What are the long-term management strategies to prevent recurrence of Charcot foot in diabetic patients?

Long-term management strategies to prevent recurrence of Charcot foot in patients with diabetes include:

• Regular care by a foot protection service: Patients with foot deformities resulting from previous Charcot arthropathy are at high risk of ulceration and should be managed by a specialised foot protection service to monitor and prevent complications.
• Patient education and information: Provide clear oral and written information about foot care, footwear advice, recognising foot emergencies, and the importance of blood glucose control to reduce risk factors.
• Use of appropriate offloading devices: During acute episodes, non-removable or removable offloading devices are used to prevent further damage; long-term, appropriate footwear and pressure-redistributing devices should be used to minimise pressure and prevent ulceration.
• Regular clinical monitoring: Ongoing clinical assessment including foot-skin temperature monitoring and imaging as needed to detect early signs of recurrence or complications.
• Multidisciplinary foot care involvement: Continued involvement of a multidisciplinary foot care team ensures comprehensive management of foot deformities and prevention of recurrence.

These strategies aim to reduce mechanical stress, prevent ulceration, and detect early signs of recurrence to avoid further progression of Charcot foot in diabetic patients ¹.