What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a group of inherited disorders that damage the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that carry signals between the brain, spinal cord, muscles and sensory organs. It is also sometimes described as an inherited peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms often involve the feet, lower legs, hands and forearms, although the pattern and severity can vary.

Common features of CMT can include:

• weakness in the feet, ankles, legs or hands

• altered walking pattern or gait

• high-arched feet or, in some cases, very flat feet

• reduced sensation, numbness or tingling

• muscle wasting in the lower legs or hands

• balance difficulties and reduced coordination

Symptoms often begin in childhood or adolescence, although some people do not develop noticeable symptoms until adulthood. The condition is usually slowly progressive over time.

How Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease may affect daily function

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• balance and falls risk

• foot posture and footwear needs

• hand strength and fine motor tasks

• fatigue and physical endurance

• participation in school, work or community activities

• confidence with movement

• self-care and everyday routines

For some people, reduced sensation in the feet or hands may also affect safety and awareness of pressure, friction or minor injuries.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support children and adults with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease where there are goals related to mobility, walking, balance, strength, transfers, posture, endurance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and gait support

• balance and falls prevention strategies

• strength and conditioning programs

• stretching and movement planning

• transfer practice and functional mobility support

• advice around physical activity and pacing

• support with mobility aids where clinically appropriate
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when CMT is affecting daily living, hand use, fine motor skills, independence, routines, fatigue management or participation at home, school or work. OT may include:

• hand function and fine motor support

• self-care and daily routine strategies

• equipment or assistive technology recommendations

• fatigue management and pacing

• environmental modifications to support function
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not automatically needed for everyone with CMT, but it may be relevant where a person has associated communication, voice, feeding or swallowing concerns. Some rarer CMT subtypes can involve other nerve systems, so support should always be based on the individual presentation rather than assumed for everyone.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some children, adolescents or adults with CMT who need support with strength, endurance, physical conditioning, general activity participation or structured exercise. Programs should be tailored carefully to the person’s goals, fatigue levels, function and nerve-related weakness.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is affecting the person in real life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

• improving mobility and confidence with walking

• supporting balance and reducing falls risk

• maintaining strength and endurance

• helping with hand function and daily tasks

• supporting school, work or community participation

• improving independence with everyday routines

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s family, carers, medical team and broader supports where appropriate.

FAQ

What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves. It commonly causes weakness, sensory changes and changes in walking or foot posture over time.

Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease progressive?

CMT is usually described as a slowly progressive condition, meaning symptoms can gradually change over time. The rate and pattern of progression vary between people and between CMT subtypes.

Can physiotherapy help with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, walking, balance, strength, transfers and physical participation for people living with CMT. Support should be tailored to the person’s needs and goals.

Can occupational therapy help with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with hand function, daily living, fine motor tasks, fatigue management, equipment and independence in everyday activities.

Does everyone with CMT need speech pathology?

Not always. Speech pathology may only be relevant if the person has associated communication, voice, feeding or swallowing concerns.

Can adults with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease access allied health support?

Yes. Adults with CMT may benefit from physiotherapy and allied health support related to mobility, endurance, balance, hand function, independence and participation.

Can Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease affect the hands as well as the feet?

Yes. CMT often affects both the feet and the hands, especially over time, because it impacts the peripheral nerves in the limbs.

When should someone with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when CMT is affecting walking, balance, hand function, daily living, fatigue, participation or independence.

If you or your family member is living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and would like support with mobility, balance, daily function, hand use or participation, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs.

External Resources for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease in Australia

CMT Australia
https://www.cmt.org.au
Provides resources, support, and information for individuals and families affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.

Neurological Foundation of Australia
https://www.neurofoundation.org.au
Offers information on neurological disorders, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.

Better Health Channel – Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
A comprehensive overview of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
https://www.ndis.gov.au
Provides support for Australians with disabilities, including those living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association – CMT Resources
https://australian.physio
Resources and insights for physiotherapists working with individuals affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.