Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) is a group of inherited genetic conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is the nerves outside the spinal column and brain. So the Peripheral Nervous System passes messages from the brain to create movement of the arms, legs, body and face, and in reverse to provide all the sensations like sight, smell, touch, pressure, pain, temperature and joint position.

In CMT the nerves gradually don’t work as well, causing weakness, reduced sensation, curvature of the spine, and loss of balance and co-ordination. Muscle weakness makes it hard for joints to move and muscles can become tight and lead to joint restriction.

There’s no cure for CMT but management includes:

·        Orthotics and Orthopaedic shoes

·        Physiotherapy for muscle strengthening, stretching and learning to adapt to changes.

·        Regular exercise

·        Occupational Therapy for hand skills and self care tasks.

·        Orthopaedic surgery