What is Charcot-Marie-tooth disease?

Fact Checked

Charcot-Marie-tooth disease is considered as a hereditary disorder that causes damage to the nerves within the legs and arms also. There is weakness of the muscle and a decrease in the size of the muscles as well as a decrease in sensation in the affected areas. Conditions common in Charcot-Marie-tooth disease usually include hammertoe and a high arch. The symptoms usually begin at the legs and feet but there is likelihood that it will also affect the hands and the arms.

It can make walking difficult if there is weakness of the muscles and loss of balance. Take note that the symptoms of the condition typically occur during adolescence or in early adulthood, but this also happen in middle aged people.

[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnyrIkfN8IU” width=”220″]

Symptoms

  • A curled toes like in hammertoes
  • The person frequently trips or fall
  • There is difficulty in lifting the foot at the ankle or foot drop and a decrease in the ability in running
  • There is loss of feeling or sensation in the legs and feet and the muscle bulk in the legs and feet are lost.
  • A high foot arch and an awkward or higher than the normal step or gait

As the indications of Charcot-Marie-tooth disease increases, it will not only involve the legs and feet but may also involve the hands and the arms. If you want to learn more about this condition and how to properly manage the symptoms, read here.

Charcot Marie tooth
There is difficulty in lifting the foot at the ankle or foot drop and a decrease in the ability in running

Causes

Charcot-Marie-tooth disease is a hereditary disorder that causes damage to the nerves within the legs and arms which are considered as peripheral nerves in the body. Charcot-Marie-tooth disease is also called as a genetic sensory and motor neuropathy.

There is weakness of the muscle and a decrease in size of the muscles. There is decrease in sensation in the affected areas. Conditions common in Charcot-Marie-tooth disease are hammertoe and high arches.

Treatment and home remedies

  • The individual should perform stretching every day in order to improve and maintain the range of motion of the joints. Stretching will also improve the flexibility, coordination and balance of the muscle; it also reduces the dangers of having joint deformity that can be caused by uneven pulling of the muscles of the bones.
  • In keeping the bones and muscle strong, the individual should perform exercises every day such as biking and swimming since they are less stressful on the fragile muscles and joints. Strengthening of muscles and bones gives improvement to the balance and coordination and minimizing the risk of falling.
  • Weakness of the muscles caused by Charcot-Marie-tooth disease can cause the feet to be unsteady which can result to falling and serious injuries. The person suffering from this condition needs to use a walker with a cane in increasing stability and good lighting at night helps in avoiding stumbling and falls.

Was this post helpful?

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call Now Button

The material posted on this page is for learning and educational purposes only. The information is not a substitute for attending a medical professional. If you require medical attention please consult a medical professional

[list icon="icon: check" icon_color="#11ae34"]

  • All 1staidcprcourse.com content is reviewed by a medical professional and / sourced to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

  • We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable websites, academic research institutions and medical articles.

  • If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us through our contact us page.

[/list]