By Eileen Renders
Because there is so much information regarding this genetic disease, I will need to offer the most important facts associated with recognizing the symptoms and how it is treated. Charco-Marie-Tooth or CMT is named after the doctor who discovered it. It is a peripheral nerve disorder that is often associated with those of European descent. CMT most affects the peripheral nerves in the arms and legs. Charcot-Marie-tooth was discovered in 1886 by three physicians, two from France, and one from the United Kingdom.
Although CMT usually presents in adolescence or young adulthood, it may also develop in midlife. Charco-Marie-tooth can be noted by smaller, and weaker muscles. There is often a loss of sensation and muscle contractions, making walking difficult. There are foot deformities such as hammertoes, and high arches that begin in the feet, but they may eventually affect your hands and arms. Following is information as posted with Harvard on Charco-Marie-tooth.
Symptoms: weakness in the legs, loss of muscle bulk in your legs and feet, high foot arches, curled toes (hammertoes), decreased ability to run, difficulty lifting your foot at the ankle (footdrop), awkward or higher than normal step (gait), frequent tripping or falling, decreased sensation or a loss of feeling in your legs and feet.
Note, In young children, parents may see their children walking on their tip toes. Teens and young adults will have defined high arches, and little or no calf muscle, and walking is difficult.
Risk Factors, Because CMT is hereditary, you are at a higher risk of developing the disorder if anyone in your immediate family has this disease.
Complications, CMT differs in severity from one person to another. However, possible complications could include; Foot abnormalities, and difficulty walking and these abnormalities can often require surgery. Muscles may become weaker, and injury to those parts of the body in those who experience decreased sensation. Because other muscles may become involved, the disease can become more serious.
Diagnosis, There are a few different types of Testing to diagnose CMT as follows; DNA: A Test to target CMT genetic markers A Biospsy: A Nerve biopsy to ascertain the condition or
3. Electromyography (EMG): To determine the electrical activity of the muscle.
Treatment, Physical Therapy and/or Occupational therapy to improve function and gait ability, Orthotic braces, including Social Work Consultations.
For more information regarding Charco-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Visit https://www.cmtausa.org.
It is strongly recommended before taking any supplements obtain your doctor’s approval.
Eileen Renders is a retired nutrition counselor, health research writer, author, and publisher with more than a dozen published titles on www.Amazon.com She founded the First Wellness Center in Atlantic County in 1995 and was a provider for Cigna and United Healthcare.
