel any pain and pain indicates something is wrong. In the final stage, blood flows to the injured area making the foot deformed. Charcot foot can be prevented if you take the following steps.

1. Never walk barefoot.
2. Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters and ulcers
3. Avoid extreme temperatures
4. Keep skin moist and soft, and
5. Wear appropriate and well-fitting shoes.

Another way to prevent diabetic neuropathy is to maintain good blood sugar control. The American Diabetes (ADA) recommends your fasting blood sugar remain between 90-130mg/dl and your blood sugar 2 hours after meals (post-prandial) is no greater than 180mg/dl. The American Academy of Endocrinologist (AACE) advises your fasting blood sugar remain less than 110mg/dl and your post-prandial blood sugar is no greater than 140mg/dl. Email me at askard@stablebloodsugar.com if you have any questions about this blog. Allison