Muscular System Diseases
Edited by TPappin, Sharingknowledge, Jen Moreau
The human body is an amazing thing, each containing anywhere from 640 to 850 muscles. Each muscle performs a different function, helping maintain a person's posture, generating body heat and making movements. There are three types of muscles in the human body, including skeletal, visceral and cardiac. Just like any other part of the body, muscles can develop a disease and weaken the overall health of a person. These diseases could be caused by many different conditions such as genetics, infections, and cancer, just to name a few. The diseases include muscle pain, weakness, and paralysis.
Muscular Dystrophy
- 1Muscular Dystrophy is a group of muscle diseases that progressively weaken muscles, causing damage to the muscle fiber and ultimately causing loss of muscle mass. This occurs when abnormal genes disrupt the production of proteins needed to maintain healthy muscles.What It Is.Advertisement
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- 3Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy diseases could include weakness, eventual immobility, imbalance, difficulty breathing and/or swallowing.Symptoms.
- 4There is currently no cure for Muscular Dystrophy diseases; however, there are medications available that can help manage the symptoms and slow the overall progression of the disease.The Cure.
Cerebral Palsy
- 1Cerebral Palsy, also known as CP, is a neurological disorder that is caused by a brain injury that occurs when a child's brain is developing which can happen before birth, during birth or after birth. In fact, only an estimated 10% of Cerebral Palsy cases occur due to birthing complications. Every case is specific to the individual with the disease.What It Is.
- 2Cerebral Palsy caused by non-progressive brain damage causes impairment of motor functions and in some cases, its complete loss. It affects the movement of a person's body and coordination, muscle tone, and balance. Additionally, it can impact a person's ability to speak and cause slight tremors. The disease is non-progressive and not life threatening.Symptoms.
- 3Unfortunately, Cerebral Palsy is permanent and incurable. On the other hand, there is treatment and therapy available that can help manage the effects the disease has on the human body.The Cure.
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva
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- 2This disease is often misdiagnosed as cancer or fibrosis because it is so rare. Tumour-like lumps form, almost suddenly, eventually causing joints to lock, limited speech and decreased appetite. Breathing complications can also form. Often times, FOP can also become fatal. People suffering from this terrible disease typically live to the age of 40.Symptoms.
- 3There is no cure for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, however similar to other muscular diseases, the pain caused by the disease is manageable through medication.The Cure.
Dermatomyositis
- 1Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory disease, affecting skin and muscle in a human's body. It is one of only three known inflammatory myopathies and affects people of all ages.What It is.
- 2Common symptoms of this muscular disease include difficulty swallowing, lung problems, weight loss and fever, skin rashes, inflamed muscles, weakness and muscle fatigue and inflammatory myopathy.Symptoms.
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Compartment Syndrome
- 1Compartment Syndrome is a painful condition where a significant amount of pressure builds in a person's blood vessels, muscles, and nerves, decreasing blood flow, preventing nourishment and cutting off oxygen from reaching muscles.What It Is.
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- 3If treated right away, Compartment Syndrome can be relieved by surgery. Once the surgery has successfully been completed, the pressure on a person's muscles will be released.The Cure.
Myasthenia Gravis
- 1Myasthenia Gravis is a rare and chronic muscular disease that causes abnormal weakness in certain muscles. It is caused by a defect in the neuromuscular junction, and the delivery of nerve impulses to muscles. When this occurs, the brain no longer has control over muscles.What It is.
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- 3This muscular disease can be treated with medication or surgery.The Cure.
Fibromyalgia
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- 2Fibromyalgia doesn't always have one single trigger symptom, however, the disease can be associated with fatigue, memory loss and change in mood, and widespread pain which is often described as a dull ache that lasts about three months.Symptoms.
- 3Similar to other muscular diseases, Fibromyalgia does not have a cure; however, there are a variety of medications that can help manage the disease and its symptoms. Relaxation and exercise can also help with the pain.The Cure.
Rotator Cuff Tear
- 1Unlike the other muscular diseases we've discussed, a Rotator Cuff Tear is quite common, especially among athletes. Rotator Cuff Tears can be partial or complete, going all the way through the tendon. It can even develop over time if a person repeatedly makes the same arm motion on a regular basis, such as a painter. It can also come as a result of an injury.What It Is.
- 2Pain and reduced mobility are the two most dominant symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear.Symptoms.
- 3A Rotator Cuff Tear can be repaired via surgery.The Cure.
Muscle Cramps
- 1Muscle cramps, as many of us know, occur when a muscle tighten and contracts resulting in a strong pain that can last as little as a few seconds to as long as several minutes. They often occur in leg muscles and can happen suddenly and out of nowhere.What It Is.
- 2Tightness in the muscle is the main symptom of muscle cramping.Symptoms.
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Tendonitis
- 1Tendonitis occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed or irritated. It can occur in any tendon in a person's body, but it is most common in wrists, elbows, shoulders and heels.What It Is.
- 2Tendonitis causes mild swelling and pain, as well as tenderness.Symptoms.
- 3The muscular disease can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medication, relaxation and ice compression.The Cure.
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Categories : Biology
Recent edits by: Sharingknowledge, TPappin