Charcot Foot
Description
This is a little-known but quite serious pathology of the bones of the foot, which are fragmented and cause deformities. It has several distinct phases, which must never be neglected either in the initial acute phase or in the chronic phase.
Charcot foot is one of the most serious consequences of diabetic neuropathies, characterised initially by swelling, pain and microfractures, and later by serious deformity of the joint and ulcers that may become infected, in turn infecting the bones and often making it necessary to amputate the affected parts.
Treatment types
A mixture of phototherapy, ultrasound and magnetotherapy complemented by TENS, if desired.
Method of action
Ultrasound
This form of therapy helps to build new tissue and ensure the proper alignment of the tissue fibres so that full strength and flexibility can be restored. In the case of a chronic illness, ultrasound can slow the development and help to manage symptoms.
Ultrasound therapy can:
- Provide an analgesic effect.
- Improve blood flow and restore normal cell activity to produce an anti-swelling effect.
Phototherapy — infrared
Since infrared therapy enhances and improves circulation in the skin and other parts of the body, it can bring oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues and promote healing. It helps to ease pain, relieve inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.
Phototherapy — blue light
Helps to relieve skin irritation and promote wound healing.
Magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy offers an anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling effect on top of its ability to reduce pain and improve blood circulation.
TENS
The electrical impulses reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain by temporarily ‘switching off’ the nerve endings of the affected area — thus, helping to relieve pain and relax the muscles. These impulses also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
