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Muscular dystrophy is a term that describes a group of inherited muscle diseases that cause muscle weakness. The symptoms get worse
over time, and can make walking difficult.
Our genes contain the code for all of our cells and tissues. In muscular dystrophy, a mutation in one of our genes leads to a protein that
is required by all muscle cells to work properly not being made correctly. This results in damaged muscle fibres and muscle weakness, which
bring a range of challenges for the feet and legs when it comes to movement, balance, coordination and everyday life.
As different genes and proteins can be affected, there are many different types of muscular dystrophy, with this term being used to describe genetic muscle weakness in general. The difference between these types is typically the areas of the body that are affected, and how quickly the symptoms begin and then progress.
The primary symptom of muscular dystrophy is muscle weakness, which will vary in severity depending on a person’s age and what type of muscular dystrophy they have. Other symptoms can include muscle wasting, muscle contracture, aches and pains in the muscles, and hypertrophy, where the mass of the muscles increases, despite them still not being able to work as well. As a result, some of the signs we see in our clinic include:
The affected gene responsible for muscular dystrophy is most often inherited from our parents and passed down through families. A spontaneous gene mutation may also occur, resulting in a faulty gene.
Muscular dystrophy is usually diagnosed in early life after the presentation of initial symptoms. Aside from the clinical signs of muscle weakness, gait abnormalities, and in many cases failing to meet typical developmental milestones, blood tests are often run to check for enzyme levels as damaged muscles release a specific kind of enzyme called creatine kinase (CK) into your blood. Where more information is required, such as when there is no family history of muscular dystrophy, gene testing or a muscle biopsy may be performed.
As muscular dystrophy is not curable, treatment is focused on managing the symptoms affecting the feet and legs. This will look different for every person as it depends entirely on the type of muscular dystrophy they have, which areas have been affected, and the severity of their current symptoms. This may involve:
Do you treat all types of muscular dystrophy?
Yes. As we treat the symptoms of muscular dystrophy and address the way that it’s affecting your ability to walk and lead a comfortable life, we will apply similar care principles to manage your symptoms regardless of the type that you’ve been diagnosed with. Treating MD requires a tailored and unique approach, which our podiatrists deliver for every person.
I’m worried my child has muscular dystrophy, what signs should I be looking out for?
The first signs of weakness are usually delayed onset of walking, difficulty in performing a standing jump, a waddling gait and difficulty in rising from the floor.
Is muscular dystrophy always detected in childhood?
No. Some types of MD present in later adolescents, and some may have very mild symptoms and then a very slow progression. This means that adults can enter their 20’s without a formal diagnosis. If you’re worried about MD at any age, we’re here to help.
Are you a registered NDIS provider?
Absolutely. Under NDIS we can offer you a range of devices such as custom foot orthotics, AFOs and custom braces under the assistive technology support. For many people, this greatly improves their mobility, independence and quality of life.
References
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236461684_Low-level_laser_light_therapy_LLLT_on_muscle_tissue_Performance_fatigue_and_repair_benefited_by_the_power_of_light
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