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Muscle atrophy is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass, resulting in muscles appearing smaller than normal. This can be caused by disuse of muscles, malnutrition, age, genetics, nerve problems, or certain medical conditions. Sarcopenia, a type of muscle atrophy, is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, commonly affecting the elderly population. It is caused by a decrease in protein production and changes in hormones, leading to a reduction in muscle cell size and function. The wasting of muscles can also occur due to diseases or injuries that hinder mobility, resulting in muscle atrophy over time. Treatment for muscle atrophy includes physical therapy, ultrasound therapy, and surgery in severe cases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of condition | Muscle atrophy, or sarcopenia (muscle loss) |
| Symptoms | Loss of muscle mass, weakness in one arm or leg, numbness or tingling in limbs, trouble walking or balancing, difficulty swallowing or speaking |
| Causes | Lack of physical activity, nerve problems or diseases, malnutrition, age, genetics, medical conditions (e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dermatomyositis, osteoarthritis) |
| Treatment | Exercise, healthy diet, physical therapy, ultrasound therapy, surgery |
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Muscle atrophy
The symptoms of muscle atrophy include reduced muscle mass, with one limb sometimes appearing smaller than the other. Other symptoms include weakness, numbness, and tingling in the limbs, as well as trouble walking or balancing. Atrophy of the throat muscles may lead to difficulty swallowing, while diaphragm atrophy can cause breathing difficulties. The hallmark sign of muscle atrophy is a loss of lean muscle mass, which can be challenging to detect in individuals with obesity or oedema.
The time it takes for muscles to atrophy depends on age, fitness level, and the underlying cause. Disuse atrophy can occur within two to three weeks of muscle disuse. Neurogenic atrophy may develop sooner, depending on the individual's health condition. Diagnosis of muscle atrophy is made through a physical examination, medical history, and specific tests such as blood tests, muscle or nerve biopsies, and imaging scans. Treatment options are limited, but they may include exercise programs, physical therapy, ultrasound therapy, and in some cases, surgery to correct contractures.
Sarcopenia is a specific type of muscle atrophy characterised by the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. It commonly affects individuals over 65 years of age, with a more rapid progression after 80. The natural ageing process, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet are believed to contribute to sarcopenia. The condition can impact an individual's quality of life by reducing their ability to perform daily tasks.
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Sarcopenia
The most common symptom of sarcopenia is muscle weakness. Other symptoms may include loss of stamina, difficulty performing daily activities, walking slowly, trouble climbing stairs, poor balance, and falls. Sarcopenia may also have no symptoms until it is severe and is often unrecognized. An early indicator of the onset of sarcopenia can be a significant loss of muscle mass in the anterior thigh and abdominal muscles.
The hallmark sign of sarcopenia is the loss of lean muscle mass. The change in body composition may be difficult to detect due to obesity, changes in fat mass, or oedema. Changes in weight, limb, or waist circumference are not reliable indicators of muscle mass changes.
The degree of sarcopenia is determined by two factors: the initial amount of muscle mass and the rate at which muscle mass declines. Due to variations in these factors across the population, the rate of progression and the threshold at which muscle loss becomes apparent is variable. Immobility dramatically increases the rate of muscle loss, even in younger people. Other factors that can increase the rate of progression of sarcopenia include decreased nutrient intake, low physical activity, or chronic disease.
The prevalence of sarcopenia is estimated to be between 5% and 13% in patients aged 60 and above, and between 11% and 50% in patients aged 80 and above. The worldwide prevalence of sarcopenia in patients over the age of 60 is estimated to be 10%.
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Neurogenic atrophy
Diagnosing muscle atrophy involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider, who will assess the patient's arms and legs and measure their muscle mass. Additionally, tests such as blood tests, muscle or nerve biopsies, electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction studies may be ordered.
While neurogenic atrophy is challenging to reverse due to nerve damage, disuse (physiologic) atrophy can often be treated through exercise and improved nutrition. Healthcare providers may recommend exercises in a swimming pool to reduce the muscle workload during rehabilitation.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any signs or symptoms of muscle atrophy, as they can provide a personalised treatment plan to help manage the condition.
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Reversing muscle loss
Muscle atrophy is the thinning of muscle mass, which can be caused by muscle disuse, neurogenic conditions, malnutrition, age, genetics, or certain medical conditions. The condition can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, weakness, and numbness or tingling in the limbs. Physiologic atrophy, caused by a lack of physical activity, can be reversed with exercise and a healthy diet.
To reverse muscle loss, it is important to focus on building muscle through strength training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It is recommended to start with exercises targeting major muscle groups using weights that can be lifted comfortably 15-20 times, and gradually increasing the frequency and intensity of the workout.
Protein-rich foods are essential for muscle-building, but they can also create acids that eat away at muscles over time. It is important to spread protein intake evenly throughout the day, with a recommended intake of 90 grams of protein per day, split into 30 grams each for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition to protein, vitamins and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables are also important for muscle health. Aim for at least 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit per day.
It is important to note that reversing muscle atrophy takes time and consistent effort. You may start seeing improvements after a few months, but full recovery of muscle strength may take longer.
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Medical conditions
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass. It can be caused by the disuse of muscles or neurogenic conditions. Symptoms include a decrease in muscle mass, one limb being smaller than the other, and numbness, weakness and tingling in the limbs. Disuse atrophy can be reversed with exercise and a healthy diet.
Muscle atrophy can be caused by malnutrition, age, genetics, a lack of physical activity or certain medical conditions. Physiologic atrophy occurs when muscles are not used enough. Neurogenic atrophy occurs due to nerve problems or diseases.
Sarcopenia is a type of muscle atrophy caused by the natural ageing process. It is characterised by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. Sarcopenia can be slowed down by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and seeing a healthcare provider regularly.
There are various medical conditions that can cause muscles to waste away or make movement difficult, leading to muscle atrophy. These include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement.
- Dermatomyositis, which causes muscle weakness and skin rashes.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune condition that leads to nerve inflammation and muscle weakness.
- Multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune condition in which the body destroys the protective coverings of nerves.
- Muscular dystrophy, an inherited condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.
- Neuropathy, damage to a nerve or nerve group, resulting in loss of sensation or function.
- Osteoarthritis, which causes reduced motion in the joints.
- Polio, a viral disease affecting muscle tissue that can lead to paralysis.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass. It can be caused by muscle disuse, aging, malnutrition, genetics, nerve problems, or certain medical conditions.
Muscle atrophy can be treated through exercise, physical therapy, ultrasound therapy, and surgery to correct a contracture. Disuse atrophy can be reversed with a proper diet, exercise, and physical therapy.
Symptoms of muscle atrophy include a decrease in muscle mass, one limb being smaller than the other, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the limbs, and trouble walking or balancing.
