Early Signs of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
When it comes to identifying Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in its early stages, there are several key symptoms to keep an eye out for. These include weakness or paralysis of the feet and lower legs, a high-stepped gait, high arches, and hammertoes. Typically, the main symptoms of this condition tend to manifest between the ages of five and 15. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience a loss of muscle tone in their lower extremities, resulting in a noticeable thinning of the legs’ bottoms compared to the top portion.
Symptom Progression
As CMT disease progresses, individuals may encounter a range of symptoms. One common manifestation is weakness in the hands, accompanied by a diminished ability to perceive temperature changes. A reduced sense of touch, especially in terms of vibration and position, is also a typical symptom. Contractures, muscle cramps, tremors, spinal curvature, and hip displacement are additional issues that many people with CMT develop. Moreover, nerve pain can vary from moderate to severe, and both vision and hearing may be affected. While uncommon, CMT can even impact the nerves responsible for controlling the diaphragm, potentially leading to breathing difficulties.