Charcot Marie Tooth disease is a hereditary disorder which involves the nerves of the extremities. Inflammation and degeneration in these nerves cause symptoms which typically appear in adolescence or early adulthood and include numbness, pain and weakness in the lower limbs, muscular dystrophy, disturbed neuromuscular coordination of the legs, deformities in the feet, and frequent falls. The modern management of this condition involves the institution of regular exercise, physiotherapy and care of the feet; it is important to start treatment at the earliest in order to prevent atrophy of the muscles and permanent deformities of the feet.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Charcot Marie Tooth disease involves the use of herbal medicines to treat the inflammation and degeneration of peripheral nerves, especially of the lower limbs. Medicines which act on the central nervous system as well as the individual nerve cells form the mainstay of treatment in the management of this condition. Medicines which improve neuromuscular coordination and preserve the functioning of muscles are also used in conjunction with the above-mentioned medicines.
While treatment is mainly on the form of oral medication, localised therapy can also be utilised in order to bring about better improvement and preserve the structure and function of the lower limbs. Localised treatment is mainly in the form of massage of the lower limbs using medicated oils, followed by medicated steam fomentation. Regular exercises to preserve muscular function and coordination are important.
Most individuals affected with Charcot Marie Tooth disease require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for periods ranging from 6-9 months, depending upon the severity of the condition and the extent of nerve damage at the time of starting treatment. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can significantly improve quality of life of individuals affected with this condition, and can help to bring about a significant remission of the symptoms. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of Charcot Marie Tooth disease.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
