What is Charcot Foot?

3. Diagnosis and Tests for Charcot Foot

Early diagnosis is essential to avoid further complications of Charcot foot. The condition can be difficult to diagnose through imaging tests alone, so a doctor's ability to recognize the signs and symptoms is key. A hot, red, swollen foot should be treated as Charcot foot until an alternative diagnosis is confirmed.  Doctors will general combine an overall health check with x-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound to assess injuries and the status of the soft tissue. Nevertheless, sometimes doctors misdiagnose the condition as a bone infection, because the imaging results can look similar. An indium scan will assess the white blood cells in the bone and officially rule out infection. A temperature test can also be an indicator of Charcot foot.