Charcot reconstruction may be a treatment option for patients who have diabetes and experience foot problems. Nerve damage and poor circulation to the feet can cause serious foot conditions in some patients with diabetes. The foot becomes deformed and the chance of stress fracture increases. Due to a lack of feeling in the nerves, the patients do not feel the pain associated with the stress fractures. The fracture gets worse as more walking occurs on the injured foot or ankle.
Very significant bone deformities can result from charcot disease. The treatment depends on the severity of the bone deformity at the time of diagnosis. Some cases require immediate reconstructive surgery and others can be treated in a boot.