Atrophy is defined as a decrease in the size of common body parts, cells, organs, and tissue. Muscle atrophy or muscular atrophy is a condition caused due to a decrease in the muscle mass and tissue. Lack of physical activity or limited mobility due to an injury results in the developing symptoms of muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy is commonly known to affect the small muscles of the hands and feet.
Types of muscle atrophy
Disuse and neurogenic atrophy are the two distinct types of muscle atrophy. Disuse atrophy is a direct result of not using the muscles regularly, i.e., not staying active. A sedentary lifestyle will contribute to further loss of muscle tissue. However, most signs and symptoms can be managed and, in many cases, reversed with regular exercise and a nutritious diet to stimulate muscle regrowth.
Neurogenic muscle atrophy, on the other hand, is a more severe condition caused due to an injury or damage to the nerves that connect to the muscle. Medical conditions include irreversible triggers like multiple sclerosis, as Lou Gehrig’s disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, Guillain–Barre syndrome, polio, and spinal cord injuries.
Although neurogenic atrophy is not a common disorder, it is far more difficult to treat since most of the triggers can cause significant nerve damage. Your muscles become limp and paralyzed due to nerve damage, which can lead to muscle wasting.
Other known causes of muscle atrophy include malnutrition, Becker muscular dystrophy, side effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and a herniated disc that results in peripheral nerve damage.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of muscle atrophy
Muscle atrophy mainly causes loss of movement and strength. Here are some noticeable signs of a developing atrophic condition.
- Experiencing problems while trying to maintain your balance. This can also cause difficulty in walking and makes you more prone to unexpected falls
- Muscle damage also causes posture problems over time if left unchecked
- Weakness and loss of muscle tone will create problems while performing basic tasks like lifting objects, walking, and sitting
- Numbness, tingling, and pain caused due to neurogenic conditions are visible physical indicators
- Reduced blood pumping by the heart muscles due to weakness and loss of tissue. This can result in a stroke or heart attack for severe conditions of muscle atrophy
Following are the developing signs of muscle atrophy caused due to certain medical conditions:
- Loss of voluntary muscle movement due to ALS
- Skin rashes and muscle weakness caused due to dermatomyositis
- Loss of sensation and function due to damaged nerve cells
- Reduced motion in joints due to an arthritic condition
- Inflammation of the joints due to rheumatoid arthritis or polymyositis
Diagnosis and treatment options
Muscle atrophy diagnosis depends on a thorough analysis of your medical history and current symptoms. The doctor will also recommend various tests to rule out certain diseases such as blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRI, electromyography, nerve conduction studies, and muscle biopsy.
A combination of physical therapy, exercise, ultrasound therapy, and lifestyle changes will help cope and manage the symptoms of muscle atrophy. Changes in your diet and leading an active lifestyle will prove to be effective for prolonged relief.
