Treatment for Charcot foot in its early stage is geared towards reducing swelling and heat in the area, as well as stabilizing the foot by keeping it immobile. It’s important to eliminate any weight or pressure on the foot to stop additional damage from being done. This is sometimes referred to as off-loading. Keeping your calves active and in good condition also helps combat cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and can lower your risk of injury. But if manual stretches prove too challenging to hold by yourself, Royer says a calf stretcher can help keep your muscles in a lengthened position for longer, allowing for a secure, relaxed stretch.

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Green B, McClelland JA, Semciw AI, Schache AG, McCall A, Pizzari T. The assessment, management and prevention of calf muscle strain injuries: A qualitative study of the practices and perspectives of 20 expert sports clinicians. Sports Med Open. 2022 Jan 15;8(1):10. doi:10.1186/s40798-021-00364-0 By keeping your feet healthily positioned and supported throughout your workday, it should stop poor posture habits such as crossing your legs or feet. Designs such as the Humanscale FR500 come with rubber, non-skid grips that prevent your feet from slipping while helping you maintain the most comfortable position possible. It’s most compatible with flat-soled, enclosed shoes whether that’s a pair of trainers, slippers, or smart work shoes. Charcot foot develops as a result of neuropathy, which decreases sensation and the ability to feel temperature, pain or trauma. Because of diminished sensation, the patient may continue to walk—making the injury worse. People with neuropathy (especially those who have had it for a long time) are at risk for developing Charcot foot. In addition, neuropathic patients with a tight Achilles tendon have been shown to have a tendency to develop Charcot foot. Symptomsof Charcot Foot

Fry AC, Smith JC, Schilling BK. Effect of knee position on hip and knee torques during the barbell squat. J Strength Cond Res. 2003;17(4):629. doi:10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017<0629:eokpoh>2.0.co;2 The Grid Roller has a sturdy construction, thanks to a hollow, reinforced core and a 500-pound weight capacity. Great for small spaces, it stores easily in a closet or under furniture. You can even use the hollow core as extra storage for smaller equipment, like towels, resistance bands, or jump ropes.

Charcot Foot – Rocker-Bottom Foot Deformity | Foot Health Charcot Foot – Rocker-Bottom Foot Deformity | Foot Health

Stretching works even better when combined with activity to keep your calves loose and healthy, Ourishian says. Simple exercises like standing calf raises can activate your muscles and increase their elasticity over time. The result? Strong, flexible calf muscles, plus better stability and balance. minimizing or eliminating all weight on the affected foot by using a wheelchair, crutches, or a walking scooter Activity modification. A modification in activity level may be needed to avoid repetitive trauma to both feet. A patient with Charcot in one foot is more likely to develop it in the other foot, so measures must be taken to protect both feet. Foot and ankle surgeons are the leading experts in foot and ankle care today. As doctors of podiatric medicine – also known as podiatrists, DPMs or occasionally “foot and ankle doctors”– they are the board-certified surgical specialists of the podiatric profession. Foot and ankle surgeons have more education and training specific to the foot and ankle than any other healthcare provider.

We like that this roller has plenty of padding while still being able to make a dent in tough knots. The grooved texture helps roll out tight areas and allows you to customize how much pressure you apply while stretching. And we love that the short length is easier to control, whether you’re working your calves or other muscle groups. However, the right length for a foam roller is a matter of personal preference, so this one may be too short for some. Internally, soft tissue swelling and small bone fractures are starting to occur. The result is destruction of the joints and surrounding bone. This causes the joints to lose stability, resulting in dislocation. The bones may even jellify, softening completely. In some cases, the Charcot deformity may become severe enough that surgery is necessary. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the proper timing as well as the appropriate procedure for the individual case. Preventive Care The Original ProStretch's unique stretching system has been proven to stretch lower leg muscles easier and far more effectively than conventional methods. This increased flexibility and range of motion along the entire inter-connective chain helps relieve and strengthen tight calf muscles, Achilles tendons, and foot muscles as well as enhance overall performance.

FR 500 | Ergo Foot Rocker from Humanscale

Trigger Point’s GRID 1.0 Foam Roller is designed to help you reap the benefits of self-myofascial release (SMR), a massage technique that’s often used by experts to improve mobility. Performing SMR using a foam roller has been shown to relieve pain and boost muscle activation—not just in your calves but also in the rest of your body. Several low-tech, nonsurgical treatments for Charcot foot may help arrest its progression. These include: The top surface of the footrest provides several options for consumers. Some footrests have a textured surface, which makes them anti-slip. That way, you don’t have to worry about your feet sliding off of it every few minutes. The texture can also help to increase blood circulation in your feet and legs when used without shoes. Designed by Sports Physiotherapy Professionals it's not just for 'Sporty' types, it's for anyone who suffers with this nagging, debilitating foot & leg pain! Custom shoes and bracing. Shoes with special inserts may be needed after the bones have healed to enable the patient to return to daily activities—as well as help prevent recurrence of Charcot foot, development of ulcers and possibly amputation. In cases with significant deformity, bracing is also required.

Diagnosis of Charcot Foot

Kucera T, et al. Charcot Neuropathic Arthropathic of the Foot: A Literature Review andSingle-Center Experience. (2016). DOI:

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Keeping blood sugar levels under control can help reduce the progression of nerve damage in the feet. It’s also a good idea to take proactive measures to loosen and protect your calves over time. Before working out, make sure to warm up your muscles and stretch properly using dynamic stretches. Warm-up exercises help improve your range of motion and take stress off of your joints and tendons to prevent injuries, according to the American Heart Association. Afterward, Duran recommends cooling down with some static stretches to lengthen your muscles. Be gentle, he says, to allow your muscle fibers to fully relax. It’s not just athletes who experience tightness in their calf muscles. Common culprits include inactivity, overuse, the mechanics of your walking or running stride, or wearing unsupportive shoes. Tight calves may be a result of conditions like diabetes or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can restrict the blood flow to your legs. Sprains, strains, tendonitis, cramps, or bone injuries may also contribute to tension in your lower leg, Ourishian says. Being on your feet all day, sitting for long hours at a desk job, and wearing unsupportive shoes can all lead to tight calves. While your calves might not currently occupy a spot in your normal stretching routine, it’s important to keep them loose because tight calves have a more limited range of motion, says Lindy Royer, PT, NCPT, a physical therapist and master Pilates instructor based in Centennial, Colorado. “Calf restriction limits not only mobility but strength, power, and endurance,” she explains.But tightness, specifically in the calves, can be found in runners, walkers, or people who wear high heels, Duran says. Dancers, who put frequent strain on their calves, may also find relief from using a smaller calf stretcher regularly. Immobilization. Because the foot and ankle are so fragile during the early stage of Charcot, they must be protected so the weakened bones can repair themselves. Complete nonweightbearing is necessary to keep the foot from further collapsing. The patient will not be able to walk on the affected foot until the surgeon determines it is safe to do so. During this period, the patient may be fitted with a cast, removable boot or brace and may be required to use crutches or a wheelchair. It may take the bones several months to heal, although it can take considerably longer in some patients. I love the Nooncrazy slant board because it has different ranges depending on each individual's mobility,” Vatche Ourishian, a fascial stretch therapist, corrective exercise specialist, strength and conditioning coach, and owner and performance director of Muscle Lab in Los Angeles, California, says. “It's also light and easy to travel with.”