Maximus Gage
Muscle atrophy, or muscle wasting, is the thinning or decrease in size of muscle tissue. It can be caused by disuse of muscles, nerve problems, ageing, malnutrition, or certain diseases. Some of the diseases that cause muscle wasting include muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy, and cachexia. Treatment for muscle wasting may include exercise, dietary changes, and in some cases, medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Physiologic (Disuse), Pathologic, and Neurogenic |
| Causes | Malnutrition, aging, nerve damage, lack of physical activity, stroke, genetic disorders, muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, dermatomyositis, multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, ALS, cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, COPD, sedentary lifestyle, and certain medications |
| Symptoms | Reduced muscle mass, weakness, numbness, tingling, trouble walking or balancing, difficulty swallowing or speaking, muscle pain and stiffness, and learning or behavioral challenges |
| Treatment | Dietary changes, exercise, physical therapy, and medications |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Muscular dystrophy
Muscle atrophy or wasting can be caused by several factors, including muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition. Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease that causes muscle weakness and wasting away of muscle tissue. There are over 30 types of muscular dystrophy, with varying symptoms and age of onset, but all types lead to a loss of strength, increasing disability, and possible deformity.
The most common type of muscular dystrophy is Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which mainly affects boys, but girls can also exhibit milder versions of the disease. Becker muscular dystrophy is the second most common type, also tending to affect boys, but with symptoms ranging from mild to severe and appearing any time between the ages of 5 and 60. Myotonic dystrophy is the most common type diagnosed in adulthood, affecting men and women equally. This type causes difficulty relaxing the muscles after use, and can also affect the heart and lungs and cause endocrine issues.
Other types of muscular dystrophy include Emery-Dreifuss, which causes joint stiffness and muscle wasting in the shoulders, upper arms, and calves, and facioscapulohumeral (FSHD), which causes muscle weakness in the face, shoulders, and upper arms, often affecting one side of the body more than the other.
While there is currently no cure for muscular dystrophy, treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatments include physical and occupational therapy, corticosteroids, mobility aids, surgery, and heart care.
Abilify Side Effects: Muscle Aches and Pains
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Neurogenic atrophy
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease: This is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells throughout the body. The nerve cells controlling voluntary movement die, causing the muscles to atrophy due to lack of use.
- Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This involves damage to a single nerve.
- Spinal cord injury.
- Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune disease affecting the myelin surrounding nerve fibres.
Nerve Block Fading: Understanding the Link to Muscle Spasms
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$9.99 $17.99
Malnutrition
The link between malnutrition and muscle wasting is especially evident in hospitalised older adults, who are at risk of accelerated muscle wasting due to a combination of malnutrition and physical inactivity. A 2020 study found that malnourished older adults hospitalised for two weeks experienced an average loss of 9% of thigh muscle mass, comparable to the average decline of muscle mass during nine years of ageing.
Additionally, malnutrition can increase the risk of falls and fractures in older individuals, as it negatively impacts muscle strength and physical functioning. This highlights the importance of routine nutritional assessment and early recognition of malnutrition in hospital settings to prevent adverse outcomes.
The treatment and management of malnutrition in older adults should focus on minimising muscle mass loss and preserving muscle strength. Nutritional interventions and physical exercise are key components in preventing and treating skeletal muscle loss associated with malnutrition. Implementing appropriate nutritional strategies and monitoring plans can help preserve muscle mass and function in clinical and community settings.
Muscle Aches: A Surprising Headache Trigger?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sedentary lifestyle
Muscle atrophy, or muscle wasting, can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle. This is when a person does not use their muscles enough, leading to a decrease in size and strength. This can be due to various factors, such as having a desk job, or other factors such as ageing, genetics, malnutrition, or certain medical conditions.
The modern world often promotes increased sitting time for work and leisure, which can negatively impact muscle health. Research shows that adults with desk jobs can lose up to 3.8% of muscle mass per day from sitting too long. This can lead to diminished muscle growth and reduced strength for daily movement. Staying in seated postures with hunched shoulders and rounded backs for long periods can cause muscles to stiffen, shorten, and tighten, constraining the range of motion for basic functions like bending down, looking side to side, and getting up from a chair.
To counteract the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, it is important to incorporate movement throughout the day. Aiming for 7,000 to 10,000 steps per day is recommended for general health. This can be achieved through daily lifestyle movements or dedicated walking sessions. Simple activities such as pacing while on the phone, strolling during breaks, parking farther away, or taking the stairs can help increase daily step count. Setting reminders to get up and move around every 30 minutes can also be beneficial.
In addition to increasing daily movement, incorporating resistance exercises such as weight vest walks, bodyweight exercises (e.g. air squats, lunges, or wall push-ups), and interval sitting can help improve muscle health. Regular mobility breaks, stretching, cardio exercise, and resistance training are also recommended to counteract the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle on muscle health.
While the impacts of a sedentary lifestyle on muscle health can be significant, making small boosts in activity and committing to a consistent routine can help protect and improve muscle strength and flexibility.
Acne and Muscle Pain: Is There a Link?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
The early symptoms of ALS include gradual muscle stiffness, twitches, weakness, and wasting. Over time, symptoms typically spread throughout the body, and muscle weakness worsens. Limb-onset ALS, which accounts for about two-thirds of all classical ALS cases, begins with weakness in the hands, arms, feet, and/or legs. Bulbar-onset ALS, which accounts for about 25% of classical ALS cases, begins with weakness in the muscles of speech, chewing, and swallowing. As the disease progresses, muscle atrophy can make it harder to breathe and may lead to life-threatening outcomes.
The speed at which ALS symptoms progress varies from person to person. However, the disease typically causes a progressive loss of the ability to eat, speak, move, and, eventually, breathe. Additionally, about 50% of people with ALS face at least some minor difficulties with thinking and behaviour, and 15% fully develop frontotemporal dementia.
The cause of ALS is currently unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. About 70% of familial cases and 5% to 10% of sporadic cases involve gene changes, most often in the C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS genes. Sporadic ALS, which is not inherited, accounts for about 90% of cases, while familial ALS makes up about 10%.
While there is currently no cure for ALS, treatments are constantly improving. The right combination of therapies and medications may slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.
Muscle Relaxers: Do They Cause Liver Damage?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass. It can be caused by disuse of muscles, neurogenic conditions, ageing, malnutrition, and certain medical conditions.
Some diseases that cause muscle wasting include muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases that cause muscle weakness and wasting. There are many types of muscular dystrophy, including Duchenne, Becker, Emery-Dreifuss, and Myotonic. The symptoms and age of onset vary depending on the type.
Symptoms of muscle atrophy include a decrease in muscle mass, one limb being smaller than the other, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the limbs.
Yes, muscle atrophy can often be treated and reversed through exercise and improved nutrition. Physical therapy and dietary changes may be recommended by healthcare professionals.
