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Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)

Are you noticing progressive weakness in your feet or lower legs, frequent tripping, or muscle wasting that is beginning to affect your mobility? These could be signs of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). While there is no cure, physical therapy plays a powerful role in helping you maintain function and stay independent.

At Rose Physical Therapy, with locations in Navy Yard, Friendship Heights, and Farragut North, our expert therapists work one-on-one with those living with CMT to optimize quality of life and manage symptoms effectively.

Understanding CMT: A Hereditary Nerve Condition

CMT is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders, affecting approximately 1 in 2,500 people in the United States. It involves the degeneration of the myelin sheath (protective covering) or the axons (nerve fibers) of the peripheral nerves.

Common Features and Contributors

  • Genetic Inheritance: CMT is passed down through families, most commonly via autosomal dominant patterns.

  • Nerve Conduction Issues: Slowed signal transmission due to myelin or axonal damage is a hallmark of the disease.

  • Progressive Muscle Wasting: Muscles weaken and shrink (atrophy) as they receive weaker signals from nerves.

  • Foot Deformities: Issues such as high arches (pes cavus) or hammertoes are common, significantly impacting balance and gait.

What Does Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Feel Like?

The presentation of CMT can vary, but symptoms typically begin in the feet and lower legs before eventually progressing to the hands and forearms:

  • Lower Extremity Weakness: Often first noticed as difficulty running or climbing stairs.

  • Frequent Tripping: A result of "foot drop" or reduced coordination.

  • Sensory Loss: Decreased ability to feel the ground, which affects balance.

  • Muscle Atrophy: Visible thinning of the calf muscles, often creating a "stork leg" appearance.

How We Manage CMT at Rose Physical Therapy

At Rose PT, we focus on maximizing your current function and preventing secondary complications. Our comprehensive evaluation and treatment include:

  • Gait Training: Specialized instruction to improve walking safety and reduce the risk of falls.

  • Bracing & Orthotic Consultation: Helping you find the right support to manage foot drop or high arches.

  • Strength Maintenance: Targeted exercises to keep existing muscle groups active and resilient.

  • Stretching Protocols: To manage muscle tightness and prevent joint contractures.

Schedule Your Assessment at Rose PT

Maintain your mobility with expert care at our three convenient DC locations:

  • Farragut North

  • Friendship Heights

  • Navy Yard