What Is Charcot Neuropathy (Charcot Foot)?
Charcot neuropathy, sometimes called Charcot foot or Charcot arthropathy, is a serious condition that affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues in your foot and ankle. It’s most common in people with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that reduces feeling in the feet).
Because you may not feel pain, small injuries can go unnoticed and worsen over time. If untreated, this can cause the bones to weaken and even break, leading to a collapse of your arch (called “rocker-bottom foot”) and other major foot deformities.
Early Signs of Charcot Foot to Watch For:
- Swelling in your foot or ankle
- Redness or warmth in one foot
- Foot or arch shape changing
- A feeling of unsteadiness or wobbling
How Is Charcot Neuropathy Treated?
Treating Charcot foot early is key. According to Dr. Patrick DeHeer, DPM, treatment happens in three stages:
Stage 1: Inflammation & Protection
- What’s happening: The bones in your foot are breaking down
- Your goal: Stay off the foot to reduce damage
- Treatment: Total contact cast, walking boot, or over-the-shoe brace like TayCo Acute XAB Brace
Stage 2: Healing & Stabilizing
- What’s happening: The bones are healing and starting to stabilize
- Your goal: Begin weight-bearing safely with support
- Treatment: Removable brace or the Acute XAB Brace over your regular footwear
Stage 3: Long-Term Protection
- What’s happening: Your foot is healed but at risk for re-injury
- Your goal: Protect and support your foot for the long run
- Treatment: Braces like Acute XAB Brace, diabetic shoes, custom insoles
Why the TayCo Acute XAB Brace May Be the Best Brace for Charcot Neuropathy
Many patients don’t like wearing bulky braces like the CROW boot because they’re heavy, hot, and hard to walk in. That’s where the Acute XAB Brace comes in.
It’s a lightweight external brace that fits over your existing shoe or boot, providing strong support without locking you into uncomfortable footwear.
TayCo Acute XAB Brace Features:
- Over-the-shoe design: No need to change your shoes
- Limits dangerous ankle movement: Helps protect healing bones
- Adjustable support: Can be set to fully restrict or allow motion
- Comfortable and padded: Better for all-day wear
- Custom-fittable: Trimmed or molded for your foot shape
People Choose TayCo Brace When:
- They can’t tolerate bulky walking boots or CROW braces
- They want to stay active while healing
- They need a brace that works with work boots or military footwear
- They want support during and after Charcot foot recovery
Take Control of Your Charcot Recovery
The Acute XAB Brace makes it easier to stay mobile, protect your foot, and recover faster. If you or a loved one is managing Charcot foot, talk to your doctor about using TayCo Brace as part of your treatment plan.
For additional information, view Dr. Patrick DeHeer's Treat Protocol for Charcot Neuropathy.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options.
