Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease, also called CMT, is a degenerative peripheral nerve disorder causing muscle weakness and atrophy in the lower and upper extremities. The feet and legs are the first to show the effects of the disease. Due to nerve degeneration, muscles fail to receive the stimulation they require, resulting in curled fingers and toes. Commonly there is a high arch, claw toes and weak Achilles and patellar tendon reflexes.
There are many types of CMT, classified by the chromosome and gene make-up that is involved. These vary by severity of symptoms also, such as some with motor deficiencies while others involve sensimotor deficiencies. One type involves the vocal cords while the others do not. The term Dejerine-Sottas syndrome (DSS) is used to describe patients who are severely disabled and develop CMT in infancy. This condition does not affect mental function or decrease life expectancy and most persons with this condition lead productive lives.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- CMT
- Dejerine-Sottas syndrome (DSS)
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Foot and ankle weakness
- Change in gait – swaying from side to side and foot slapping to the ground
- Foot dragging
- Repeated ankle sprains
- Curled toes and fingers
Signs to look for:
- Changes in gait
- Atrophy in muscles of legs, ankles and feet
- High arch foot and curled toes
- Spindly calves and lower legs
- Reduced muscles responses and nerve damage found via objective testing
Possible Causes:
- Inherited gene mutation
Goals:
- Improve mobility and gait
- Provide arch support for feet
- Restore balance via arch support and shoe wear
- Decrease risk of falling and other injury
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
- Custom orthotics where prefabricated supports won’t fit shape of feet
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- For Smart footwear, stable heel to toe rockers, negative heel shoes or shoes with titantium springs
- May require custom shoes to accomodate foot shape
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Shoes with stretchable uppers if toes rubbing on shoe
- Wear heels and pumps minimally
- Walk barefoot minimally
Other:
- Spot stretching on shoes if toes rubbing on shoe
- Toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe caps, toe crests, etc. for claw toes
- Regular callus filing with pumice device (leaving cutting of calluses to a physician only)
Activities:
- Regular strength building program for lower extremities
- Regular stretching program
- Rotate weight bearing exercises (such as walking) with non-weight bearing exercising (such as swimming or bicycling)
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Text: PodiatryChannel.com, Charcot-Marie-Tooth.org