One way to slow down CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) is through physical therapy. Physical therapy modalities such as stretching, strength training, and flexibility exercises can be used to help reduce the effects of CMT and improve the strength, tone, and overall function of affected muscles.
It’s important to find a physical therapist who is familiar with CMT, as some exercises may be more beneficial than others for those affected by the disorder. Additionally, occupational therapy can help people with CMT develop strategies to cope with daily life and modify activities of daily living to keep them safe and independent.
Other forms of treatment, such as bracing, can also be beneficial in helping to reduce the progression of muscle weakness. Lastly, medications such as calcium channel blockers have been used to help reduce pain and improve muscle strength in some people with CMT.
Can CMT stop progressing?
Yes, CMT can stop progressing. The progression of CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is thought to depend largely on the types of the disease, the stage of the disorder, and different lifestyle choices.
Many people with CMT experience a decrease in symptoms and a plateauing of their condition over time. However, the progression of the disease can stop if managed properly.
By making lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity, avoiding excessive exercise, taking vitamins and supplements, getting adequate rest and sleep, monitoring foot and limb deformities, wearing supportive shoes and braces, and being monitored by a neurologist, individuals with CMT can reduce the risk of disease progression.
Furthermore, early diagnosis and treatment options, such as orthotics, medication, occupational therapy, and surgery have proven to be effective in slowing the progression of CMT. These tools should be incorporated in a holistic approach to managing the symptoms of CMT.
With the right treatment plan, CMT can be managed and the progression of the disease can be stopped.
Can CMT be mild?
Yes, CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) can be mild. CMT is an inherited neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves and can affect people differently. While some people experience problems with walking, coordination, and movement in hands and feet, others may not have any symptoms at all.
Mild cases usually cause the least impairment and can be managed with lifestyle changes and physiotherapy. Symptoms may include lack of coordination, muscle weakness, tingling or pain in the extremities, and muscle atrophy.
In mild cases, the symptoms may not appear until later on in life, and can range from mild to severe. It is important to speak to a doctor to determine the best course of management and treatment.
Does CMT always get worse?
No, CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) does not always get worse. The progression of CMT varies greatly from person to person and is determined by the specific type of CMT that the individual is diagnosed with.
In some cases, the condition does not worsen with time, resulting in relatively mild symptoms that don’t require treatment or attention. For others, CMT may progress more rapidly, resulting in the development of more severe symptoms that may require ongoing treatment and additional medical management.
If an individual is diagnosed with CMT, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to provide an assessment regarding the specific type of CMT and the prognosis of the condition. Depending on the diagnosis and the individual’s specific needs, there may be treatments available to help improve symptoms, minimize muscle deterioration and control pain.
Therefore, CMT does not always get worse and may remain relatively constant, improving, or worsening.
How quickly does CMT progress?
The rate at which Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) progresses can range quite significantly from patient to patient. In general, CMT symptoms usually begin to appear in early childhood, but there can be considerable variation in the severity and progression of the condition.
In some cases, the symptoms may remain relatively mild, resulting in minimal disability. However, in other cases, CMT can progress rapidly and can cause significant physical disability over time.
The severity and progression of CMT will depend on the type of CMT the patient has. The main ones being CMT1, CMT2 and CMTX. CMT1 typically progresses at a slower pace than CMT2, and both types can be quite variable in their degree of severity and in the symptoms that they cause.
CMTX progresses more quickly than CMT1 or CMT2 and typically results in more severe symptoms and a much greater risk of disability.
In general, CMT progression can vary greatly from person to person and no two patients will experience the same rate of progression. It is important to have regular check-ups with a medical specialist, such as a neurologist, to monitor CMT symptoms, as early intervention can help to reduce the risk of disability progression.
What can make CMT worse?
CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, is an inherited neuromuscular disorder that affects nerves in the hands and feet. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, foot deformity, and impaired coordination, among others.
Unfortunately, there are a number of factors that can make CMT worse over time. These factors include:
1. Inactivity: Engaging in physical activities, such as walking and cycling, can help build muscle and reduce the severity of symptoms. However, prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to muscle stiffness, decreased muscle strength and coordination, and impacts on foot deformity.
2. Poor Footwear: Poorly fitted or inappropriate shoes or boots can cause long-term problems. Lack of arch support, heel height, and shoe cushioning can all cause CMT symptoms to worsen.
3. Injury: Injury to the feet, ankles, hands and wrists can all cause the symptoms of CMT to become worse.
4. Diet: Following a balanced diet and maintaining adequate nutrition can help improve overall health and well-being, as well as minimize the effects of CMT.
5. Weather: Colder temperatures can exacerbate CMT symptoms, as cold weather can cause muscle contraction and reduced blood flow to the feet and hands.
Managing CMT symptoms through lifestyle changes, Physical Therapy, and regularly prescribed medications is key to minimizing the effects of the disorder. By minimizing exposure to the factors above and adhering to a healthy lifestyle, people living with CMT can enjoy a better quality of life.
Can you build muscle with CMT?
Yes, it is possible to build muscle with CMT, or Contralateral Movements Training. CMT is a type of functional training that specifically targets muscles and joints, as opposed to traditional strength-training exercises, which focus on individual muscles.
This type of training involves one limb performing an isometric exercise, while the opposite limb performs a dynamic or concentric exercise. By doing this, individual muscles, or muscle groups, are targeted and strengthened.
Moreover, since both limbs, or sides of the body, are engaged—not just one—all muscles, including those in the core, are strengthened and muscles are activated in a balanced way, promoting functional strength and stability.
Ultimately, CMT can be used to build muscle and functional strength, making it a great option for overall athletic performance.
What can be mistaken for CMT?
CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is a sensory-motor neuropathy which involves progressive degeneration of the peripheral nerves. CMT can be easily mistaken for other diseases, especially if someone is unaware of the specific symptoms of CMT.
Some diseases that may be mistaken for CMT include Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), multiple sclerosis (MS), hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), and sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM). GBS and MS involve an inflammatory process of the nervous system, while HSP and sIBM involve muscle degeneration.
Additionally, muscular dystrophy, hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP), and neuromuscular junction disorders such as myasthenia gravis can resemble CMT.
In order to accurately diagnose CMT, a doctor will first conduct a thorough medical evaluation. Symptoms that may indicate CMT include muscle weakness, atrophy, foot deformities, numbness and tingling, and loss of reflexes in the lower legs and feet.
Diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography, genetic testing, and MRI or CT scans may be used to confirm the diagnosis. It is important to have an accurate diagnosis in order to begin an effective treatment plan.
What does CMT pain feel like?
CMT pain can feel varying sensations, which may be different for each person. Some common experiences include burning, tingling, severe tiredness, cramping, stabbing, and aching. The sensations can be felt in the arms, hands, legs, and feet, with some people feeling numbness and weakness in certain locations.
In some cases, people with CMT may experience what is known as ‘foot drop’, where their feet will feel as though they lose sensation and will be difficult to lift. At night, the pain may become unbearable, making sleeping difficult.
In rare cases, the pain can even reach a debilitating level, making it difficult to remain active or move throughout the day.
What is the average age for CMT diagnosis?
The average age for diagnosis for CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease) is between the ages of 8 and 13. The onset of symptoms usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood and the common misconceptions is that the disease is most commonly inherited, when it is actually due to a mutation or acquired during one’s lifetime.
CMT can be mild or severe based on the type of mutation or acquired condition, varying greatly from person to person. Therefore, the average age can vary as there is no universal onset. While CMT can be paralyzing, mild forms can remain asymptomatic, leading to a late diagnosis.
However, if there is gene mutation unveiled, diagnosis may occur frequently at young age. Signs and symptoms might change with the progression of the disease.
Is CMT degenerative?
CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is not a degenerative disorder in the traditional sense. It can cause progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, but does not get worse over time. The rate of deterioration for CMT is highly variable, with some people seeing little to no worsening of their symptoms over time, while others experience a more rapid decrease in function.
In general, the rate of deterioration is slower in less severe cases.
The severity of the symptoms of CMT vary greatly from person to person, with some experiencing mild symptoms while others experience more severe symptoms. While CMT can cause a progressive loss of strength and sensation in the arms and legs, it is not accompanied by the progressive deterioration or loss of other mental or physical functions that often characterize degenerative disorders.
Overall, CMT is not considered a degenerative condition, and its rate of deterioration can often be managed with physical therapy and other interventions. However, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider to discuss what methods may be the most appropriate for each individual.
What medications should be avoided with CMT?
Patients with Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease should avoid certain medications that could potentially worsen their symptoms over time. Examples of drugs to avoid include antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, amiodarone, dapsone, disulfiram, and statins.
Some antibiotics, such as those with sulfa moieties, can also be dangerous for people with CMT. Additionally, the symptoms of CMT may be exacerbated by certain medications that are commonly used to treat other disorders, such as chemotherapy drugs, fibrates, and beta blockers.
It is important to discuss with your doctor any medications that may have the potential to worsen CMT symptoms. It is also important to have an accurate diagnosis and evaluation of your CMT in order to be sure that drugs used to treat other conditions you may have do not interact adversely with CMT.
Should people with CMT take statins?
The answer to this question depends on the individual’s medical history and needs. Statins are made for managing cholesterol levels, which can be beneficial for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease.
High cholesterol, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is especially common in people with CMT. Statins, therefore, can be a useful tool in helping to prevent and manage the risk of CMT-related cardiovascular issues.
However, statins can also have some side effects, such as muscle weakness and pain, which may not be safe for people with CMT. Additionally, the use of statins may interfere with some medications used to treat the symptoms of CMT, making them inappropriate as well.
It is important to speak with a specialist or doctor to determine whether statins are a good choice.
Overall, statins may be beneficial for people with CMT but it is important to assess the individual’s individual needs and health history before making a decision. Consulting a medical specialist is highly recommended before beginning any kind of medication.
What triggers CMT?
CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is an inherited disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, which are nerves that control movement, sensation, and functioning of the muscles. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the genes responsible for building proteins needed to form and maintain healthy nerves, causing those nerves to be unable to properly conduct signals to the muscles.
The exact cause of the genetic mutation is not known.
Including exposures to toxins, viruses, and infections. It is also possible for CMT to be passed down from one family member to another through heredity. Those with a family history of CMT should consult a doctor immediately to discuss the possibility of genetic testing.
In some cases, identifying a specific gene mutation causing CMT can indicate which family members are at risk for the disorder.
In addition, CMT can be triggered by lifestyle and environmental factors, such as increased physical activity that places extra strain on the nerves, repeated trauma to the nerves, or aging. However, in most cases, it is still unknown what exactly triggers CMT.
What vitamins should CMT patients take?
CMT patients should take a range of vitamins and minerals to help support their overall health and well-being. B vitamins are especially important for CMT patients, as they help break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins, allowing for the production of energy, optimal cognitive function and the maintenance of nerve and muscle health.
B vitamins also help with the formation of blood cells and the production of the myelin sheath, the fatty layer that helps protect nerve fibers. Good sources of B vitamins include whole grains, eggs, legumes and nuts.
Other vitamins and minerals that are essential for CMT patients include vitamin D and calcium, which are important for bone health; vitamin C and zinc, which can help prevent nerve damage as well as support regular muscle function; and omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation.
Additionally, many CMT patients may benefit from supplements that contain creatine and amino acids. Supplements should only be taken after consultation with a healthcare professional, as they may interact with medications or other treatments.
