About the CMTAA
The CMT Association in Australia (CMTAA) began as a Support Group in 1988, and was incorporated in 1990 as a registered charity. It is run by a group of volunteers who have personal experience of CMT, either as an individual or family member.
Our aims are to:
- Provide support through contact with people with CMT
- Distribution of information related to the welfare of people with CMT
- Promote the development of facilities and services for people with CMT
- Actively support CMT research
- Conduct information seminars
- Provide an informative website
- Send regular newsletters to members
- Provide videos of seminars
- Provide additional information regarding CMT
- Support groups established throughout Australia
How does it affect you?
CMT causes slow degeneration of the nerves in the extremities including feet, legs, arms and hands. Typically muscles are weakened due to the loss of stimulation by affected nerves. The severity of the disease can vary a great deal from person to person. The symptoms are also varied. There are several different types of CMT. There is no known cure for CMT, however, continual research is being done both in Australia and overseas to find one.
It is important to find out what CMT means to us emotionally and in regards to our every day activities.
Weakness in leg muscles affects one’s co-ordination and balance in such things as walking, running, walking up or down stairs, walking on uneven ground or just standing still or standing for long periods of time.
Other symptoms which may effect CMT patients include: tremors, fatigue and fine motor skills. Foot abnormalities such as high arched feet, weak ankles and tendon tightening pose the most serious problems. Sometimes patients may need to wear foot orthoses or braces or undergo surgery. Even the simplest things like unscrewing a bottle top, fastening buttons, turning on a tap or opening a door handle can pose problems. These are all things that we take for granted. Untidy hand writing due to not having control over the muscles and nerves in the hands and fingers can pose a big problem for both children and adults.
Other activities such as sport may pose a problem for those with CMT. One of the best activities for CMT is swimming as there is low impact upon the ankles. People with CMT should be encouraged to participate in as many regular daily activities as possible.
People with CMT are encouraged to develop skills in areas that they can excel in. People with CMT can fulfill a happy, long and healthy life.
National Office:
(02) 9767 5105
Fax:
(02) 9767 5167
Email:
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