Charcot's disease in diabetic patients. Correct diagnosis can prevent progressive deformity
Giurini, J.M.; Chrzan, J.S.; Gibbons, G.W.; Habershaw, G.M.
Postgraduate Medicine 89(4): 163-169
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-5481 PMID: 2000350 Document Number: 386829
Although Charcot's disease and its association with diabetes have been described many times in the literature, it is still often misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated as osteomyelitis, arthritis, or gout. The best safeguard is a high index of suspicion. A warm, swollen foot in a diabetic patient with long-standing neuropathy without local or systemic signs of infection must be considered Charcot's disease until proven otherwise. The principal treatment is total abstinence from putting weight on the foot until warmth, swelling, and redness subside. Protective weight-bearing methods may then be slowly instituted.