The severity of the symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) can differ from person to person, even among relatives with the condition.
There are also several different types of CMT. The symptoms of each type can also vary, even within the same type, including:
- the age at which the symptoms first appear
- how quickly symptoms progress
- severity of sympptoms
Read about the causes of CMT for more information on different types.
Early symptoms of CMT
CMT is a progressive condition, which means symptoms gradually get worse over time. Therefore, it may be difficult to spot any symptoms in children who have CMT.
Signs and symptoms that may indicate a child has CMT include:
- appearing unusually clumsy and accident-prone for their age
- finding it difficult to walk because they may have problems lifting their feet from the ground
- their toes drop forward as they lift up their feet
Common symptoms of CMT
The symptoms of CMT usually appear before a person is 20 years old. They may become more apparent after puberty (when a child becomes a sexually developed adult), and the body is fully developed. However, they can begin at any time, even when a person is in their 70s.
Common symptoms of CMT include:
- muscle weakness in your feet, ankles and legs
- having feet that are very highly arched, which can make your ankle unstable or, alternatively, you may have very flat feet
- curled toes, often referred to as ‘hammer toes’
- difficulty using your ankle muscles to lift your foot up
- an awkward or higher-than-normal step
- a lack of sensation in your arms and feet
If you have CMT, you may also develop a distinctive leg shape, which resembles an upside-down champagne bottle. Your thigh muscles will usually retain a normal shape and muscle bulk, but the section of leg below the knee may become very thin.
Symptoms of progressive CMT
As CMT progresses, the muscle weakness and lack of sensation will affect your hands and arms. This can lead to problems with both manual dexterity and hand strength, making tasks such as doing up the buttons of a shirt difficult or, in some cases, impossible.
Problems with walking and posture can put excessive strain on your body, which leads to muscle and joint pain. Less commonly, damaged nerves may also cause pain, known as neuropathic pain.
Problems with mobility and walking tend to get worse as you get older. Older people with CMT are more likely to need a walking aid to get around.
