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Have you ever wondered what's actually involved in correcting CMT-related foot deformities? This episode cuts through medical jargon to deliver a comprehensive guide to foot surgery for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, combining expert clinical knowledge with invaluable first-person experience.

The classic high-arched, inward-turning foot seen in CMT isn't just a cosmetic issue—it creates real functional problems that impact daily living. Walking on the outside edge of your foot causes pain, balance problems, and can trigger issues up the entire kinetic chain, affecting knees, hips, and back. Understanding this mechanical issue helps explain why surgical intervention might be worth considering.

We break down exactly what happens during surgery: the bone realignment that creates a stable foundation, the intricate tendon transfers that rebalance muscle forces, and what makes someone a good candidate. You'll learn why finding a surgeon with deep CMT experience is crucial, with Dr. Glenn Pfeffer's insights providing the clinical framework. Most powerfully, we share a detailed patient journey from Liz, who documented everything from pre-surgery preparation to the five-month recovery process, including incredibly practical tips about travel arrangements, accommodation considerations, and managing daily life during recovery.

What makes this episode uniquely valuable is how it bridges the gap between clinical explanations and lived reality. Yes, recovery is challenging—requiring total non-weight bearing for weeks and a dedicated support person—but understanding the potential for 20 years of improved function helps put that temporary challenge in perspective. Don't automatically assume your limitations are permanent. Listen now to determine if surgical correction might improve your quality of life, and share this episode with anyone navigating this complex decision.

For Liz's full Surgery Guide & PDF, click here!

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AFOs might just be three letters—but for those living with CMT, they can mean the difference between daily struggle and confident mobility.

In this episode, we explore how the right Ankle Foot Orthosis can reduce fatigue, improve stability, and even change the way you walk. From common gait compensations to what makes a good brace great, this conversation is packed with insights that could change your next step—literally.

We also highlight two must-have tools, co-written by HNF and CMT orthotist Mitch Warner, CPO of Ortho Rehab Designs:

✅ The ABCs of AFOs Guide
✅ AFO Evaluation Checklist

👣 Curious about how carbon fiber compares to a classic plastic brace?
🦿 Not sure what “triplanar correction” means—but think it might matter to you?
🎧 Tune in, take notes, and get ready to rethink what bracing can do.

📥 Download your free guides here and take that first step toward better mobility.

Participate in Research Join GRIN Today!

Register for the 2025 CMT Summit in Nashville on 4/24-26

Thanks for listening! Learn more at hnf-cure.org and subscribe for more updates on CMT research and advancements.

Thanks for listening! Learn more at hnf-cure.org and subscribe for more updates on CMT research and advancements.

Send us a text

This episode explores the rapid advancements in understanding and treating CMT SORD, highlighting community engagement and innovative research, particularly focusing on the potential of the drug Gavorstat. The scientific journey from gene discovery to clinical trial showcases the power of collaboration, emphasizing patient voices in shaping treatment success.

• Discussion on what CMT SORD is and its symptoms
• Overview of the SORD gene’s role in the disease
• Insights into the drug Gavorstat and its mechanism
• Updates on clinical trial results for Gavorstat
• The importance of community support and advocacy
• The role of the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation
• Implications of CMT SORD advancements for other types
• Shift towards patient-reported outcomes in research
• Reflections on the future of CMT treatment strategies

Learn more about SORD and Inspire Clinical Trial

Participate in Research Join GRIN Today!

Register for the 2025 CMT Summit in Nashville on 4/24-26

Thanks for listening! Learn more at hnf-cure.org and subscribe for more updates on CMT research and advancements.