The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) has teamed up with the trade magazine Lower Extremity Review (LER) to create and distribute a special issue in the LER Special Educational Series. This special issue, Orthotic management of CMT: Dynamic solutions for active lifestyles covers a variety of topics related to proper orthotics and bracing for individuals with Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT).

This special issue of the LER gives a thorough diagnostic overview of CMT. This section includes an overview of the genetics of CMT and the broad classifications into types, discussion regarding the progression of the disease, and issues regarding diagnosis and intervention for CMT.

The next section focuses upon orthotic management strategies for the treatment of individuals with CMT through correct foot wear, orthotics, and AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) and other types of bracing as well as the role of physical therapy. Special attention is given to the importance of ongoing reassessment of the individual’s treatment needs as this disease progresses.

Five individuals share their experience with orthotics and bracing for CMT. These individuals range in age and in their experiences coping with CMT. These individual profiles focus on the “success stories” of appropriate orthotic management of CMT.

Finally, four companies who produce orthotics and bracing for individuals with Charcot Marie Tooth were highlighted with a focus on the benefits of various types of bracing across different ages and needs. The mechanics of how AFO’s assist the user and research findings regarding the benefits of various types of bracing was also discussed in this section. The appropriate use of SMO bracing (Supra-Malleolar Orthosis) was also discussed.

This special issue of LER was sponsored by an educational grant from the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association. Lower Extremity Review is one of the corporate sponsors of the CMTA. This special issue is available at no cost from the CMTA. It may be downloaded from the CMTA website or a print copy can be requested.

Individuals with CMT will find Orthotic management of CMT to be useful in increasing their understanding of CMT and orthotic bracing for the disease. They may also find it to be a useful tool in educating others about CMT, including friends, family, and the various health professionals that they encounter.

Resources:

CMTA Website, (2014). Corporate Sponsors. Retrieved from https://www.cmtausa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=38&Itemid=181

Foster, J.B. (editor) (n.d.). Orthotic management of CMT: Dynamic solutions for active lifestyles (Special Educational Series). Lower Extremity Review.

Reudinger, S. (2014). Orthotic Management of CMT. Retrieved from https://www.cmtausa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=995:orthotic-management-of-cmt&catid=10:resources&Itemid=258

FTC Disclosure: The writer of this article obtained a free copy of the resource reviewed from the CMTA. This resource has been made available for free upon request (see above).