The lived experience of active Charcot Foot in Diabetes Mellitus

Charcot foot is a rare but serious complication of distal, sensory neuropathy most frequently associated with diabetes. It can result in severe foot deformities, ulceration and potentially amputation. Off-loading via a knee length, non-removable plaster cast for an average of six months is gold standard treatment. Unfortunately in the absence of pain, owing to the neuropathy, many patients are extremely reluctant to accept such longstanding treatment.

There is limited research regarding the impact of Charcot Foot on patient experience, with previous work having used quantitative measures to explore quality of life or psychological issues. This research aims to explore the ‘Lived Experience’, or the significance that a diagnosis and treatment of active Charcot Foot has to the lives of those given this diagnosis. To ultimately identify ways to enhance the care of this patient group, this exploration focuses not only on the patient lived experience but also the perceptions of the practitioners who treat them.