From the Research
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) management should prioritize rehabilitation therapy, including physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance, occupational therapy to help with daily activities, and orthotic devices like ankle-foot braces to provide stability, as these interventions have been shown to improve functionality and quality of life 1. The goal of treatment is to maintain function and prevent complications, as there is currently no cure for CMT.
- Rehabilitation therapy is a crucial component of CMT management, with studies demonstrating its effectiveness in improving strength, endurance, and functionality 2, 3.
- Orthotic devices, such as ankle-foot braces, can provide stability and support, helping to maintain mobility and ambulation 2.
- Pain management is also an important aspect of CMT treatment, with medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gabapentin, or pregabalin potentially beneficial for neuropathic pain.
- Surgery may be recommended in severe cases to correct foot deformities or release compressed nerves, with a consensus statement providing guidance on the surgical treatment of CMT 4.
- Regular monitoring by a neurologist and genetic counseling for family planning are also essential components of CMT management. The disease progresses slowly and varies in severity, but most patients maintain a normal lifespan, with CMT resulting from genetic mutations affecting proteins involved in the structure and function of peripheral nerves, leading to the gradual degeneration of the myelin sheath or the nerve axon itself 5.