Muscular Disorders

Muscular disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the muscles in the body. These disorders can affect muscles themselves, the nerves controlling muscles, or the junctions where nerves and muscles meet. Some common types include: 

Muscular Dystrophy: This group of genetic disorders leads to progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass over time. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of the most well-known types, affecting mostly boys and causing muscle degeneration.

Myasthenia Gravis: This autoimmune disorder affects the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. It's characterized by muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventually paralysis.

Muscle Spasms and Cramps: These are involuntary contractions of muscles that can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, muscle fatigue, electrolyte imbalances, or neurological disorders.

Muscular Atrophy: This refers to the wasting away or loss of muscle tissue due to lack of use, disease, or injury. It can occur locally in specific muscles or systemically throughout the body.

Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis: These are inflammatory myopathies that cause muscle weakness, often accompanied by skin rashes in the case of dermatomyositis.

Muscle Stiffness Disorders: Conditions like Spasticity, Dystonia, and Rigidity involve abnormal muscle stiffness, which can interfere with movement and cause pain.

Treatment for muscular disorders varies depending on the specific condition and its severity. It may include medications, physical therapy, assistive devices, and in some cases, surgery. Early diagnosis and intervention are often crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.