Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) Disease - what is it, and what can you do about it?

1. Orthotic Management
Charcot Marie Tooth Disease (CMT)
Linda Laakso B.Sc.C.O.(c)
Custom Orthotic Design Group Ltd

2. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)
Also known as:
Peroneal Muscular Atrophy
Progressive Neuropathic Peroneal Muscular Atrophy
Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy
Hereditary Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction
a group of inherited disorders that affect the nerves outside
of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves)

3. Signs and Symptoms
vary patient to patient
weakness of the legs and hands
high arched feet
usually
start in clawed hands
the feet.
thin calves due to muscle atrophy
numbness in the feet and/or legs
may show in high stepage gait and/or "foot slapping" gait
childhood to
adulthood foot drop - difficulty lifting the foot

4. Diagnosis is made by a
physician who may use
nerve and/or muscle biopsy
nerve conduction test
and/or genetic testing

5. Prognosis –
CMT is a progressive disease
predisposes
the person
may lead to to injuries
• inability to
walk
weakness unassisted
can continue • lack of
to progress sensation

6. Management of CMT
There are no
treatments for
the disease, but
there are Physical therapy
treatments for Occupational therapy
the signs and Braces or splints (orthoses)
symptoms

7. Treatments
Help with walking
Silicone Ankle Foot Hinged Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) Flexible Ankle Foot
Orthosis (SAFO) Orthosis (AFO)
reduce chance of catching the toes, tripping or turning the ankles

8. Contact Information:
Linda Laakso B.Sc.C.O.(c)
Custom Orthotic Design Group Ltd. and The Orthotic Centre
Head Office: Toll free 1-866-829-2969
Mississauga: (905) 828-2969
Guelph: (519) 826-9890
Hamilton: (905) 540-9600
Oshawa: (905) 725-3523
for a copy of this presentation, please email Linda Laakso <lindalaakso at customorthotic.ca>