Information for People in Cheltenham, Cirencester & the South West
If you have diabetes and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), you are at increased risk of developing Charcot foot. This is a serious but treatable condition that affects the bones, joints and shape of the foot.
Early diagnosis and treatment in Cheltenham, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, or Worcestershire can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications such as foot ulcers, infection, or amputation.
On this page:
- What is Charcot foot?
- Symptoms of Charcot foot
- Screening for Charcot foot in your area
- How to reduce your risk of Charcot foot
- Treatment for Charcot foot
- Coping with Charcot foot
What is Charcot Foot?
Charcot foot (also known as Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy) is a condition where the bones weaken, fracture and fail to heal properly, causing joints to dislocate and the foot to collapse.
It most commonly affects people with long-standing diabetes who have peripheral neuropathy. High blood glucose levels can damage the nerves, reducing sensation in the feet. This means injuries or fractures may go unnoticed.
Without pain as a warning sign, people may continue walking on the foot, causing:
- Progressive bone damage
- Changes in foot shape
- Increased pressure points
- Higher risk of foot ulcers and infection
In severe cases, amputation may be required, but early treatment can usually prevent this.
Symptoms of Charcot Foot
If you live in Cheltenham, Cirencester, or surrounding counties, seek urgent medical advice if you notice any of the following symptoms in your foot or ankle:
- Swelling of the foot or ankle
- Warmth (one foot feels noticeably hotter than the other)
- Redness or colour changes
- Changes in foot shape or arch
⚠️ Important:
If your foot suddenly becomes red, hot, swollen, with or without pain, stop weight-bearing immediately and contact your GP, podiatrist, or local NHS foot protection team.
“If you notice your foot has suddenly become red, hot and swollen, please immediately take the weight off your foot and seek urgent help.”
— Daina Walton, Podiatrist, King’s College Hospital
Charcot Foot Screening in Gloucestershire & Surrounding Areas
Everyone with diabetes should receive an annual NHS diabetic foot check. This includes screening for:
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Poor circulation
- Early signs of Charcot foot
If you live in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset or Worcestershire, this foot check is:
- Part of your annual diabetes review
- Free on the NHS
- Available through your GP surgery or diabetes clinic
How to Reduce Your Risk of Charcot Foot
You are more at risk if you:
- Have had diabetes for many years
- Have nerve damage in your feet
- Have poor blood glucose control
You can reduce your risk by:
- Checking your feet daily for swelling, redness, or shape changes
- Seeing a podiatrist or foot protection team if you have neuropathy
- Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol within target range
- Stopping smoking to improve circulation
- Attending all routine foot checks
Early detection in Cheltenham, Cirencester, and the wider South West can prevent long-term damage.
Treatment for Charcot Foot
If Charcot foot is suspected or diagnosed, you will be referred to a specialist diabetes footcare team within your local NHS trust.
Non-Surgical Treatment (Most Common)
Most people do not need surgery.
Treatment usually involves:
- Immediate off-loading (no weight on the affected foot)
- A below-knee plaster cast or removable protective boot
- Use of crutches, a wheelchair, or walking aids
This treatment can last several months or longer, depending on how the bones heal.
Once stable, you may be fitted with:
- Custom orthotic footwear
- Protective diabetic shoes to prevent ulcers
Although this can be life-changing, keeping the foot immobile is essential to prevent collapse and amputation.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is sometimes required if:
- The foot becomes severely deformed
- There is ongoing instability or ulcer risk
Your local footcare and diabetes team will explain:
- The type of surgery needed
- Risks and benefits
- Recovery time and aftercare
If You Are Having Treatment
- Do not remove your cast or boot yourself
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Contact your healthcare team if you have concerns or complications
Without proper treatment, Charcot foot can worsen quickly.
Coping With Charcot Foot
Living with Charcot foot can be physically and emotionally challenging. Support is available across Cheltenham, Cirencester, Gloucestershire and surrounding counties.
Support Available
- NHS diabetes foot teams
- Podiatrists and orthotists
- Diabetes support helplines
- Online diabetes communities and forums
You are not alone, and early help makes a real difference.
If you would like to see a podiatrist and get some expert advice, contact the Head Clinician at the Bourton Podiatry one of the most respected Podiatrists in the Cotswolds area. Telephone: 01451 824301 or Website: https://bourtonpodiatry.com/contact/
courtesy of diabetes.org.uk.