CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, is a disorder of the peripheral nerves that can cause muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and abnormal foot structure.
Sadly, there is no known cure for CMT. However, vitamins and minerals can play a role in symptom management, although it is important to consult with a doctor before supplementing.
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, may help reduce some of the muscle weakness associated with CMT. Vitamin D is also recommended to help strengthen muscle and bones, and may help improve walking. Vitamin B12 is important in keeping nerve cells healthy; supplementing with a Vitamin B12 spray may help with the nerve and muscle problems associated with CMT.
Antioxidant vitamins C and E can help protect nerves from damage, as can Omega-3, a fatty acid found in fish and flaxseed oil. Magnesium is another vital mineral for nerve health, and helps keep muscles relaxed.
Finally, to ensure adequate intake of all important vitamins and minerals, it is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet that is low in salt and sugar. Speak with a nutritionist or physician who can advise on an appropriate diet plan and suggest additional supplements to help manage CMT.
How can I improve my CMT?
Improving your CMT (Certified Medical Transcriptionist) credentials starts with honing your core skills and branching out from there. Here are a few tips that can help you stay current and develop your CMT abilities:
1. Stay up-to-date on medical terminology: The medical field is an ever-evolving landscape and medical terminology must be kept current in order to accurately transcribe medical records. Taking medical terminology courses and participating in study groups are excellent ways to make sure your knowledge is up to date.
2. Utilize the latest technology: Technology is ever-changing, and staying up-to-date with the latest materials, software, and tools can make your work more efficient and accurate. Keep your skills sharp by using the most current programs and materials available.
3. Expand your knowledge: Advancements in medical care and technology are always taking place, and staying current on medical procedures is vital to providing accurate transcription services. Consider attending lectures, webinars, and conferences to keep your knowledge up-to-date.
4. Work with a mentor: Working with an experienced professional in the field of medical transcription can be an invaluable resource. A mentor can help guide you on when to use certain terms, techniques for accuracy, and offer objective feedback on your work.
5. Determine industry trends: Whenever possible, track industry trends to keep a pulse on the ever-fluctuating market. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and be better prepared for shifts in the industry that affect your work and CMT credentials.
Can you rebuild muscle with CMT?
Yes, it is possible to use the principles of CMT – contraction, manipulation and tension – to rebuild muscle. A basic form of this would involve contracting and manipulating the affected muscle and then subjecting it to a period of tension.
This is done by contracting the muscle to a comfortable level and then gently manipulating and stretching it. Then, maintaining tension on the muscle, the therapist can further manipulate and stretch it to increase stimulation and length.
After this, the therapist can target and shorten any areas of the muscle that may be particularly tight, leading to a decrease in tension, which helps promote the healing process. Finally, the therapist can apply a gentle massage to the area to further help release tension and promote muscle repair.
This is a basic form of CMT that can be used to help rebuild muscle.
What is the exercise for people with CMT?
Exercise is important for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, as it contributes to strength, flexibility, and balance. Low-impact aerobic activities and stretches such as walking, swimming, or biking can help to improve overall fitness in individuals with CMT.
Strength training may also be beneficial, but proper technique and form should be followed to ensure safety. Stretching and yoga can help to improve muscle symmetry and range of motion, which can prevent further joint and muscle damage caused by poor posture associated with CMT.
Balance exercises such as standing on one leg for a minute, and adding exercises that require balance can be helpful. Finally, posture positioning can also help to protect from further joint damage. Educating oneself on proper technique and form while exercising, as well as exercising with a partner or in an occupational or physical therapy facility or group class, can help keep individuals with CMT safe while exercising.
How do you slow down CMT?
Slowing down CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) depends largely on the type that has been diagnosed, as the various types of CMT can have different treatments and approaches. Generally, the most effective way of slowing down the progression of CMT is through physical and occupational therapy.
Physical therapy helps to strengthen the muscles and can slow the progress of CMT by helping to maintain motor function. Occupational therapy often focuses on recommending methods of compensating for any lost skills or motor function in order to improve quality of life.
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle with regular exercise can also be beneficial in slowing down the progression of CMT. Additionally, specific medications may be prescribed to manage pain or cramps, and these may help to slow down CMT in some people.
Finally, orthopedic aids, such as orthopedic shoes, braces, and splints, can help to significantly reduce the risk of falls and thus reduce the rate of the progression of CMT.
What foods should be avoided with CMT?
Individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) should generally avoid foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as butter, eggs, red meat, organ meats, deep-fried foods, and processed foods.
These foods can worsen inflammation and cause weight gain, both of which can put extra strain on the ligaments and muscles of CMT patients and lead to further pain and mobility issues.
Caffeine should also be avoided or consumed in very minimal amounts as it can lead to dehydration and bloat. Certain sugar-rich beverages that contain corn syrup, or other high fructose or HFCS should also be avoided as they can worsen inflammation.
Processed grains and starches can also increase inflammation and it is best to eat less processed grains like quinoa or oats.
Alcoholic beverages should also be avoided as they can interfere with medication and increase dehydration for CMT patients. Additionally, certain supplements like vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and copper can interact negatively with CMT medications and should be avoided.
Finally, salt should generally be avoided as a high-salt diet can worsen swelling and numbness in the extremities of CMT patients.
Can you reverse CMT?
Unfortunately, reversing Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is not possible. CMT is a hereditary neurological condition, so the damage already done cannot be repaired. However, there are a number of treatments available to help manage the symptoms of CMT, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, braces, and orthotics.
Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors may also recommend medications to relieve pain and reduce foot drop.
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments like adaptive exercises and assistive devices can help improve balance and mobility. Patients may also benefit from alternative therapies like yoga or acupuncture to help manage discomfort.
These therapies can also help reduce fatigue and improve the overall quality of life.
While CMT cannot be reversed, there are ways to manage the condition and improve quality of life. It is important to seek the advice of a specialist to determine the best course of treatment and use of adaptions or aids to manage symptoms.
What is the diet for CMT disease?
The dietary recommendations for an individual with Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease vary depending on their individual symptoms. Generally, individuals with CMT should make sure that they are eating a balanced and nutritious diet, as well as avoiding refined sugars and processed foods.
It is important to get adequate amounts of protein, potassium, and vitamin E. Eating a variety of healthy sources of protein such as fish, tofu, legumes, and lean animal proteins may help reduce muscle weakness and promote healing.
Foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, avocado, and leafy greens, may help maintain motor neurons and nerve health. Vitamin E, which can be found in nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens, and fortified grains, helps reduce oxidative stress and helps maintain nerve health.
Vitamin B12 is also important for individuals with CMT, as it may help improve nerve function and reduce symptoms such as numbness and tingling. This can be found in foods like eggs, fish, fortified grains, and dairy products.
Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and maintain nerve health. Salmon, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseed are some great sources of omega-3s.
The specific dietary recommendations for individuals with CMT may differ, so it is always best to consult a dietitian for individualized advice. Additionally, as CMT can cause increased fatigue, it is important to make sure that you are eating enough calories to maintain your energy levels and increase muscle strength.
What are the foods for CMT?
For individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease, there is no special diet or specific group of foods responsible for managing the condition, as CMT is a hereditary disorder of the peripheral nerves rather than a metabolic disorder.
However, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein sources can help to maintain overall health and may reduce the risk for developing associated health conditions such as diabetes.
Additionally, some foods may provide additional nerve-related benefits.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as cold water fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts can help to reduce inflammation, which may improve nerve conduction. Omega-3s also promote healthy nerve structure. Omega-6 fatty acids which are found in nuts, processed vegetable oils, and eggs are also important for nerve conduction.
Vitamin B-12 is also important for healthy nerve function, and can be found in dairy products, fish, and poultry. Foods with plenty of Vitamin B6, like bananas, potatoes, and avocados, are beneficial, as well as foods rich in magnesium and copper, such as leafy greens, almonds, and legumes.
Eating a diet bursting with nutrient-dense foods and limiting processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol are beneficial for overall health and nerve health. It is important for individuals to speak with a healthcare professional about diet changes and related supplements if making lifestyle modifications for nerve health management.
What triggers CMT?
CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is a group of inherited conditions that affect the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and from the muscles back to the brain and spinal cord.
The cause of CMT is abnormal changes, or mutations, in genes that are responsible for maintaining the structure of the peripheral nerves and their ability to send signals.
Most forms of CMT are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that only one copy of the mutated gene is necessary to cause the disease. In some cases, the mutation is inherited from one of the parents, while in other cases, the mutation may occur spontaneously (the person has no family history of the disorder).
There are more than 70 known CMT-related genetic mutations, which can affect the structure and function of the peripheral nerves. As a result, the nerves can become damaged and the body may no longer be able to receive or send signals properly.
This leads to weakened muscles and a loss of sensation in the affected areas. Most commonly, CMT affects the legs and feet, but can also affect the hands, arms, and face.
How do you strengthen your legs with CMT?
CMT (Clinical Muscle Therapy) is a common practice for strengthening and toning of muscles in the legs that can be conducted in a few different ways. A common exercise for strengthening your legs with CMT is to do slow and steady isometric contractions for the quads, hamstrings, and calves.
Isometrics are exercises where you contract the muscle but do not move the joint. This can be done by standing straight and tensing the entire leg, from the hip to the ankle, while holding the position for up to 10 seconds or as long as comfortable.
Another exercise to strengthen your legs is to work on hip and knee extensions, which target your glutes, hamstrings, and quads. Start by lying on your stomach, resting your elbows and forearms on the floor and keeping your hips and legs resting on the ground.
Engage your thighs by squeezing them together and then release, doing this movement repeatedly. After a few repetitions, slowly raise one leg off the ground, extending it straight and hold for 10 to 20 seconds before releasing and lowering to the ground.
After both legs have been extended and released, lift both your upper and lower legs at the same time and hold for 10 to 20 seconds before releasing back to the starting position.
Finally, another way to strengthen your legs with CMT is to do exercises targeting the feet. A common exercise is pointing and flexing, which is done by sitting comfortably and pointing the toes of one foot forward and then pulling them backward while keeping them straight.
Hold this pointed and flexed position for 10 to 15 seconds before releasing and repeating with the other foot. This exercise can be done multiple times on each foot to strengthen the muscles in the feet.
By doing these exercises, CMT can be incorporated into your leg-strengthening routine to help improve your muscle strength, endurance, and overall performance. Incorporating CMT into your routine will not only help improve your leg strength but can also prevent injury and improve your posture.
Can CMT stop progressing?
Yes, in some cases CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) can be stopped from progressing or even reverse symptoms. CMT is a group of inherited neurological disorders that cause damage to the nerves in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.
The genetic mutations that cause CMT are passed down from parent to child and can be caused by more than 80 different genes.
CMT is a progressive disorder, meaning that it tends to get worse over time, affecting the person’s ability to do everyday activities. People with CMT may experience varying degrees of weakness, muscle loss, sensory decline, and deformity of the hands, feet, and other body parts.
But some symptomatic treatments may provide relief from the progression of the disease. For example, exercises, physical therapy, and assistive devices can help maintain muscle strength and provide daily support.
Additionally, medications and braces can help reduce pain and discomfort, and surgery may also be beneficial in some cases.
With proper care and maintenance, CMT symptoms can be kept under control for periods of time and can even improve the quality of life for those affected.
Can steroids help CMT?
At this time, the use of steroids to help individuals with Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) is not a recommended treatment. Studies have not yet confirmed the efficacy of steroids in helping people with CMT.
It is thought that steroids could potentially help by reducing inflammation, helping to restore nerve conduction, and providing relief from pain. There has been some evidence in animal studies that steroids can reduce the nerve damage caused by CMT, however, further research is needed to determine if this also applies to humans.
In the meantime, other medical therapies and interventions can be used to help manage the symptoms of CMT, such as physical and occupational therapy to maintain mobility and independence, orthotics to assist with balance and decrease foot deformity, and taking medications such as antiepileptics to control the pain.
Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and regular exercise may help to reduce the symptoms of CMT.
Ultimately, more research is needed to determine if steroids can be used safely and effectively to help individuals with CMT.
Can physical therapy help CMT?
Yes, physical therapy can be very beneficial in treating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Physical therapy helps to improve strength, build endurance, and increase range of motion. It may also help to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected muscles and joints.
Specific exercises, activities, and treatments may be recommended to help maintain mobility, flexibility, and function. Examples of physical therapy treatments may include stretches, therapeutic massage, structural and mechanical modalities, postural training, and patient education.
Additionally, physical therapists may use specialized braces, splints, and assistive devices, such as walkers and wheelchairs, to help improve quality of life and symptom management. Finally, physical therapy can help with gait training and other ways to manage fatigue and improve overall balance, speed, and coordination.
What can make CMT worse?
CMT, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is an inherited neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves and can cause muscles to weaken and atrophy. This is due to the gradual damage that is caused to the peripheral nerves.
While the exact cause of CMT is unknown, certain factors may play a role in intensifying the condition and making it worse.
Some factors that may make CMT worse include:
• Poor diet – A poor diet high in processed or sugary foods can reduce the nutrients the nerves need to stay healthy.
• Lack of exercise – Regular physical activity can help strengthen muscles and support nerve health, but inactivity can lead to muscle weakness and atrophy.
• Smoking – Smoking has been linked to increased nerve damage in people with CMT.
• Alcohol – Drinking alcohol can lead to reduced nerve function, further exacerbating the symptoms of CMT.
• Footwear – Wearing shoes that are tight or that don’t provide adequate support can cause pain and increase the risk of falls.
• Trauma – Incidents of trauma, such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries, can damage nerves and cause pain or impair nerve function.
It’s important for those with CMT to be aware of these risk factors and to speak with their doctor about lifestyle modifications to prevent the condition from worsening.
