Some topics are easier to address than others. Discussing Achilles tendinitis is pretty straightforward and doesn’t make people cringe the way they might when we start talking about Charcot foot and diabetic foot collapse. This condition is not particularly pleasant, but understanding it allows you to take measures to prevent it from happening to you.

If you have diabetes, you have to pay closer attention to your feet than do otherwise healthy individuals. This disease can negatively affect your lower limbs in various ways. It can interfere with feeling sensations, decrease blood supply, and impede your body’s ability to heal itself effectively.

Diabetic foot collapse is a serious matter that happens on account of nerve damage (neuropathy) and diminished circulation. When you are unable to feel sensations correctly, you can sustain an injury to your foot without even knowing it. Diminished circulation means that your tissues are not receiving the nourishment they need, since the appropriate nutrients are delivered via your blood stream. Weakened bones are not as capable of handling the forces that accompany walking or even standing. All of this adds up to a condition where your foot arch collapses.

If you are unaware of foot injury, you will likely continue performing activities as normal. In turn, this can lead to greater damage. The cycle continues until you have a case of Charcot foot, which is an extreme deformity of your foot and ankle. There is treatment available for this injury, but you can decrease the odds of it happening to you by:

  • Inspecting your feet daily. This will clue you in to any injury.
  • Getting help early. As soon as you know something is wrong, give us a call and set up an appointment.
  • Low-impact exercise. You need to stay active, but pick exercises like swimming, bicycling, and yoga that do not place excessive pressure on your feet.

Our experts here at Foot Specialists of Long Island can help you or your loved one in two different ways: 1) creating an effective diabetic foot care plan, and 2) providing treatment when issues arise. We are committed to the safety and health of all our patients, so take advantage of our services and cut down your risk of having to deal with a serious complication like Charcot foot. Contact us right now and schedule your appointment online or call our Massapequa, NY office today at (516) 804-9038.

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