Claiming Compensation for the Misdiagnosis of Charcot Foot
The misdiagnosis of charcot foot can mean that the patient continues to put pressure on their foot, causing further damage and increasing the risk of permanent disability. In such circumstances, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
What is charcot foot?
Charcot foot is a condition where an individual whose nervous system is not working effectively, develops deformity in the bones of the feet due to lack of sensation.
Lack of sensitivity in the foot can mean that, when an injury occurs, the individual continues to use their foot, causing further damage which may result in severe deformity. Fragments of bone may splinter causing further pain and damage.
The longer diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the more likely the patient is to suffer permanent disability.
Symptoms of charcot foot
A person who is developing charcot foot may be exhibiting the following symptoms:
- Pain in the foot and ankle
- Redness and swelling of the foot and ankle
- Altered shape and appearance of the foot
Diagnosing charcot foot
If a patient is exhibiting the above symptoms, it is essential that charcot foot is ruled out in order to avoid a lifetime of pain and deformity.
Medical professionals who have any concern as to their patient's symptoms should make a referral for an MRI scan or X-ray to examine the condition of the patient's foot. A failure to do this may result in the patient being given an incorrect diagnosis and false reassurance. The patient may not realise the likely impact of continuing to walk on their foot.
The fact that the patient is developing charcot foot may not be obvious at the outset, making it all the more important to check for this disabling condition.
Diabetes and charcot foot
People who are already suffering from diabetes are more likely to develop charcot foot and the condition is sometimes referred to as diabetic foot.
It is vital, therefore, that their pre-existing diabetic condition is taken into account when their medical professional is assessing the possible explanation for their symptoms.
A person with diabetes may suffer from poor nerve function in the legs and feet, causing them to fail to recognise the damage that is occurring. It is important that the visible symptoms are investigated.
Long-term disability
If charcot foot is misdiagnosed as, say, arthritis or an infection, the impact of continued use can be catastrophic. The bones and joints of the foot may continue to break down, causing additional physical problems, affecting the integrity and structure of the foot. The patient may lose their mobility.
Such an outcome may affect the patient's capacity to work and to function independently. They may become reliant on their family or carers to achieve even the simplest of daily tasks and personal care. The patient may no longer be able to drive.
They may suffer significant loss of income and the psychological impact may also be dramatic.
Medical negligence
If such a debilitating outcome is the result of a failure by medical professionals to make an accurate diagnosis or make a referral for tests, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A delay in diagnosis or a misdiagnosis will lead to a delay in treatment as well as allowing for further damage to occur. In the long-term, the patient's health and well-being are likely to suffer.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the on-going impact of charcot foot due to a misdiagnosis, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice and one of our team of experienced solicitors will be very happy to talk to you.
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