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Charcot Foot in Diabetics: Signs, Risks, and Treatment in Houston

A Condition That Often Goes Undetected Until It’s Advanced

Charcot foot (Charcot neuroarthropathy) is a serious complication that can affect people with diabetic neuropathy. It causes the bones, joints, and soft tissue of the foot to weaken, and in advanced cases, to collapse or shift out of position — often without the pain you’d expect, because neuropathy has already reduced sensation.

Early Warning Signs

  • Redness, warmth, or swelling in the foot, often in just one foot
  • A foot that looks different in shape than it did before — flattening or a visible change in the arch
  • Mild discomfort despite the foot looking clearly inflamed
  • A feeling of instability or difficulty walking normally

Because Charcot foot can look similar to an infection at first, it’s sometimes misdiagnosed in its early stages — which is exactly when treatment is most effective.

Why Early Treatment Matters So Much

Left untreated, Charcot foot can progress to significant bone collapse, deformity, and ulceration — dramatically raising the risk of infection and amputation. Caught early, it can often be managed with offloading, immobilization, and close monitoring, avoiding surgery altogether.

How HOPE Amputation Prevention Center Approaches Charcot Foot

Our podiatric team evaluates any sudden change in foot shape, warmth, or swelling in diabetic patients with a high degree of caution, working alongside our wound care and vascular team to protect the foot’s structure and prevent complications before they become severe.

Noticed a change in your foot’s shape or swelling? Call HOPE Amputation Prevention Center at (346) 400-4673 for an evaluation.

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Charcot Foot in Diabetics Signs, Risks, and Treatment in Houston

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Hope - Vascular and Podiatry

Dr. Miguel F. Montero
Vascular Surgery Patient Referral Form
Please Fax this for to 346-205-0221

    Vascular Surgery Patient Referral Form








    Preferred contact name and number (if other than patient):



    Reason for referral:


    Referred by:







    Questions? Contact client services at 346-541-6421
    7501 Fannin St. Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77054

    Hope - Vascular and Podiatry

    Dr. Brian D. Lepow
    Podriatry Patient Referral Form
    Plase Fax this for to 346-205-0221

      Podiatry Patient Referral Form








      Preferred contact name and number (if other than patient):



      Reason for referral:


      Referred by:







      Questions? Contact client services at 346-541-6421
      7501 Fannin St. Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77054

      Hyperbaric Oxygen Patient Referral

      7501 Fannin St., Suite 600
      Houston, TX 77054

      • 346.541.6421
      • 346.205.0221
      • hcic.io
      Hope - Vascular and Podiatry

        Hyperbaric Oxygen Patient Referral





        Wound details

        Wound Location




        Additional information

        Schedule a meeting

          Interested in becoming part of our growing referral network?
          Please schedule a personalized visit with our business development team.
          Fill this form out to join the growing network of limb preservation specialists.


          Appointment request form:



          Healing goes beyond the physical.

          HOPE Alliance is a support program designed to help patients and their families navigate the emotional and mental challenges that come with limb-threatening conditions. Through education, support groups, and meaningful connections, we create a space where you feel heard, supported, and not alone.

          Join HOPE Alliance and stay connected to upcoming events, resources, and support opportunities.


            Vascular Surgery Patient Referral Form
            Podiatry Patient Referral Form
            Hyperbaric Oxygen Patient Referral
            Schedule a meeting with our senior business development team
            Hope - Vascular and Podiatry

            Registration Form

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              III. Payment of Benefits:

              I direct payment to Hope Vascular & Podiatry of the Surgical and / or Medical Benefits, if any, otherwise payable to me for their services as described, but not to exceed the reasonable and customary charges for those services.



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              I hereby authorize Hope Vascular & Podiatry to release any information acquired during the course of my examination or treatment








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              HOPE Vascular and Podiatry

              Consent Form

              1. I hereby authorize, Dr Brian D. Lepow and/or Dr. Miguel F. Montero, and Anner Jimenez, NP to perform upon the named patient the following wound care and/or other treatment: Debride wound, removal of dead tissue, x-ray, labs/drawing blood, respiratory treatment and tests and the use of growth factors or other advanced technologies, as applicable. Dr Brian D. Lepow and/or Dr. Miguel F. Montero, and Anner Jimenez, NP has fully explained to me the expected benefits and complications (from known and unknown causes), attendant discomforts and risks that may arise, as well as possible alternatives to the proposed treatment and the anticipated results if the treatment is not performed. The treatment may include application of wound healing growth factors to improve healing. I have been given an opportunity to ask questions and all of my questions have been answered fully and satisfactorily.

              2. Any specimens/tissues removed may be examined and retained by the testing laboratory and its authorized affiliate for medical, scientific or educational purposes and such specimens/tissues or parts may be disposed of in accordance with accustomed practice.

              3. I acknowledge that no guarantees or assurances have been made to me considering the results intended from the wound care and/or other treatment.

              4. I hereby consent that photographs, tape recordings, videotape and/or movies may be taken of the patient named in connection with the medical and/or other services the patient is receiving. I further consent that a history of my/the patient’s social and medical problems may be taken by HOPE Clinical Innovation Center. Videotapes are used for educational purposes only. Recorded video tapes are not part of my medical record. Such photographs, tape recordings, videotapes, videos and/or histories may be published, shown, exhibited or otherwise used by the provider and its authorized affiliate may deem proper. I understand that neither myself/the patient nor members of my/the patient’s family will be identified by name in connection with any use of this material.

              5. I consent to the use of the information obtained during the course of my wound care treatment and stored in the HOPE Clinical Innovation Center’s database for the purpose of conducting research, and quality management activities. I understand that my identity will not be protected in any displays of this information at any time. I further agree that there are no restrictions placed on you or anyone related to the for the use of this information in the manner described above.

              6. I request that payment to authorized Medicare benefits be made either to me or on my behalf for services furnished to me by the provider. I authorize any holder of medical information about me to be released to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and its agents any information needed to determine these benefits or the benefits payable to related services. I understand that I am responsible for any amount not covered by insurance.

              7. I agree to allow HOPE Clinical Innovation Clinic to send me automated text messages to the number I have provided for appointment reminders and discharge instructions.