Charcot foot

[Dean Curwood]

Hi folks.
I have recently been diagnosed with charcot foot. I am currently having to wear a grey boot affair. I love to drive and am worried that I may have to stop altogether. Is it safe for me to drive or not and would it affect my insurance?

 

[Vonny]

Hi @Dean Curwood , I'm afraid I can't help but I'm putting a shout out to @Flower who I know has Charcot and may be able to help you. I suspect it will be a case of whether or not your GP recommends you give up driving, and it will depend on how the condition affects your ability to drive safely. Best of luck!

 

[Windy]

Hi Dean, my father had mobility problems with his legs and got an adapted car via motobility which gave him hand controls instead of having to use the foot pedals. I think he had to get an automatic, instead of a manual. Hopefully your GP can give you a better idea of if you can continue to drive in your current car, unadapted, or if you'd need to get something done to it to make it safe to drive.

 

[Flower]

Hello @Dean Curwood and welcome

I'm sorry you're dealing with Charcot foot it is a difficult complication to manage. Has your foot changed shape with fractured bones or is the boot to protect your foot and stop damage?

You need to let your insurance know and also ask for advice from the clinic that diagnosed Charcot and put you into a boot Driving in a boot would be a no go as you're not going to have control of the pedals or flexibility for control. I'd already had my licence revoked due to sight loss before Charcot foot happened so can't advise you from my experience but this is a useful thread from a few months back about driving with Charcot Foot - this forum member was out of a cast and had got custom made shoes so different from being in a boot . I hope it helps

https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/charcot-foot-driving.92738/#post-1061556

 

[Dean Curwood]

Hi everyone.

Many thanks for your prompt responses. It seems that I have a few questions to ask my diabetic specialists. Also contact my insurance company etc. I had been thinking of car adaptations. One further question I have for you all. Am I also classed as being disabled and should I be claiming PIP or anything?

 

[Flower]

You can apply for PIP, Charcot foot is a long term neuropathic complication that affects mobility and daily living activities. If you are in a boot/cast with reduced mobility or on crutches/non weight bearing then that is going to affect what you can do. Charcot is a long term thing, it can settle and flare up again and can be destructive to the joints and bones. It doesn't go away even though it may settle down.

The higher rate of PIP if granted allows you to use the Motability Scheme for leasing a suitable car if you need an adapted vehicle.

 

[Dean Curwood]

Hi Flower.

Many thanks for getting back to me on this. I am currently in a bit and the diagnosis is definite. Just waiting on MRI report to see what further treatment the hospital will advise. I am driving ok at the moment but it is something that I know will become more difficult. Is it worth applying for PIP now and then get adjustments as and when I need them?

Dean

 

[Kathieleigh]

Hi . I've just found your thread . My husband has charcot in both feet . He applied for PIP, and was refused . We appealed and still refused . I did get him a blue badge which helps somewhat .

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hi . I've just found your thread . My husband has charcot in both feet . He applied for PIP, and was refused . We appealed and still refused . I did get him a blue badge which helps somewhat .

Sorry to hear your application for PIP was refused @Kathieleigh

Were you given grounds for the refusal? Glad you have been able to get a blue badge, which should help a little.

Does your husband wear a cast on either foot? Or is it just the pain which makes things difficult?

 

[Kathieleigh]

Sorry to hear your application for PIP was refused @Kathieleigh

Were you given grounds for the refusal? Glad you have been able to get a blue badge, which should help a little.

Does your husband wear a cast on either foot? Or is it just the pain which makes things difficult?

Hi . He wore contact cast for 9 months , then boots . He's been given a pair of trainers through the NHS, which are falling to bits now . Because the shoes don't fit properly, he's getting blood blisters on his toes . He can't bend his ankles properly now , can't walk up stairs anymore . He gets alot of pain in his legs and hips too ,as he's had to learn to walk a different way .