Charcot’s Joints
Charcot’s joints, also called neuropathic joint disease, is a
degenerative disease of the joints and is characterized by underlying
nerve damage that prevents any perception of pain from injury. This
disease can be caused from diabetes, syphilis and many spinal
diseases. The inability to discern pain leads to failure to treat
minor joint injuries, a failure that can ultimately result in serious
joint dysfunction, even to the point of destruction of the joint.
Diagnosis is made after a person with an underlying neurological
disease has joint damage with little pain. This can occur several
years after the first injury, and if so, the disease may accelerate the
degeneration and destroy the joint within a few months.
After discovery of the disease, the doctor should try to save the joint
by treatment of the underlying condition since this may save the joint
and reverse the condition. At any rate, regardless of what
treatment is performed, a healthy lifestyle of proper nutrition,
exercise and elimination of unhealthy habits such as smoking and a
sedentary life will help cure and prevent the disease.
