Diabetic Foot Care, Charcot Arthropathy, and Limb Salvage at MUSC

Why Choose MUSC for Limb Salvage and Diabetic Foot Care?

• Multidisciplinary limb preservation program
• Fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons and podiatric surgeons
• State-of-the-art surgical techniques and fixation technologies
• Research-driven, personalized treatment plans
• Strong outcomes in limb salvage, wound healing, and functional recovery
• MUSC Wound Care Clinic offering
• MUSC Prosthetics & Orthotics Services
• Routine foot care and preventative services thru MUSC podiatry

We are proud to serve as a regional referral center for patients with non-healing wounds, Charcot deformities, and high-risk diabetic foot conditions.

What We Treat

Charcot Neuroarthropathy (Charcot Foot/Ankle)

Charcot arthropathy is a rare but serious complication of diabetes and peripheral neuropathy that causes the bones of the foot or ankle to weaken and collapse. Without proper treatment, this condition can lead to:

• Severe deformity
• Chronic ulcers
• Recurrent infection
• Risk of amputation

We offer a full spectrum of care, from early diagnosis and offloading to surgical realignment and reconstruction of the foot and ankle, even in advanced stages.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Many patients with diabetes develop foot wounds or infections that do not heal properly. If left untreated, these can result in:

• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Gangrene
• Amputation

At MUSC, we emphasize early intervention, pressure redistribution, surgical offloading, and vascular optimization to reduce the risk of limb loss. When needed, we perform limb-sparing procedures such as:

• Tendon balancing
• Midfoot/hindfoot reconstruction
• External fixation for realignment
• Osteotomy and fusion

Key Ways to Protect Your Feet:

• Inspect your feet daily. Look for redness, blisters, or cuts.
• Keep your feet clean and moisturized. Avoid soaking.
• Never walk barefoot. Protect your feet with shoes, even at home.
• See a foot specialist regularly. Early detection of pressure points and deformity is critical.
• Manage your blood sugar. Good control promotes better healing and reduces infection risk.

We work closely with endocrinology, vascular surgery, infectious disease, and wound care specialists to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care.

Understanding Charcot Arthropathy

Charcot foot often develops without pain due to nerve damage. Patients may continue walking on an unstable foot, worsening the collapse. Early signs include:

• Warm, swollen foot (often mistaken for infection)
• Redness or subtle deformity
• Changes in foot shape over time

At MUSC, we offer:

• Advanced imaging for early diagnosis
• Custom bracing and offloading devices
• Reconstructive surgery for foot and ankle realignment
• Ongoing care to prevent recurrence

Prompt recognition and treatment can prevent irreversible deformity and maintain independence.