what causes my hammertoes?

[Guest guest]

Hi.

I know that I am experiencing mild symptoms of CMT-X... my son had the

Athena test due to his severe symptoms... and CMT-X is passed from the

mom.

The toes on my left foot are starting to curl more. I know that this

is a symptom of CMT, I just don't understand why.

Does anyone have a clue about what is going on that makes CMT toes

curl? Anyone find a way to prevent or slow this process.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Barb

[Guest guest]

Hello Barb,

Many muscles in the body are in pairs so that joints can be flexed in

opposing directions. In the foot area, the muscles that lift the front of the

foot are called Dorsiflexions and the muscles that push down the front of the

foot are called Plantars. These are an opposing pair and everything is fine as

long as they have about equal strength. I believe that there is no understanding

of why CMT seems to attack the dorsiflexions first and more often on the left

side first. This is not universal, but the majority of people and references

indicate it to be the prevalent situation.

So, if the plantars remain strong and the dorsiflexions weaken, the

plantars shorten and cause the foot to droop, toes to curl, and arches to rise.

It is my personal experience that no amount of stretching or repositioning of

the foot structures can correct or prevent this from occurring. Surgeries may

help to realign things, but it seems to me that mixed results are reported from

those in these groups. In extreme cases a few people have these effects extended

to their legs, arms, and hands. It follows that the imbalances will have long

term effects on the major joints as well.

Sorry to be so much the downer in this comment. It is quite true for me yet I

continue to be active and live a full life by looking into every fix and caution

that I know of and discover (many times in these

postings!)

EdM from NH