Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Signs and symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease may include:

  • Weakness in your legs, ankles and feet
  • Loss of muscle bulk in legs and feet
  • High foot arches
  • Curled toes (hammertoes)
  • Decreased ability to run
  • Difficulty lifting your foot at the ankle (footdrop)
  • Awkward or higher than normal step (gait)
  • Frequent tripping or falling
  • Decreased sensation in your legs and feet
  • Numbness in the legs and feet

As Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease progresses, symptoms may not be limited to the feet and legs but may also involve the thighs, hands and arms. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease generally doesn't cause pain.

References
  1. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/charcot_marie_tooth/charcot_marie_tooth.htm?css=print. Accessed May 19, 2010.
  2. Facts about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and related diseases. Muscular Dystrophy Association. http://www.mda.org/publications/PDFs/FA-CMT.pdf. Accessed May 19, 2010.
  3. Inherited neuropathies. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies. http://www.accessmedicine.com/popup.aspx?aID=2907233&print=yes. Accessed May 20, 2010.
  4. Cruse RP. Hereditary primary motor sensory neuropathies, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  5. Treatment and management of CMT. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association. http://www.charcot-marie-tooth.org/about_cmt/prn_treatment.php. Accessed May 20, 2010.
  6. Klein CJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 23, 2010.
DS00557 Aug. 7, 2010

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