Muscular Dystrophies

Muscular dystrophies are a group of inherited and progressive disorders that cause weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles. Depending on the specific type, symptoms may start as early as infancy or later in life and can range from mild to severe. Common signs of muscular dystrophies include loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, decreased range of motion, slowed reflexes and atrophy of the muscles. Symptoms vary among the different types and some can affect other organs and tissues. Treatment aims at maintaining muscle strength and mobility and delaying disease progression. Physical therapy, the use of walking aids, orthopedic devices and medications can help improve the quality of life of individuals with muscular dystrophy. Research is ongoing to find treatments and a cure for this disability.