[Coriny]

I am asking if CMT sufferers get swelling in their feet. What causes the swelling and what can be done? My feet look like balloon animals!!

[Susanne C.]

I did not have swelling for years and years with CMT. My feet and ankles just got thinner and thinner while the rest of me was big- large heavy bones, extremely tall, and a little overweight.
Lately I have had more trouble with swelling, the past year or so, but it is still not extreme or every day. My SFN is very advanced with no nerve fibers or sensation below the knee, and the large motor is severe, with weakness extending to the knees and upper thighs, so I am not sure how swelling fits in to the CMT picture.

[Kitt]

Impairment of the normal circulatory process can be one reason for swelling (edema) of the feet and ankles. We lose insulating muscle mass which combined with reduced muscular activity and circulation can leave CMTers with chronically cold hands and feet.