Suggested Orthoses / AFO
Suggested ORF Modifications
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
ICD 10 - M14.679
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease or CMT is a hereditary neuropathy. The disease impacts the peripheral nerves and damages the protective myelin sheath that allows neurons to carry signals between the brain and the body. CMT disease is often seen acting around the ankle and foot. The disease occurs in approximately 1 in every 2,500 people.
Symptoms:
- First symptoms in late childhood or early adulthood
- Loss of muscle mass in the legs
- Foot drop or a slapping of the foot when walking
- Possible numbness
- Weakening of the bones as the disease progresses to late stage
- Collapsing of the joints as the disease progresses to late stage
Diagnosis:
Clinicians are likely to check family history, perform a gait analysis, check reflexes of the leg, order an electromyography and order X-rays to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment:
There is no cure for CMT disease. Treatment is aimed at management, slowing progression of the disease and increasing functionality through physical therapy and ankle-foot orthoses to assist with walking. Daily observation of the feet is necessary to ensure the skin isn’t being damaged. This disease is progressive and requires a lifetime treatment.
Sources:
https://footcaremd.org/conditions-treatments/ankle/charcot-marie-tooth-disease
https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/charcot-foot
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/charcot-marie-tooth-disease/
https://posna.org/Physician-Education/Study-Guide/Charcot-Marie-Tooth-Disease-(Hereditary-Motor-and