Understanding Muscular Dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that cause muscle weakness and loss over time. There are many types of muscular dystrophy that affect different muscle groups and progress at different rates. The most common types in children are:  Duchenne muscular dystrophy Becker muscular dystrophy Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy Congenital muscular dystrophy  Symptoms usually start in early childhood. Children may have trouble walking, running, and getting up. The muscle weakness slowly gets worse over time. The Importance of Early Diagnosis. Getting a diagnosis as early as possible is very important. Early diagnosis allows children to start treatments and therapies right away. This gives them the best chance to maintain their abilities and independence. If you notice signs of muscle weakness in your child, talk to your doctor. They can do an exam and may order tests like:  Blood tests to check for genetic mutations Muscle biopsy to look at the muscle tissue Electromyography (EMG) to test the electrical activity of muscles  With this information, doctors can determine the specific type of muscular dystrophy your child has. Then a treatment plan can be made just for them. Building a Healthcare Team. Children with muscular dystrophy need a team of healthcare providers to manage their condition. The team may include:  Pediatrician or primary care doctor Neurologist who specializes in nerve and muscle disorders Physical therapist to help with strength and mobility Occupational therapist to help with daily living skills Respiratory therapist to help with...

Early diagnosis empowers with treatment, support, and hope through healthcare, assistive devices, therapies, and research.

Empowering Families in the Muscular Dystrophy Journey

Understanding Muscular Dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that make muscles weaker and less flexible over time. It affects both children and adults. There are many types of muscular dystrophy with different symptoms and challenges. The most common types are:  Duchenne muscular dystrophy Becker muscular dystrophy Myotonic dystrophy Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy  Muscular dystrophy is caused by changes in the genes that control how the body keeps muscles healthy. There is no cure yet, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Impact on Daily Life. Muscular dystrophy can make everyday activities harder. Walking, climbing stairs, and lifting objects may become more difficult over time. As the disease progresses, some people may need mobility aids like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to get around. Assistive devices and home modifications can also help with daily tasks. Fatigue is common with muscular dystrophy. Taking breaks, pacing activities, and getting enough rest is important for managing energy levels. Emotional and Social Challenges. Living with muscular dystrophy can be emotionally challenging at times. It's normal to feel frustrated, sad, or anxious about the changes and uncertainties. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Talking to trusted friends, family, or a counselor can provide comfort and helpful perspectives. Connecting with others who have muscular dystrophy through support groups or online communities can also reduce feelings of isolation. Sharing experiences and advice can be empowering. Impact on Family. Muscular dystrophy affects the whole family. Parents, siblings, and other relatives...

Muscular dystrophy weakens muscles, but treatments, support, and research provide hope for a fulfilling life despite varying symptoms.

Navigating the Challenges and Triumphs of Muscular Dystrophy

What is Muscular Dystrophy? Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases. They cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue. This happens slowly over time. There are many kinds of muscular dystrophy. Symptoms can start at different ages. Some types are more common in certain groups of people. The most common type is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). It mainly affects young boys. Symptoms usually start between ages 2 and 5. How Muscular Dystrophy Affects the Body. All types of muscular dystrophy cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue. But different types can affect different muscle groups and cause different symptoms. Muscular dystrophy can affect many parts of the body:  Muscles for moving, called skeletal muscles Heart muscle Muscles for breathing Muscles for speaking and swallowing  As the disease gets worse, it can cause problems like trouble walking, breathing, and swallowing. People with muscular dystrophy may need to use a wheelchair or other devices to help them move around and do daily tasks. Challenges of Living with Muscular Dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy can make everyday life harder. Muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue cause physical challenges. Tasks that used to be easy, like walking, writing, or feeding yourself, can get harder and harder to do. You may need help from family, friends, and caregivers. Muscular dystrophy can also cause emotional challenges. It's normal to feel sad, angry, or scared sometimes. Talking to loved ones or a therapist can help. Treatments and Therapies. There is no cure for muscular...

Muscular dystrophy, a group of muscle-weakening diseases, can be managed with therapies and support to improve quality of life.

Understanding and Supporting Muscular Dystrophy

Is there a long-lasting, little risk, minimal side-effect solution to chronic joint pain for the Muscular Dystrophy (MD) patient? The answer is yes, and the main “medicine” in this treatment is sugar. Muscular Dystrophy, sports related injuries, and injuries related to years of wear and tear all share in common that the chronic joint pain they cause is a degenerative disease. In cases of Muscular Dystrophy, muscle weakening and atrophy can accelerate joint and spinal degeneration and cause pain when unstable bones trap, pinch, wear at and tear at the soft tissue of the spine and joints.  Treating the pain   There are not many answers to treating degenerative joint disease in MD. The goal of any treatment should be to choose options that the patient will well tolerate and see an improvement in quality of life. This is why in our practice we are very reluctant in prescribing both narcotic pain medications and/or recommending over-the-counter pain relief medications. Our reluctance stems from the obvious and serious side effects that these medicines have been documented to cause. Even low dose Tylenol has recently been cited in studies in accidental overdose. Sometimes surgical intervention is sought especially in cases of excessive and painful spinal curvature, impingement syndrome, or simply when the pain of a joint seems to suggest no other options. Surgeries have their complications and should always be considered after more conservative options have been explored. Many physicians and health care professionals will offer options other than the prescription,...

Sugar-based Prolotherapy can mitigate MD chronic joint pain with less risk, aiming for improved life quality without surgery or narcotics.

The Problem of MD Chronic Joint Pain

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Special Needs
Articles

Empowering Families in the Muscular Dystrophy Journey

Navigating the Challenges and Triumphs of Muscular Dystrophy

Understanding and Supporting Muscular Dystrophy

The Problem of MD Chronic Joint Pain

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs Articles

Empowering Families in the Muscular Dystrophy Journey

Navigating the Challenges and Triumphs of Muscular Dystrophy

Understanding and Supporting Muscular Dystrophy

The Problem of MD Chronic Joint Pain

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles