History/Causes
Types of CMT
Genetics
Diagnosis/Prognosis
Treatment
Living With CMT
New Research
Interesting Tid-Bits
Interview of Child With CMT and Family
References
Physical therapy sessions for people with CMT consist of low impact exercises and stretching. This is effective in preventing further tightening of the muscles and the formation of contractures. Braces and gait training have been proven to help drastically with walking and balance. Ankle-foot orthosis (AFOs), knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFOs), stirrup braces or splints, and custom shoes lessen the severity and frequency of ankle sprains. These devices have increased the energy level of people who live with the disease because they no longer have to concentrate on walking. Another useful form of exercise that can assist in maintaining range of motion is swimming; since it does not require balance or weight bearing and thus it is easy for people with CMT to do on a regular basis. (1-3)
“Therapists suggest entering into a treatment program early; muscle strengthening may delay or reduce muscle atrophy, so strength training is most useful if it begins before nerve degeneration and muscle weakness progress to the point of disability.”(4) Uneven muscle pull on bones can cause joint deformities, but this can be reduced or prevented by stretching. Aerobic activity is important for people with CMT because it sustains cardiovascular fitness and overall health.(1,4)
Surgery is also another option that is available for people with CMT. “Soft tissue surgery can be performed for correctible deformities to release contractions or to transfer tendons. For fixed deformities bone surgery is commonly performed as well as soft tissue surgery. This may involve joint removal, straightening or fusion.” (4) There is a wide variety of surgery options which range from straightening of the toes to major ankle surgeries. Surgery can be performed at any time in life but should be considered as a last resort for treatment. (4-5)
References
1Charcot Marie Tooth disease. HealthAtoZ: Your Family Health Site. 2002. Available at: http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/charcot_marie_tooth_disease.jsp. Accessed February 16, 2005.
2Stadler TS, Ross D. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease in a High School Tennis Player. Physician and Sportsmedicine. 2002; 30:47-51.
3CMT Frequently Asked Questions. Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation. 2005. Available at: http://www.hnf-cure.org/faq/faq.php?list=category&catnr=9&prog=cmt&lang=en&onlynewfaq=13. Accessed March 21, 2005.
4Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2003. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/charcot_marie_tooth/detail_charcot_marie_tooth.htm#What%20causes%20Charcot-Marie-Tooth%20disease?. Accessed February 20, 2005
5Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Disease. The CMT United Kingdom page. Available at: http://www.cmt.org.uk/living.html. Accessed March 28, 2005.