Muscular dystrophy is a disease that causes weakness and loss in muscle mass.
The following characteristics are indicative of muscular dystrophy:
1. Progressive muscle weakness
2. muscle damage frequently
3. Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position
4. Problem running and jumping
5. Waddling Gait
6. walking on toes
7. Large calf muscle
8. Muscle pain and stiffness
9. Learning disability
Symptoms of lack of adequate muscle nutrition
It may be that a lack of adequate muscle nutrition may exist in the patient’s body even though physical symptoms of the disease do not appear.
A common cause of muscular dystrophy is lack of proper nutrition.
The most common causes of muscular dystrophy are:
1.Genetic mutation
2. Hereditary events
3. Lack of adequate nutrition is a risk factor for muscular dystrophy
The following determinants increase the likelihood of developing muscular dystrophy:
1. Family history
Is Prevention of muscular dystrophy possible?
No, it is not possible to prevent muscular dystrophy.
Tests to detect muscular dystrophy
The following tests are done to diagnose muscular dystrophy:
1. Enzyme test: detect enzyme release in damaged muscles
2. Electromyography: measuring electrical activity and diagnosing muscle disease
3. Genetic testing: Different types of muscular dystrophy that determine gene changes
4. Muscle biopsy: to differentiate muscular dystrophies from other muscle diseases
5. Heart monitoring test: Assessment of heart function
6. Pulmonary monitoring test: Assessment of lung function
Doctors to diagnose muscular dystrophy
In case of symptoms of muscular dystrophy, the patient should consult the following specialists:
1. Physical and Occupational Therapists
2. Cardiologist
3. Dieticians
4. Genetic counsellor
5. neurologist
6. Speech pathologists
The following steps are followed to treat muscular dystrophy:
1. Surgery: To correct spinal curvature
2. Do-it-yourself treatment for lack of adequate muscle nutrition —-
The following is a list of self-care or lifestyle changes that may be helpful in the treatment or management of muscular dystrophy:
1. Get vaccinated against pneumonia: Helps prevent respiratory infections
2. Implement healthy dietary changes: Helps prevent muscular dystrophy
3. Alternative medicine for the treatment of muscular dystrophy.
Some of the alternative medicines and therapies that may be helpful in the treatment or management of muscular dystrophy are as follows:
1. Do range-of-motion and stretching exercises: Keep joints flexible as much as possible
2. Exercise regularly: maintain strength, mobility and general health
3. Use mobility aids: Helps maintain mobility and independence
4. Get breathing support: Ventilate their lungs and improve oxygen delivery
5. Medical aid to the patient for muscular dystrophy: May be effective for patients lacking adequate muscle nutrition
6. Find someone to talk to: Discuss your feelings with a friend or family member who makes you feel comfortable
7. Learn to discuss your child’s condition: Ask your doctor about the most appropriate ways to discuss this progressive condition with your child.
8. Adequate nutritional deficiency during treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
Although the time-frame of treatment varies for different patients, if properly treated under the supervision of a specialist, the time-frame for muscular dystrophy can come under control. Remember, this disease cannot be treated but only maintained or reduced in effect