What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a genetic disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, which transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It causes weakness and progressive loss of muscle tissue in the feet, legs, hands and forearms. CMT affects approximately 1 out of every 2,500 people worldwide.
Types of Difficulties Faced by Patients
Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease often suffer from physical symptoms such as muscle atrophy, weak muscles, hammertoes, claw toes, high arches on the feet, foot drop (a condition where the toes drag on the ground when walking), foot deformities, lower leg pain and cramps. As CMT progresses over time, patients may also experience difficulty with balance and coordination due to weakened muscles in their lower extremities. Additionally, patients may suffer from tingling or numbness in their hands and feet due to nerve damage caused by CMT.
Aeon Nursing’s Approach to Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
At Aeon Nursing, we understand the difficulties faced by those living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and provide care tailored to meet each individual’s needs. Our skilled team of nurses provides comprehensive care plans that include physical therapy interventions such as stretching exercises for weakened muscles or orthotic devices to aid in walking or standing for enhanced stability and safety. We also offer therapeutic activities designed to maintain mobility levels and improve overall function, including adaptive equipment usage training for daily tasks like dressing and bathing.