Walking on uneven ground with foot drop symptoms (CMT), Copyright: Gemini
CMT Symptoms: Early Signs and Typical Progression
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) often develops slowly.
Many people don’t notice anything at first. Small changes in everyday life are easy to ignore or get blamed on something else.
That’s what makes the early phase tricky.
If you’re new to the topic, you might want to start with my general overview of Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
Early Signs of CMT
The first symptoms usually appear in the feet and lower legs.
Common early signs include:
- feeling unsteady while walking
- frequent tripping
- legs getting tired quickly
- difficulty climbing stairs
- trouble lifting the foot properly
Tripping is often the first thing people notice, even if they don’t take it seriously at the time.
Foot Drop as a Common Symptom
One of the most typical symptoms is foot drop.
This means it becomes harder to lift the front part of your foot while walking. As a result, your toes may catch on the ground more easily.
Many people first notice this when they keep hitting the ground with their toes.
A common support option for this is a foot drop orthosis.
Changes in Foot Shape
Over time, the shape of the feet can change.
Common examples are:
- high arches
- claw toes
- ankle instability
This happens because some muscles get weaker while others have to compensate.
Symptoms in Hands and Arms
Later on, hands and arms can also be affected.
Typical signs include:
- reduced fine motor skills
- difficulty gripping objects
- less strength in the hands
Simple tasks like buttoning a shirt can become more difficult.
Sensory Changes
CMT can also affect sensation.
This may include:
- numbness
- tingling
- reduced sensitivity to touch or temperature
These changes often start in the feet.
How Symptoms Progress
The progression of CMT can vary a lot.
Some people have mild symptoms for many years, while others experience more noticeable changes.
Typical characteristics are:
- slow progression
- no sudden changes
- individual differences
CMT is a chronic condition, but usually not life-threatening.
What Helps with Symptoms
Even though symptoms don’t disappear, there are ways to manage them.
Important factors include:
- regular movement
- physiotherapy
- assistive devices
- managing your energy levels
I go into more detail in my article about CMT treatment.
Conclusion
CMT symptoms often develop slowly and can be easy to overlook at first.
That’s why it helps to pay attention to small changes.
The earlier you understand what’s going on, the easier it becomes to deal with it.