Charcot-Marie-Tooth: why feet matter. A resource for allied health professionals

Feet photoA Practice Brief focusing on foot care for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) has been developed by Professor Josh Burns and the Centre of Research Excellence in Neuromuscular Disorders.

The resource is especially designed for frontline allied health clinicians such as Podiatrists, Physiotherapists, Orthotists and Pedorthists. These clinicians are often the first a child (or adult) with undiagnosed CMT will see because of initial symptoms like high-arched feet (pes cavus) and lower limb weakness. These clinicians are in a unique position to ‘spot’ CMT and facilitate early diagnosis, and are critical to the team of health professionals providing ongoing care for individuals with CMT.

What does the Practice Brief provide?

  1. A description of CMT signs and symptoms.
  2. Tips for facilitating diagnosis for an individual showing signs and symptoms of CMT.
  3. Strategies for regular care of the feet and ankles of someone with CMT, including stretching interventions and recommendations for foot and ankle orthoses.
  4. Key sources of information and support for people with CMT and their treating health professionals.

The practice brief can be downloaded here: Charcot Marie Tooth – Why feet matter