Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disorder is a genetic condition that damages the nerves, most commonly in the arms and legs. Among children, it occurs most often in teenagers. Because it damages the nerves and the myelin sheaths around the nerves, it causes problems when the brain tries to send signals to the foot, and vice versa.

The severity of symptoms may vary, but they can include weakness in the legs, ankles, and feet; curled toes; trouble taking a normal step; frequent falling and tripping; and a loss of feeling in the legs and feet.

At the Pediatric Neuromuscular Diseases Clinic, we’re standing by to help diagnose and treat Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder. Carly Siskind, our genetic counselor, specializes in the treatment of CMT. Our physical and occupational therapists can help improve patients’ movement, and our specialists may provide orthotic devices or suggest surgeries that can help patients regain some of their full range of motion.