What is a primary treatment focus for patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?

For patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT), maintaining muscle strength and flexibility is a primary treatment focus. CMT is a hereditary neuropathy characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly in the distal muscles of the limbs. As the disease progresses, patients may experience loss of muscle strength and reduced flexibility due to disuse and muscle imbalances.

By focusing on maintaining muscle strength, patients can improve their overall functional capacity and delay further deterioration. Regular, supervised physical therapy can help preserve range of motion, reduce the risk of contractures, and maintain strength in the unaffected muscles. Additionally, exercises that emphasize balance and mobility are crucial for preventing falls, which are a significant risk for individuals with CMT.

In contrast, strengthening proprioception is also relevant, but it is more of a secondary goal, as proprioceptive challenges can arise from muscle weakness. The use of corticosteroids is not indicated for CMT, as this condition is not an inflammatory process that would typically respond to corticosteroid treatment. Total bed rest would not be advisable in this context, as it could lead to further muscle deconditioning and exacerbate weakness. Hence, the focus on maintaining muscle strength and flexibility aligns with the needs and challenges faced by individuals with Charcot-Marie