CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a hereditary disorder causing muscle weakness and atrophy due to damage to the motor or sensory peripheral nerves. This results in a sensory loss. This disease causes muscles to be weak and small. Signs and symptoms are first manifested in distal legs and then in the hands. Mutation of the specific gene results in abnormal function of the peripheral nerves. There is muscle contraction loss of sensation and difficulty in walking. Signs and symptoms can be observed in adolescence or adulthood. This condition is also known as peroneal muscular atrophy.

What can be the sign and symptoms of CMT?

• Weakness of the legs, feet, and ankles.
• Muscle bulk is lost in legs and feet.
• Curled toes
• Foot arch is increased.
• Ability to run is decreased.
• Footdrop, i.e. difficulty in lifting the foot at the ankle.
• Abnormal gate, i.e. higher than normal step
• Frequent falling or tripping.
• Decreased or loss of sensation in legs and feet.
• Sensitivity to touch, pain or heat is decreased.
• Loss of stretch reflexes.

What are the causes of CMT?

CMT is a genetically inherited disease. A genetic mutation on specific gene results in abnormal functioning or loss of function of nerves of feet, legs, arms, and feet. These mutations either damage the nerves or damages the myelin sheath, i.e. protective covering of nerves. This results in messages traveling between the extremities and the brain to be weak or delayed, causing loss of function or abnormal function of the respective parts of the body. This condition may cause the affected person to fall frequently or have an injury on feet without any realization.

How can be CMT diagnosed?

Diagnosis of this disease is completely based on physical examination by a doctor.

• Muscle weakness signs in the feet, legs, arms, and hands.
• Decreased muscle mass in the lower part of the legs, causing it to appear like an inverted champagne bottle.
• Reflexes are reduced
• Loss of sensation in feet and hands.
• Deformities of foot like increased arches of feet.

After physical examination, if the doctor suspects it to be a Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, than some tests are advanced to the patients like Electromyography, nerve biopsy and genetic testing.

How can be CMT treated?

Conventional treatment of CMT includes analgesics to relieve pain, physical therapy to strengthen muscles and prevent their tightening. Some orthopedic devices may help to maintain mobility and prevent injury.

How can Ayurveda help in treating CMT?

Ayurveda is the ancient medical system which means the study of life science. Ayurveda goes deeper than symptomatic treatment. During Ayurveda treatment is done by uprooting the cause of the disease and healing a person as a whole, i.e. both mind and body. Bringing back to the nature of the person is what this treatment aims at. The Ayurvedic treatment is made from herbs found in nature which treats the disease naturally and without causing any side-effects. It also helps in preventing disease by following a certain diet and lifestyle.

Herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease:

Planet Ayurveda offers certain herbal remedies to treat naturally CMT. These remedies are prepared from completely authentic and pure herbs. Each and every remedy is prepared under the strict Ayurvedic principle. No any product of Planet Ayurveda consists of any kind of chemical, preservative or additive. It is completely vegetarian and is not tested on animals.

1. Ashwagandha capsules-

These are the single herb capsules made from herb named Withania somnifera (ashwagandha). This is a wonderful remedy which helps in treating various health ailments.

Its benefits are:

• It reduces stress and increases memory.
• Anxiety is relieved and concentration is increased by its regular consumption.
• The anti-inflammatory property of these capsules helps to relieve inflammation and associated symptoms like pain, redness, and swelling.
• In CMT it will relieve in pain and decrease discomfort and difficulty in moving around.
• Ashwagandha capsules help to boost immunity and increases body’s ability to fight against various diseases and infections.

Dosage- Take 1-2 capsules two times a day after meals.

2. Boswellia-Curcumin capsules-

This is the most potent herbal remedy to reduce inflammatory signs and symptoms. It helps in treating various inflammatory conditions and other diseases.

Its benefits are:

• It relieves pain in the legs, feet, arms, and hands and allows proper movements.
• These capsules help in increasing reflexes.
• Lost or decreased sensation can be increased by its proper consumption.
• Morning stiffness is relieved by these capsules.
• It also helps to treat other health conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic colitis, asthma, and allergies.

      Dosage- Take one capsule two times a day after meals.

3. Vrihat vaat chintamani tablet-

This medicine specifically treats diseases caused due to Vata dosha disorders. It helps in treating various diseases like paralysis, tremors, facial palsy and hemiplegia. Neurological disorders are effectively treated by these tablets.

Its benefits are:

• It balances Vata dosha and hence treats diseases caused by its aggravation.
• Rejuvenative action of this herbal remedy helps to restore vitality in the body.
• Neurological disorders are effectively treated with these tablets and also improves motor performance.
• It treats angina pain, irregular or increased heartbeats, and helps in improving blood circulation in the body.
• Vertigo and migraine can also be treated with these tablets.

      Dosage- Take one tablet two times a day after meals.

4. Brahmi capsules-

Brahmi is a single herb capsule made from herb named Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi). This herbal product is full of wonderful properties which help to treat various diseases.

Its benefits are:

• It is a nerve tonic which improves and facilitate proper functioning of the nerves.
• The brain is sharpened and memory is improved by its regular consumption.
• These capsules help in detoxification of the body and remove toxins from the body.
• It relaxes the tensed muscles and aids better movements.
• These capsules also promote sound sleep without causing any side-effects.

Dosage-  Take one or two capsules two times a day after meals.

5. Shilajit capsules-

This medicine is made from herb named Asphaltum (Shilajit). These are multi-effect capsules which help to treat various diseases.

Its benefits are:

• It helps to reduce physical and mental stress and relaxes the mind.
• It rejuvenates and enhances regeneration of cells and restores vitality in the body.
• These capsules improve metabolism and help to treat digestive disorders.
• Anemia, arthritis, and diabetes can be treated with the help of Shilajit capsules.
• Sexual diseases can also be treated by its regular consumption.

Dosage- Take two capsules two times a day after meals.