Serious Symptoms Of Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy is a condition in which the muscle mass is decreased, and the muscle may partially or completely waste away. Patients can develop this condition as a result of the aging process, and it could occur due to broken bones or to spinal cord and nerve injuries. Burns, malnutrition, strokes, and long-term corticosteroid use place a patient at a higher risk for muscle atrophy as well. For some individuals, muscle atrophy may be a complication of an underlying medical condition such as muscular dystrophy, neuropathy, polio, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To diagnose muscle atrophy, patients may be asked to have blood tests, x-rays, CT scans, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography. Treatment for muscle atrophy depends on the underlying cause, and patients are usually offered physical therapy and ultrasound therapy. In cases where muscle atrophy is caused by malnutrition, doctors generally prescribe supplements, and dietary changes may be suggested. Surgery might be suggested to correct the contracture deformities that sometimes occur with this condition.

The major symptoms associated with muscle atrophy are outlined below.

Reduced Muscle Mass

Reduced muscle mass is one of the most common symptoms patients with muscle atrophy experience. Reductions in muscle mass contribute to limb weakness, and individuals with the condition may have one arm or leg noticeably smaller than the other. Doctors can perform a physical examination to check for reduced muscle mass, and they will compare the size and strength of the muscles on one side of the body to the other. If the reductions in muscle mass are caused by aging, inactivity, injury, or malnutrition, patients may be able to reverse these by participating in physical therapy or starting an exercise program.

Keep reading for more information on the symptoms of muscle atrophy now.