Why isn't there a special name for the tops of your feet?
-- Lily Tomlin
Being diabetic can cause problems when our bodies and bones try to heal. And high blood glucose and neuropathy can affect our bones in general, which may be what's going on with my foot.
And I find that grossly unfair.
Since 2013 I have shared information here about my messed-up right foot.
It all began with the discovery in late 2012 that I'd broken my fifth metatarsal. I was unable to have surgery until the following February. For various reasons, the bone did not heal, and the metal screw the surgeon put in broke. So I still have a broken bone and broken screw in my foot.
Late last year the right ankle and foot started swelling, becoming tender and warm to the touch. I chalked it up to my diabetes and the swelling that happens from time to time.
But it had continued to be painful and uncomfortable. So with my "foot to the fire" so to speak, I got serious.
I finally went to my family doctor and he gave me a referral for an orthopedic ankle-and-foot doctor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. I went Wednesday.
I was apprehensive and nervous before the appointment, fearing the worst but hoping for the best. Of course it helped that my mother went with me. She held my hand and soothed me, which was just what I needed at the time.
My fears were unfounded. The new doctor is efficient, professional and knowledgeable. She looked at my X-rays and told me point blank what the issue was.
It was then that I realized it was not going to be the end of my world as I knew it. With some adjustments and attention to making sure I treat my foot with the care it needs, I will be fine.
KNOWLEDGE IS A BLESSING
So what did the doctor tell me? My diagnosis is Charcot neuroarthropathy.
According to the website of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (aofas.org), the condition may affect any part of the foot or ankle including the midfoot, hindfoot, ankle, heel and forefoot. It occurs in patients with peripheral neuropathy resulting from a variety of things, including diabetes.
Changes in circulation can be a culprit, too, causing bone weakening and susceptibility to fracture and dislocation. There may eventually be severe deformities of the foot.
The symptoms roll out in three stages.
In Stage 1 there may be marked redness, swelling and increased warmth of the foot and ankle.
(I realize now that I had experienced all that in the beginning, I just didn't know how to digest the knowledge.)
There may also be soft tissue swelling, bony fragmentation and joint dislocation in this stage.
Stage 2 brings on decreased redness, swelling and warmth. I think I'm getting here now. The doctor says the area isn't as warm as it could be and should eventually cool more.
In Stage 3 the redness, swelling and warmth should be resolved, but there may still be residual deformities.
What I need is a brace to realign my foot so I don't walk on its side.
There are two brace options, which I'll discuss after I have an appointment with the person who will fit me with a brace.
Unfortunately, Charcot foot and ankle can recur or flare up repeatedly. The condition is permanent. Patients need to continue using protective footwear, and limit standing and walking to the required activities for daily living.
I am scheduled to return to the doctor in late June. She'll check out my progress and we'll go on from there.
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ActiveStyle on 04/27/2015