Charcot Foot

[RioLion]

I have recently been diagnosed with Charcot Foot by a foot doctor. He tells me to stay off my feet for the next 3 months. So I have crutches & a wheel chair - neither are fun.

I am a type 2 diabetic (3 years) and am on Metformin.

There does not appear to be any information on the use of supplements such as glucosamine / chondriotin / msg, absolveable calcium or zinc tabs. And I am looking forward hopefully to the day when my swollen foot heals. I will need information on preventive maintenance.

Does anyone have any reference on the use of supplements for this ailment?

[flosemae]

I have not found any info on supplements and charcot foot. I would love to know if they know of any that will help. Are you going to be placed in a cast or boot? What happened that caused your charcot foot ? By this I mean did you have some kind of trauma to your foot or leg? That is what usually causes an episode of charcot foot. I was on placed in a non wt bearing boot that is huge, but I will do anything to save my foot..Have you noticed any deforming to your foot? I am not trying to be nosey but am just looking for info like most. I have been in this boot for a month now and one toe has started to heal. I do have some deforming with my foot.If you find any info at all please let me know...and of course I will do the same...Thanks

[RioLion]

My podiatrist believes the cause of my Charcot Foot is my diabetes, thro the same doctor about 3 years ago diagnosed my foot problem as a hairline break. I had the same problem about 3 months ago and treated it myself with the boot and it went away after a few days. This time, however, my foot swelled up quite a bit and the problem did not go away - that was about 13 days ago.

As to the supplements, zinc is known to promote healing, calcium is good for bone health, and glucosamine / chondroitin are known to be useful in promoting joint flexibility. I suspect that the research is not yet in on the benefits to Charcot Foot. I will continue to use these supplements and on my next visit to the podiatrist, ask if he has any comments.

I will get back to you on this topic once I learn more about them.

[Tj12761]

Yes, glucosamine is for joint flexibility, but rarely do Charcot fractures happen in the joints. They are usually along long bone lines. As a diabetic, you should strictly monitor your blood sugar if you try taking this!

One medication that was used in my husband's care is Fortical. It's main uses are to promote bone strength in post menopausal women and in some types of seizures but his Doctor has been successfully using in with Charcot patients! It is taken as a nasal spray.

I've posted many places about his care. Here are 2:
http://forum.podiatrychannel.com/hc-forum/charcot-foot_peer-to-peer_f625/there-is-a-light-at-the-end-of_t49563.html

http://www.dlife.com/diabetes-forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=12615&sid=2ed6860402d7afb7db1f6b0bd3b45d2c

Tj

[heidif]

My podiatrist reccomended that I see my primary care and get on fosamax. He said that fosamax is thought to reduce the effects of charcot. As a diabetic of 30 years, I need to be careful with ibuprofen and its effect on my kidneys so he also reccomended Zeal as a natural anti-inflamatory remedy. I just was diagnosed with Charcot-so I have ordered the Zeal and am seeing my primary care physician this week to get put on the fosamax--so I don't know if either will help-but certainly am giving it a try.