Nerve abnormalities cause foot disorders.

Neuropathy, or nerve abnormality, is the main problem in diabetics' feet, not poor circulation--a common misconception. Charcot joint or Charcot foot, a disorder in which the joint or foot fractures or dislocates as a result of this nerve abnormality, was considered a rarity until a few years ago. However, there has been growing recognition of the disorder and an increase as the number of diabetics --now about 14,000,000--continues to escalate.

"The effect of Charcot joints is one of sudden, dramatic collapse in the extremities, occurring even without injury, and at times causing complete dislocation of the foot from the end of the leg," explains James W. Brodsky, assistant clinical professor of orthopedic surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.

"Orthopedists are now making great strides in reconstructing these deformities. The first step in managing the condition is early recognition. Most patients can then be treated with nonsurgical means. During the last century, researchers have postulated...

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