What is Charcot syndrome?

Charcot syndrome, also known as Charcot arthropathy, is a condition where patients lose sensations in the feet or ankles and may experience dislocations of bones and joints or fractures without injury or trauma, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Changes in circulation can cause weakened bones.

Patients with Charcot syndrome experience increased warmth, swelling and redness in the feet and ankles, explains the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Fractures and dislocations that occur due to the condition can produce deformities of the feet or ankles which may affect the stability and flexibility of bones and joints.