In addition to shopping for shoes to help Charcot foot, you might also look for custom orthotic insoles and/or ankle supports, depending on the joint or joints that are most affected. There has been some success with surgical correction, although recovery time is lengthy.
Below, you will see a brief explanation of some of the non-surgical options for people that have been diagnosed with the condition. Your doctor, podiatrist or orthopedic specialist should be able to tell you more about them.
Vitamin Therapy
The two primary causes of the deformity referred to as Charcot foot, which is characterized by high arches, poor muscle strength in the feet and hammertoes, are Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and diabetes. However, any disease of the joints, nerves or muscles can lead to the same deformity.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth is a genetic disease, for which there is currently no standard treatment, but there has been some success with high dose vitamin C; ascorbic acid. The deformity is a complication of type I and type II diabetes caused by nerve damage, which may be benefitted by a variety of nutritional supplements, as well as special shoes to help Charcot foot.
Ankle Supports
The condition progresses in different ways, depending on the underlying cause. For example, when the underlying cause is diabetes, the toes are often affected first. But, in most cases, the ankles are weak.
Since the ankle joint is weak and there may be limited sensation in the area, due to nerve damage, minor injuries can go unnoticed. As time goes by, more serious damage can occur, which is why it is so important to provide additional support to the ankles and to examine them regularly for swelling or redness.
Shoes to help Charcot foot should provide some ankle support, but supportive socks and lightweight braces are also beneficial. The latest designs are comfortable and thin enough to be worn under stockings and footwear.
Custom Insoles
Since the arch is usually very high, normal insoles will not provide the necessary support. Custom fit insoles or orthotics can provide the support that high arches need. They can be fit in the podiatrist's office or ordered through special providers online. Molds of the feet are taken in the office or in the patient's home. In general, it takes 4-6 weeks for delivery.
Footwear
Shoes to help Charcot foot should have a wide toe box and added depth. They should be adjustable to allow for swelling, while providing support when no swelling is present.
The added depth can accommodate custom insoles to support the arch and provides extra support for the ankles, without putting too much pressure on the ball of the joint. You don't want a boot. The shoes should fit comfortably just below the outer edge of the ankle joints.
Ideally, the shoes will be lined with a wicking material to keep the feet dry and help prevent fungal infections. Removable foot beds or insoles are also ideal in shoes to help Charcot foot, as they allow for a custom insole, when needed. Think soft, but supportive to maximize your comfort.