The term “Charcot’s disease” can refer to several different medical conditions. In many news articles, it refers to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), an inherited disorder that affects the peripheral nerves controlling muscles and sensation.
Early symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
The first signs usually develop gradually, often in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, although they can appear later in life. Early symptoms commonly include:
- Weakness in the feet and lower legs
- Frequent tripping or falling
- Difficulty lifting the front of the foot (“foot drop”)
- A high-stepping walking pattern to avoid dragging the toes
- High arches or unusually flat feet
- Curled toes (hammer toes)
- Reduced sensation or numbness in the feet and lower legs
- Poor balance and ankle instability
As the condition progresses, muscle weakness and sensory loss may spread to the hands and arms, making tasks such as buttoning clothes or writing more difficult. Muscle wasting in the lower legs can also become noticeable.
When to seek medical advice
If someone has persistent foot weakness, repeated ankle sprains, frequent falls, numbness, or a family history of CMT, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional. Diagnosis may involve a neurological examination, nerve conduction studies, genetic testing, and sometimes electromyography (EMG).
If you were referring to a different condition called “Charcot’s disease”—such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Charcot arthropathy—I can describe the early symptoms of those as well.