MANAGING CMT
CMT is a lifelong condition that will impact people differently, from barely noticeable to severely impairing. A key aspect of living with CMT is having a realistic management plan in place that will suit your needs, and develop as the condition may change. However, practising three simple aspects can significantly help a person to manage CMT:
REGULARLY SEE A QUALIFIED HEALTH PRACTIONER
Regular assessment by a qualified healthcare professional can not be substituted and should not be dismissed, regardless of where a person is with the condition. How often this should be done should be decided between you and the practitioner, and may consider factors such as your lifestyle and the rate of progression of CMT.
EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT
CMT comes in different types and severity, sometimes advancing quickly, sometimes slowly. How you decide to manage CMT will depend on the type of CMT you have, as well as the severity of it. Other factors like age and lifestyle can also play a role in how you manage CMT.
MONITOR YOUR CONDITION
Outside of seeing a qualified health practitioner, taking time to personally monitor CMT is essential. There are many mechanical issues that can arise because of CMT, and staying ahead of these can prevent minor issues becoming permanent. Also, where sensation becomes more limited, lifestyle changes can be incorporated to minimise the challenges this can bring.
WHAT CAN I DO?
There any many things that someone with CMT can do to try and manage their situation. While there is no cure for CMT, there are different activities and lifestyle choices that can be undertaken to make life with CMT easier.
FITNESS
Fitness covers many different aspects that should be part of a healthy daily routine. This ranges from strength training to stretching and exercising appropriately given the limitations of CMT. Sports supplements can also help enhance a person's fitness regime and health. Dedicated sections to fitness and supplements can be found on this site.
FOOTWEAR & ORTHOTICS
As CMT tends to impact a person's feet more than other limbs, correct footwear and orthotics can be a real game-changer. While no footwear can help with the lack of sensation caused by CMT, having shoes with a minor heel can help, as well as shoes with ankle support. Orthotics, ranging from insoles to ankle braces, can also be used and can reduce pain experienced when walking and improve balance.
MENTAL HEALTH
The toll of having a degenerative disease can leave people feeling helpless, and in some cases in physical pain on a frequent basis. Having a strong support network through friends, charities and healthcare can be essential for people struggling with the consequences of CMT.