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Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Genetics Birth Defects

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of genetic nerve disorders that affect peripheral nerves, often leading to muscle weakness in the legs and hands.

Overview

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of genetic nerve disorders. It is named after the three doctors who first identified it. In the United States, CMT affects about 1 in 2,500 people.

Symptoms & Progression

CMT affects your peripheral nerves, which carry movement and sensation signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. Symptoms usually start around the teen years:

  • Foot problems such as high arches or hammertoes (often early symptoms)
  • Lower leg weakness as the disease progresses
  • Hand weakness in later stages

Diagnosis & Treatment

Doctors diagnose CMT by doing a neurologic exam, nerve tests, genetic tests, or a nerve biopsy. There is no cure. The disease can be so mild you don't realize you have it or severe enough to make you weak. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, braces and other devices, and sometimes surgery can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

CMT itself does not typically complicate pregnancy, but the physical demands of labor and delivery can be challenging due to muscle weakness. Many women with CMT opt for epidural anesthesia to reduce pain and conserve energy. It is crucial to discuss your specific symptoms and mobility limitations with your obstetrician and anesthesiologist early in pregnancy to plan for safe delivery methods and postpartum recovery.
Driving ability depends on the severity of your foot and leg weakness. If you have significant weakness in your right leg that affects your ability to press the brake or accelerator pedal firmly and quickly, you may no longer be safe to drive. Regular assessments by a physician or occupational therapist can help determine if your reflexes and strength are sufficient for safe vehicle operation.
There is no specific diet or supplement that stops the progression of CMT or repairs nerve damage. However, maintaining a healthy weight is critical because extra body mass increases the workload on already weak muscles and joints. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports bone health, which is important since CMT can lead to bone deformities like high arches and scoliosis.
Explain that CMT is a condition where the wires (nerves) that send messages from the brain to the muscles are not as strong as usual. This makes some muscles work slower or with less force. It is helpful to emphasize that it is not contagious, it does not affect intelligence, and while it may require using braces or a wheelchair, it does not prevent a full and active life.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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