&lt;h1 data-start=&quot;172&quot; data-end=&quot;224&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;225&quot; data-end=&quot;277&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em data-start=&quot;225&quot; data-end=&quot;277&quot;&gt;(Understanding Your Body&amp;rsquo;s &amp;ldquo;Communication Cables&amp;rdquo;)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;279&quot; data-end=&quot;691&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (often shortened to &lt;strong data-start=&quot;327&quot; data-end=&quot;334&quot;&gt;CMT&lt;/strong&gt;) is a group of inherited conditions that affect the &lt;strong data-start=&quot;387&quot; data-end=&quot;408&quot;&gt;peripheral nerves&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; the long nerves that connect your brain and spinal cord to your arms, hands, legs, and feet. Think of these nerves as electrical cables carrying messages back and forth. They tell your muscles when to move and send information like touch, temperature, and pain back to your brain.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;693&quot; data-end=&quot;1025&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;In CMT, these &amp;ldquo;communication cables&amp;rdquo; don&amp;rsquo;t work as efficiently as they should. The signals may travel more slowly, become weaker, or sometimes not reach their destination properly. Over time, this can lead to muscle weakness and changes in sensation, particularly in the feet and lower legs first &amp;mdash; and sometimes later in the hands.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;693&quot; data-end=&quot;1025&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;1032&quot; data-end=&quot;1058&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why Does CMT Happen?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1060&quot; data-end=&quot;1221&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is caused by inherited changes (mutations) in certain genes. These genes are responsible for building and maintaining healthy nerves.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;1223&quot; data-end=&quot;1277&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Depending on the type of CMT, the mutation may affect:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1281&quot; data-end=&quot;1384&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The &lt;strong data-start=&quot;1285&quot; data-end=&quot;1302&quot;&gt;myelin sheath&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; the protective coating that surrounds nerves and helps signals travel quickly&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1387&quot; data-end=&quot;1425&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Or the &lt;strong data-start=&quot;1394&quot; data-end=&quot;1416&quot;&gt;nerve fiber (axon)&lt;/strong&gt; itself&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1427&quot; data-end=&quot;1616&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;You can imagine myelin like insulation around a wire. If the insulation wears down, signals become slower and less reliable. If the wire itself is damaged, the message may weaken even more.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1618&quot; data-end=&quot;1854&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Because CMT is genetic, it often runs in families. However, the severity can vary &amp;mdash; even between relatives. Some individuals may have mild symptoms that are barely noticeable, while others may experience more pronounced muscle weakness.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1618&quot; data-end=&quot;1854&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;1861&quot; data-end=&quot;1889&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When Do Symptoms Start?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1891&quot; data-end=&quot;1939&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;There isn&amp;rsquo;t one &amp;ldquo;typical&amp;rdquo; age for CMT to appear.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;1941&quot; data-end=&quot;1960&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Symptoms may begin:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1964&quot; data-end=&quot;2011&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;In early childhood (for some inherited types)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2014&quot; data-end=&quot;2036&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;During teenage years&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2039&quot; data-end=&quot;2059&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;In early adulthood&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2062&quot; data-end=&quot;2085&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Or even later in life&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2087&quot; data-end=&quot;2328&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Often, the first signs are subtle &amp;mdash; maybe frequent ankle sprains, difficulty keeping up in sports, or unusual foot shape. Because symptoms usually develop slowly over time, they may not be immediately recognized as part of a nerve condition.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2087&quot; data-end=&quot;2328&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2335&quot; data-end=&quot;2366&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Makes CMT Different?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2368&quot; data-end=&quot;2549&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;CMT is considered a &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2388&quot; data-end=&quot;2413&quot;&gt;progressive condition&lt;/strong&gt;, meaning symptoms may gradually change over time. However, it typically progresses slowly, and life expectancy is usually not affected.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;2551&quot; data-end=&quot;2574&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;It&amp;rsquo;s important to know:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2578&quot; data-end=&quot;2605&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;CMT is &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2585&quot; data-end=&quot;2603&quot;&gt;not contagious&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2608&quot; data-end=&quot;2661&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;It is &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2614&quot; data-end=&quot;2659&quot;&gt;not caused by injury or lifestyle choices&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2664&quot; data-end=&quot;2774&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;It is &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2670&quot; data-end=&quot;2706&quot;&gt;not a form of muscular dystrophy&lt;/strong&gt;, although it does affect muscles indirectly through nerve changes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2776&quot; data-end=&quot;2869&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;CMT primarily affects movement and sensation &amp;mdash; not memory, thinking ability, or intelligence.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2776&quot; data-end=&quot;2869&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2876&quot; data-end=&quot;2909&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why Early Awareness Matters&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2911&quot; data-end=&quot;3152&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Because symptoms can start subtly and progress gradually, early recognition allows individuals to access supportive care sooner. Physical therapy, proper footwear, and strength-building strategies can help maintain mobility and independence.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3154&quot; data-end=&quot;3340&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Understanding CMT is the first step toward managing it confidently. With the right support and proactive care, many people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease lead active, fulfilling lives.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3154&quot; data-end=&quot;3340&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2101&quot; data-end=&quot;2132&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Common Signs to Watch For&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2134&quot; data-end=&quot;2185&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Symptoms usually develop gradually and may include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;2187&quot; data-end=&quot;2214&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Foot and Leg Changes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2217&quot; data-end=&quot;2242&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;High arches (pes cavus)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2245&quot; data-end=&quot;2256&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Flat feet&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2259&quot; data-end=&quot;2301&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Wasting (shrinking) of lower leg muscles&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2304&quot; data-end=&quot;2362&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&amp;ldquo;Foot drop&amp;rdquo; &amp;mdash; trouble lifting the front part of the foot&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2365&quot; data-end=&quot;2396&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Frequent tripping or stumbles&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;2398&quot; data-end=&quot;2425&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hand and Arm Changes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2428&quot; data-end=&quot;2454&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Weakness in hand muscles&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2457&quot; data-end=&quot;2512&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Trouble with fine motor tasks (e.g., buttoning a shirt)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;2516&quot; data-end=&quot;2538&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sensory Changes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2541&quot; data-end=&quot;2587&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Reduced ability to feel heat, cold, or touch&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2590&quot; data-end=&quot;2626&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Numbness or tingling in feet/hands&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2628&quot; data-end=&quot;2765&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Everyone&amp;rsquo;s experience is a little different, and some people with CMT have very mild symptoms that don&amp;rsquo;t impact daily life significantly.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2628&quot; data-end=&quot;2765&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2772&quot; data-end=&quot;2799&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Is CMT Diagnosed?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;2801&quot; data-end=&quot;2830&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Providers usually start with:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2834&quot; data-end=&quot;2894&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;A &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2836&quot; data-end=&quot;2853&quot;&gt;physical exam&lt;/strong&gt; (checking strength, reflexes, balance)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2897&quot; data-end=&quot;2924&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2897&quot; data-end=&quot;2922&quot;&gt;Family history review&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2927&quot; data-end=&quot;2987&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2927&quot; data-end=&quot;2955&quot;&gt;Nerve conduction studies&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2959&quot; data-end=&quot;2985&quot;&gt;electromyography (EMG)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2990&quot; data-end=&quot;3045&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2990&quot; data-end=&quot;3009&quot;&gt;Genetic testing&lt;/strong&gt; to identify specific gene changes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3047&quot; data-end=&quot;3136&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;These tests help confirm the diagnosis and sometimes offer clues about the genetic cause.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3047&quot; data-end=&quot;3136&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3143&quot; data-end=&quot;3167&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Can It Be Treated?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3169&quot; data-end=&quot;3285&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;There&amp;rsquo;s no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth yet, but there are &lt;strong data-start=&quot;3228&quot; data-end=&quot;3259&quot;&gt;excellent ways to manage it&lt;/strong&gt; and keep you moving well:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;3287&quot; data-end=&quot;3312&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Physical Therapy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3313&quot; data-end=&quot;3356&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Builds strength and keeps muscles flexible.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;3358&quot; data-end=&quot;3387&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Occupational Therapy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3388&quot; data-end=&quot;3449&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Helps with tasks that feel tricky, like buttoning or writing.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;3451&quot; data-end=&quot;3478&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Orthotics &amp;amp; Braces&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3479&quot; data-end=&quot;3543&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Special shoes or braces help steady your gait and prevent falls.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 data-start=&quot;3545&quot; data-end=&quot;3569&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cc99ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pain Management&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3570&quot; data-end=&quot;3634&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;If discomfort arises, your care team can recommend safe options.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3636&quot; data-end=&quot;3820&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Lifestyle habits like maintaining activity, avoiding long periods of inactivity, and using supportive footwear can go a long way in helping people with CMT stay active and independent.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3636&quot; data-end=&quot;3820&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3827&quot; data-end=&quot;3853&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #ff99cc;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Living Well with CMT&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3855&quot; data-end=&quot;4014&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;Charcot-Marie-Tooth is a lifelong condition, but with early recognition, supportive care, and the right tools, most people continue to live full, active lives.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #99ccff;&quot;&gt;The key is understanding how it affects &lt;em data-start=&quot;4056&quot; data-end=&quot;4061&quot;&gt;you&lt;/em&gt;, staying proactive with therapy and support, and asking questions along the way.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;4016&quot; data-end=&quot;4142&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Costochondritis: Chest Pain Causes, Symptoms & Relief Guide

Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD): Symptoms, Causes, and Care Guide

Coronavirus (COVID‑19): Symptoms, Causes & Prevention Guide

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Symptoms, Causes & Heart Health Guide

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Guide

Agoraphobia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Guide

Chagas Disease Symptoms & Causes | Trypanosoma Cruzi Infection Guide

Basal Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Cardiomyopathy: Symptoms, Causes & Types of Heart Muscle Disease

10 Diabetes Related Men’s Health & Urological Conditions

Diabetes

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Guide

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW