Coping with CMT Symptoms in Daily Life

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) isn’t a single condition. It’s a group of genetic conditions that cause nerve damage. In fact, it’s the most common genetic condition that affects your peripheral nerves  — the nerves that connect your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body — and affects 150,000 Americans.

Depending on which nerves are affected, you could experience nerve pain, weakness in your feet and hands, back pain (from a curved spine), foot deformities, hip displacement, balance problems, muscle cramps, or trouble sensing hot or cold items.

Regardless of which symptoms you’re dealing with, it’s no secret that CMT can make daily life difficult. 

While living with CMT can be overwhelming, adopting practical strategies can help you manage symptoms and maintain an active, fulfilling life — and that’s what our team of experts is here to help you do.

Below, the Link Neuroscience Institute team shares seven tips for coping with CMT symptoms and how we can help.

1. Stay active … but use mobility aids when you need them

Movement is important for your physical and mental health, but CMT can pose some unique challenges. Sensory issues, muscle weakness, and pain can make physical activity harder, but you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of exercise.

You can stay active with low-impact exercises like swimming or tai chi. Gentle exercises like these help maintain muscle strength and flexibility without straining your body.

Mobility aids like braces or orthotics can provide additional support to move safely and confidently. 

2. Implement your tips from physical therapy and occupational therapy

Physical therapy and occupational therapy are important parts of CMT management. 

Physical therapy

The goal of physical therapy is to help you move without pain and with full functionality (or as much as possible). Your physical therapy plan is made for you, your symptoms, and the limitations they pose. 

If your physical therapist recommends specific stretches or exercises, follow them diligently. These can help promote strength and mobility.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on helping you complete daily tasks. Your occupational therapist helps you strengthen your fine motor skills, develop coping strategies, and learn to modify your environment to make activities like dressing, cooking, and working easier.

What you learn in occupational therapy can help you retain a sense of independence.

3. Prioritize your mental health

Living with a chronic condition like CMT can be emotionally draining and can even increase your risk of depression and anxiety, so don’t underestimate the importance of mental health.  

You can support your mental wellness by:

• Prioritizing nutrient-dense foods 
• Staying active
• Joining support groups (either online or virtual)
• Attending therapy 

While depression is common, it’s treatable even if you have a chronic condition like CMT, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

4. Stay consistent with your pain management plan

Nerve pain or discomfort from muscle weakness is common in CMT. Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, or alternative therapies such as massage can provide relief from your symptoms. 

Take all of your medications as directed. If your pain levels change, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Link Neuroscience Institute provider. 

Our team of neurologists knows that chronic pain — especially nerve pain — isn’t always managed with medication alone. That’s why we offer comprehensive pain management plans that may include nerve blocks, dietary changes, exercise, physical therapy, and medication. 

5. Protect your feet

Foot deformities can make walking painful, and numbness can only complicate matters. Wearing supportive footwear and orthotics can make it easier to get from point A to point B — and protect your feet in the process.

6. Take care of your hands

If CMT makes it harder for you to feel hot or cold temperatures (a common sensory issue with CMT), take extra caution when cooking to avoid touching hot pans. You can keep an extra set of potholders on the counter or consider using an infrared cooking thermometer to test pans (to make sure they’re not hot) before you touch them.

Specialized tools, such as button hooks or jar openers, can also make routine activities easier. 

7. Adapt your environment

You may find that the best way to cope with CMT symptoms is to rearrange your environment. 

For example, you might want to install grab bars in the bathroom, use ergonomic furniture, or arrange frequently used items within easy reach —  all of which can help reduce physical strain and improve accessibility.

Consider any changes that you can make at home or work to make your daily life easier.

Questions? Come talk to us!

If you’re living with CMT and need to control your symptoms, visit us in Camarillo, Oxnard, or Santa Barbara, California. You can call the location of your choice or schedule your next appointment online.