Healthcare Professionals

At CMTUK, we recognise the vital role healthcare professionals play in diagnosing, managing, and supporting individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. As the UK’s leading charity for CMT, we are committed to providing resources and guidance to assist you in delivering optimal care for your patients.

Understanding CMT

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a group of hereditary neurological disorders affecting the peripheral nerves. Symptoms often begin in childhood or adolescence and can progress over time. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial for effective management.

Multidisciplinary Care Approach

CMT is best managed through a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. Key professionals involved include:

- Neurologists: Oversee the overall management of CMT, including diagnosis and progression monitoring.

- General Practitioners (GPs): Serve as the first point of contact, coordinating referrals and supporting ongoing care.

- Podiatrists: Provide expertise in foot care, orthotic assessment, and management of foot deformities.

- Physiotherapists: Develop and implement exercise programs to improve strength, balance, and mobility.

- Occupational Therapists: Assist with adaptations to daily living activities and recommend assistive devices.

- Orthopaedic Surgeons: Address skeletal deformities and consider surgical interventions when necessary.

Clinical Management Recommendations

While there is currently no cure for CMT, supportive treatments can significantly enhance quality of life. Key management strategies include:

- Exercise: Mild-to-moderate exercise is effective and safe, leading to improvements in walking and lower limb strength. High-intensity resistance training is controversial and should be approached with caution.

- Foot Care: Regular heel-stretching exercises can prevent Achilles tendon shortening. Proper footwear and orthotics are essential to manage deformities and improve mobility.

- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on muscles and joints, facilitating better movement.

- Posture and Balance: Interventions designed to improve posture and balance may also be beneficial.

For more detailed clinical guidance, please refer to our Living with CMT and Moving Forward with CMT resources.

Genetic Testing and Diagnosis

Genetic testing can confirm a diagnosis of CMT and help identify the specific subtype. We encourage healthcare professionals to consider genetic testing when CMT is suspected. For information on testing services and referral pathways, please contact us directly.

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

We offer a range of resources to support your practice:

- Patient Information Leaflets: Clear, concise materials to share with patients and their families.

- Clinical Guidelines: Evidence-based recommendations for managing CMT.
- Training Opportunities: Workshops and webinars to enhance understanding of CMT.
- Referral Information: Guidance on referring patients to specialist services.

To access these resources or for further information, please visit our Directory of Useful Links or contact us directly.

Get Involved

We welcome collaboration with healthcare professionals to improve care for individuals with CMT. Opportunities include:

- Research Participation: Enrolling patients in the UK CMT Research Database.

- Educational Events: Hosting or attending workshops and seminars.

- Advocacy: Supporting awareness campaigns and initiatives.

If you are interested in collaborating with CMTUK, please get in touch.

Contact Us

For more information or specific queries, please contact our team, we are here to support you in providing the best care for your patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease:

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Your support keeps CMTUK going

CMTUK is a donation-based charity. We don’t receive government funding – everything we do is made possible thanks to the generosity of our community. Every pound helps us provide vital support, raise awareness, and fund research for people living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.