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.
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Extended Period Of Inactivity
Not only does muscle atrophy tend to develop after an extended period of inactivity, but it can also be a strong indicator of the condition. For example, individuals who have recently had surgery could notice muscle atrophy if they are bedridden and unable to be physically active for weeks or months. Patients who have a cast to heal a broken bone could see their affected limb atrophy since the cast limits mobility in the area. Workers whose jobs involve long periods of sitting at a desk could also see some degree of muscle mass reduction. Individuals already dealing with muscle atrophy may not want to be active due to weakness. However, physical activity is key. To prevent muscle atrophy, patients scheduled for surgery should ask their healthcare team about incorporating physical therapy and activity into their recovery process. They should aim to stand and walk as soon as possible after their operation, and it can also be helpful to perform grip strengthening exercises with the hands, including squeezing exercises and writing. Individuals who have a broken bone may want to ask their orthopedist about ways they can safely move their affected limb while it is in a cast, and workers who sit for long periods might be able to prevent and treat muscle atrophy by taking a short walk or performing stretches every thirty minutes.
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Limb Weakness
Reductions in muscle size cause reductions in the strength generated by the muscles, and this often leads to limb weakness. If a patient's arm is affected, they might notice it is difficult to perform everyday tasks such as writing, picking up a cup, or carrying a shopping bag with the affected arm. Chopping food may be difficult as well, and the patient might drop items more often than usual. If the legs are affected, patients may have difficulties walking and climbing stairs. They might feel as though their legs won't support them, and they may need to sit down frequently and take longer breaks. Limb weakness can be a sign of several serious medical conditions, so this symptom should always be evaluated by a medical professional. During the exam, doctors can test the patient's strength by asking them to use their hands and feet to push against the physician's hand. If weakness is present on one or both sides of the body, doctors may recommend x-rays or scans to assess the underlying cause. Patients may be able to build strength in their limbs by performing strength training exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist.
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Issues With Balance
Muscle atrophy in the legs may contribute to issues with balance. As the leg muscles reduce in size and strength, they are less able to support the patient's weight. Since one leg is usually more affected than the other, the patient's gait will normally be altered. They might lean away from the weaker side while walking, and patients with severe levels of muscle atrophy could drag their feet while walking instead of picking them up. Since issues with balance place the patient at a high risk for falls, doctors may recommend the use of walking aids such as canes or walkers. Patients should ensure they are trained in the proper use of this equipment, and they should sit down whenever they feel unsteady. Many walkers are made with a seat in the middle for this purpose. For some patients, doctors may suggest physical therapy to improve balance and mobility. The physical therapist can instruct the patient in specific maneuvers that may make it easier to go up and down stairs, and performing these could decrease a patient's risk of falling.
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Numbness And Tingling
Muscle atrophy can occur in conjunction with neuropathy, and patients with both of these conditions could experience numbness and tingling, especially in the hands and feet. These symptoms are often the result of nerve damage, and patients should be evaluated by a neurologist. During the exam, the neurologist will check the patient's sensation. This is typically done by touching a cotton swab or a blunt pin to specific areas of the hands, arms, legs, and feet. The patient will be asked what they can feel. To determine the cause of numbness and tingling, doctors may recommend nerve conduction studies, electromyography, or an autonomic reflex test. Mild numbness and tingling may be treated with topical treatments, including capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches. Pain relievers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants might be beneficial in symptom management for more severe cases, and doctors might also suggest physical therapy or the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Patients should always let their doctor know if they notice an increase in numbness and tingling or if it spreads to new areas of the body.