WHAT IS IT?
Charcot Marie Tooth Disease is an inherited disease that causes nerve damage, mainly in the peripheral nerves that affect the arms and legs of the body.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
Mutations in genes affect the nerves in your feet, legs, hands and arms. CMT is a hereditary condition, caused because of faulty mutated genes from either or both parents. There are many types of CMT caused by a variation of these different genetic faults. If anyone in your family has this condition, then you are at a higher risk of developing it.
SYMPTOMS
- Weakness in the hands, legs, feet and ankles.
- Hammertoes.
- High arch in feet or flatfeet.
- Awkward gait.
- Decreased sensation in legs and feet.
- Numbness that spreads from the arms and hands to the feet and legs.
TREATMENT:
No curative treatments are available but here are some treatments to relieve symptoms and assist with mobility issues.
- Physiotherapy exercises to strengthen muscles.
- Walking aids to provide support.
Surgery may be needed to correct severe cases of flat feet where present.