What Causes Muscle Atrophy?

Muscle atrophy, also called muscle wasting, occurs when the muscles shrink and waste away. The cause is usually lack of activity, often triggered by an injury or disease making it impossible or difficult to move certain muscles. A leg or arm experiencing muscle atrophy might start to look thinner but won't be any shorter than the leg or arm that retains movement. There are some cases where muscle atrophy is reversible through physical therapy, regular exercise, and a proper diet. However, this isn't always the case, especially if the atrophy is caused by an underlying medical condition. It's important for individuals to understand the causes of muscle atrophy so they can address them with a medical professional.

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