Muscle pain or weakness that persists without a clear cause, such as a muscle pull or tightness due to exercise or injury, could be a sign of a common muscle disease. Muscle diseases — also referred to as myopathies — affect various muscles in the body and can present themselves in numerous ways.
These can develop slowly over time, but the effects can devastate those afflicted both physically and mentally, mostly down to the fact that mobility can be severely impaired. This can result in a lessened quality of life and independence.
So, with this in mind, what are the three most common diseases that affect the muscles, and what are their symptoms, causes, and potential treatments?
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder, and it can be identified by the progressive weakening and loss of muscle tissue. This condition is caused by mutations in the genes whose job is to produce the proteins needed for normal muscle function. There are various types of muscular dystrophy, with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) being one of the most common and severe forms.
Symptoms of muscular dystrophy include muscle weakness, difficulty walking, frequent falls, and delayed physical milestones of development in children. As the condition progresses, individuals may also experience respiratory difficulties and heart problems.
As of now, there is no cure for muscular dystrophy. However, various treatments aim to manage symptoms, slow down the disease progression, and improve mobility. Options that you may have include assistive devices, medications, physical therapy, and respiratory support. Despite all these options, life expectancy can be affected by this disease and the associated symptoms, especially if breathing and heart problems become a major cause of concern.
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder, and it has an effect on the neuromuscular junction, where nerves connect to muscles. This condition involves the immune system attacking the receptors on these junctions mistakenly, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue.
Symptoms that are common of myasthenia gravis include muscle weakness that can get worse with activity and improves with rest, drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing. The severity of symptoms can vary, and symptoms may worsen over time.
The exact cause of myasthenia gravis is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain individuals’ genetic makeup could result in them being more predisposed to developing the condition.
Myasthenia gravis can be managed with treatments that help improve muscle strength and reduce symptoms. These may include medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, and medications that enhance neuromuscular transmission. Nutritional support may be needed if swallowing is severely affected.
Polymyositis is a muscle disease characterized by muscle weakness and inflammation. It predominantly affects the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for voluntary movements.
The main symptom of polymyositis is muscle weakness, which typically begins in the muscles closest to the trunk, such as the hips, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. This weakness can make it difficult for individuals to perform everyday activities like climbing stairs or lifting objects.
The exact cause of polymyositis is again unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors similar to other muscle diseases, as well as an autoimmune response. Viral infections and certain medications may trigger or contribute to the development of the condition.
Treatment for polymyositis typically involves medications called corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Other medications, such as immunosuppressants, may also be prescribed. Strength and mobility can be improved through physical therapy and exercise. It is important to try to stay active or at least have regular physio sessions to keep the muscles from weakening further.