Muscular dystrophy is a group of disorders that cause a progressive loss in the muscle mass and leads to loss of strength. This is a condition that can affect 1 in 5000 males and is very rare in women. It is caused due to genetic mutations that interfere with the production of the proteins needed to maintain or even build healthy muscles.

If one has a family history of muscular dystrophy, it is essential for them to be cautious and look out for the first signs of the condition. While there is no cure, the right treatments for muscular dystrophy can relieve symptoms and slow the progress of the disease:

1. Early symptoms
A common type of muscular dystrophy is Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The symptoms of many other types may be similar but start at a different age and progress differently. Here are some of the early symptoms of muscular dystrophy:

• Waddling gait
• Difficulty experienced in jumping or running
• Stiffness and pain in the muscles
• The patient tends to walk on their toes
• Trouble standing or sitting
• Developing speech later than usual
• Learning disabilities
• Frequently falling

2. Advanced symptoms
While these are the early symptoms, as the condition progresses there are more advanced symptoms such as:

• Inability to walk
• Shortening of the tendons, muscles and further limitation in movement
• Trouble breathing
• The spine may have a curvature as the muscles are not strong enough to support the structure
• Cardiac problems may occur as the muscles of the heart may be weakened
• The patient may have trouble swallowing
• It may lead to aspiration pneumonia where a feeding tube may be needed.

Muscular dystrophy is a condition that needs to be treated in the initial stage as it affects the quality of life. There are different treatments for muscular dystrophy depending on the type and stage of the disease.

3. Treatments for muscular dystrophy
While there is no cure for the condition, there are treatments for muscular dystrophy that include medications and therapies that can slow down the progress of the disease:

• Medication: The two most common medications prescribed as part of the treatments for muscular dystrophy are:
  • Corticosteroids: These are given to improve muscle strength and reduce progression. However, when used long term they can make the bones weak and cause weight gain.
  • Heart medications: If the condition becomes severe and affects the heart, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers are prescribed.
• Physical therapy: This is an essential part of the treatments for muscular dystrophy and includes the following elements.
  • General exercises: Stretching exercises help combat the inevitable inward movement of the limbs as the tendons and muscles become shorter. The limbs become fixed as the disease progresses, but these exercises help keep them mobile. Low impact aerobics, walking, and swimming can also help.
  • Breathing assistance: As the muscles that are required for breathing become weaker, a device may be necessary for breathing properly through the night. In severe cases, a ventilator may also be used.
  • Mobility aids and braces: Wheelchairs, walkers, and canes may be needed by an individual suffering from muscular dystrophy to move around. Braces can be used to slow the shortening of the tendons and muscles.