Diabetes is one of the most significant health challenges in the UK, with an increasing number of people affected by the condition. It is estimated that around 12.2 million adults are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes in the UK. Around 4.8 million of these have been diagnosed with diabetes, and approximately 90% of those individuals have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of various complications, including heart disease, stroke, vision problems, nerve damage (neuropathy), and in some cases, amputations. Charcot foot is one of the serious complications of diabetes, which can lead to lower limb amputations. What Is Charcot foot? Charcot foot is a severe condition where the bones of the foot or ankle deteriorate and become deformed. It's also known as Charcot arthropathy, with “arthropathy” meaning joint disease. Charcot foot is most common in individuals who have reduced sensation in their feet, often due to diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage caused by diabetes. What are the symptoms of Charcot foot The signs of Charcot foot typically include: Swelling; Redness; Increased warmth due to inflammation; Progressive joint deterioration, particularly in the foot and ankle areas. What causes Charcot foot? Charcot foot develops due to features of diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy reduces sensation in the feet, leaving individuals unable to feel pain or discomfort from minor injuries. This loss of feeling, combined with muscle weakness, increases the risk of accidental injuries like sprains or cuts, especially to the soles of the feet. The inability to feel pain means that injuries such as blisters can go unnoticed, and if left untreated, they can become infected. Continuous pressure on the affected foot can exacerbate bone and tissue damage, leading to serious complications and the need for amputation. Charcot foot typically develops gradually but can be triggered by a relatively minor injury, such as a twisted ankle, that goes unnoticed and untreated. About 25% of those who develop Charcot foot have had a recent trauma to the joint, such as a sprain or knock, within the last four weeks. Charcot foot can also be linked to inflammatory conditions, infections, thrombosis (blood clots), or even surgery. Who is at risk for Charcot foot? Anyone with diabetes is at risk of developing Charcot foot, but the risk is higher in individuals who: Have poorly controlled diabetes; Experience reduced sensation in their feet (neuropathy); Have impaired vision, making it difficult to perform regular foot checks; Already have foot ulcers. How can the risk of Charcot foot be reduced? Good diabetic management, including proper foot care, can help reduce the risk of Charcot foot. Individuals with diabetes should check their feet daily to identify any minor injuries as soon as they occur. If vision is impaired, it's essential to ask someone else to check their feet. If any of the following signs are noticed, immediate medical attention is necessary: Minor cuts, blisters, or redness; Swelling, warmth, or tenderness in the foot; Fluid or discharge from the foot; General signs of feeling unwell. The medical team may recommend: Antibiotics for any infections; Rest for the affected foot; A review of diabetic medication and management; Referral to a foot-care specialist or multidisciplinary clinic. Do I have a medical negligence Charcot foot claim? In cases where Charcot foot is not properly recognised or treated, patients may experience severe consequences, including permanent disability or amputation. Medical negligence claims can arise from: Failure to identify signs of Charcot foot; Failure to treat infections or ulcerations; Misdiagnosis of Charcot foot (e.g., mistaking it for a sprain, deep vein thrombosis, cellulitis, or arthritis); Inadequate referral to specialists or foot-care clinics; Failure to ensure the patient rests or immobilises the affected foot; Failure to monitor the condition, for example through X-rays; Surgical errors or improper post-operative care. Can I claim compensation for Charcot foot? Medical negligence relating to Charcot foot can lead to permanent disability, including amputation. This can affect mobility, independence, work and family life, and other daily activities. The emotional toll, the financial implications of lost earnings and medical costs are all significant consequences. If you have experienced disability or amputation due to negligent medical treatment of Charcot foot, compensation can cover: Loss of earnings and pension; Care costs (personal care and domestic assistance); Prostheses (artificial limbs); Rehabilitation services; Occupational therapy and physiotherapy; Home adaptations; Specialist equipment (e.g., adapted vehicles, wheelchairs); Psychological support (e.g., therapy or counselling); Ongoing medical expenses, including pain management. If you’re facing amputation or dealing with the long-term effects of Charcot foot and amputation and would like to find out whether you have a medical negligence claim, contact the specialist medical negligence team at Boyes Turner for advice and information at mednegclaims@boyesturner.com.
