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Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of genetic diseases that cause muscles to become weak and damaged over time. This weakness gets worse and can eventually make it hard to walk, stand, or move. Muscular dystrophy is a progressive condition, which means it will change and often get worse as a person gets older.
read more about muscular dystrophy ...Muscular dystrophy is caused by flaws in the genes that are responsible for muscle health. These genes are supposed to make proteins that protect muscles from damage. When these genes are faulty, the body cannot make the proteins, and the muscles slowly break down. This is a genetic condition, which means it is passed down in families.
The main symptom of muscular dystrophy is muscle weakness. The age when this starts and which muscles are affected depend on the type. Common signs in children can include trouble getting up from the floor, walking on their toes, or having large calf muscles. In other types, symptoms may not appear until the teen or adult years.
There are many different types of muscular dystrophy. The most common type in children is **Duchenne muscular dystrophy**, which affects boys and is usually severe. **Becker muscular dystrophy** is similar but milder and starts later. **Myotonic muscular dystrophy** is the most common type in adults and causes muscle stiffness in addition to weakness.
There is no cure for muscular dystrophy, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment often includes physical therapy to help keep muscles flexible and strong. Braces or a wheelchair may be needed to help with mobility. In some cases, medicines like steroids can help slow down muscle damage.
Is muscular dystrophy contagious?
No. It is a genetic disease, not an infection. You cannot catch it from someone else.
Does it only affect boys?
No. While the most common childhood form (Duchenne) mostly affects boys, other types of muscular dystrophy affect both males and females equally.
Can muscular dystrophy be prevented?
No, you cannot prevent a genetic disease. However, if muscular dystrophy runs in your family, a genetic counselor can talk to you about the risks before you have children.
You should see a doctor if you or your child are not meeting movement milestones or are showing signs of muscle weakness. If your child is falling often, has trouble climbing stairs, or seems to be losing muscle strength, it is important to have them checked. A doctor can run tests to find the cause of the weakness.