Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A Case Study

For individuals suffering from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological disorder, weakness and deformity in the feet and hands are common. There is a variety of interventions to help cure the pain, deformity, and weakness of the feet and hands. Therefore, interventions can range depending on the severity of the symptoms. If an individual has mild symptoms little to no treatment is needed. However, if symptoms are more severe than braces, physical therapy or reconstructive surgery is considered (Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, 2013). Researchers are continuing to find new therapies and interventions to help correct foot and hand deformities or reduce the pain in those who live with CMT. As Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease progresses, health professional will be monitoring the individual with CMT to aid in decision making regards to surgery. On the other hand since there is no cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, many therapies are available to help reduce the symptoms and allow the individual to live

One type of foot deformity where a surgical procedure would take place is called, Equinus deformity. This is where the child walks on their tip-toes (Orthopaedic Surgery, 2014). Most children and adults walk on their tip-toes a little, but it becomes a problem when contracture is severe and balancing is an issue. The surgery would consist of lengthening the heel-cord (Orthopaedic Surgery, 2014). Although this surgery is more common, it also can have dangerous altercations if the heel-cord is over lengthened. If the heel-cord is over lengthened the individual would start walking on their heels, which is worse that walking on tip-toes (Orthopaedic Surgery, 2014). Another type of surgery is called Arthodesis. This is used to correct flat feet. This is where the surgeon fuses the three main joint located in the back of the feet to strengthen the feet, correct the shape, and relieve pain (NHS Choices,