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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffThere's no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. However, some treatments can help you manage its signs and symptoms.
Medications
In some cases, the pain associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can be severe. Prescription pain medication may be required to control it.
Therapy
- Physical therapy. Physical therapy for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease involves muscle strengthening and stretching to prevent muscle tightening and loss. A physical therapy program usually consists of low-impact exercises and stretching techniques guided by a trained physical therapist and approved by your doctor. Started early and followed regularly, physical therapy can play an important part in delaying nerve deterioration and muscle weakness before disability occurs.
- Occupational therapy. Some people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease may experience weakness in their arms and hands, causing difficulty with gripping and finger movement. Normal daily activities, such as fastening buttons or writing, can become difficult. Occupational therapy can help you deal with such challenges through the use of assistive devices, such as special rubber grips on doorknobs or clothing with snaps instead of buttons.
- Orthopedic devices. Many people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease require the help of certain orthopedic devices to maintain everyday mobility and to prevent injury. Leg and ankle braces or splints can provide stability during walking and climbing stairs. Wearing boots or high-top shoes may provide additional ankle support. Custom-made shoes or shoe inserts may improve your gait. If you have hand weakness and difficulty with gripping and holding things, thumb splints may help.
Surgery
If foot deformities are severe, corrective foot surgery may help alleviate pain and improve your ability to walk. But surgery can't improve weakness or loss of sensation.
