Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or CMT, is a group of inherited neurological disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, causing peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral nerves are the nerves that supply the muscles and sensation in the legs, feet and arms and hands. As many as 1 in 2,500 people in Australia have CMT.
Charcot Marie Tooth disease is named after the three doctors who first discovered it in 1886: Jean-Martin Charcot, Pierre Marie, and Howard Henry Tooth.
CMT is an inherited disorder, meaning it is passed down from one generation to the next. CMT is not contagious and is not caused by our environment or lifestyle. There are more than 50 types of CMT, with no known cure at this time.
The nerves in the legs and arms, which are the longest, are affected first. Nerve fibers that create movement (motor nerves) and nerve fibers that transmit sensations (sensory nerves) are both affected. Because both nerve types are affected, CMT causes weakness and numbness that usually starts in the feet.
If you have a family history of CMT and have developed some signs and symptoms consistent with CMT, your doctor will refer you to a specialist physician, called a neurologist, for further investigation. The neurologist may request electodiagnostic tests (eg. nerve conduction studies, EMG) and genetic tests to establish the diagnosis of CMT.
What should I do if I have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?
If you, or a family member, has CMT and you are concerned about your gait, mobility or foot posture, contact us for a comprehensive assessment, treatment and advice from one of our experienced podiatrists.