Muscular dystrophies are a group of rare conditions that cause muscle weakening and wasting. With over 110,000 people impacted by these progressive conditions, ensuring that everyone has the right support is vital.
Whilst there is currently no cure for muscular dystrophy, research is continuing into treatments. Effective condition management through medication, physiotherapy, and adaptive aids can help to manage symptoms and ensure a higher quality of life.
Symptoms of muscular dystrophy
Due to the rarity of muscular dystrophy, it can be hard to diagnose from symptoms alone. Muscular dystrophy is usually hereditary, caused by mutations to genetic cells. Testing for these mutations can provide a diagnosis.
As with most conditions, symptoms will present differently in each person. There is also no specific age where symptoms will present, instead people of all ages could begin to show symptoms of muscle weakening conditions.
Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Weakness of muscles
- Pain or stiffness
- Difficulty walking or other changes to mobility
- Reduced strength and difficulty lifting objects
- Falling more often
The symptoms of muscular dystrophy can affect all parts of the body. As the condition worsens, the muscles will become weaker. Eventually, muscle wasting and weakening can cause difficulties moving, eating, and even breathing.
It is important to get help early and plan for the progressive nature of the condition.
Condition management
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, it is important to understand the support available. Managing the condition is the best way to ensure a higher quality of life.
Neuromuscular care refers to the services and support available for muscular dystrophy. A neuromuscular care team will work alongside your loved one, their family, and medical professionals to develop a bespoke care plan to support your condition. This will not only consider current condition management requirements, but what will be expected for the future.
Whilst research is still ongoing into muscular dystrophy, medical experts have widely agreed that exercise can help to alleviate the condition. Exercise will not prevent the progression of muscle weakening, but the right exercise can help to keep you active.
It is also common for those with muscular dystrophy to suffer from fatigue. This constant feeling of tiredness can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, so having the right care on hand is vital.
Postural support is another important aspect of care for those with muscular dystrophy. This is through physical support for maintaining your position when upright or lying in a comfortable position when repositioning in bed. By maintaining a better posture, you can avoid more issues developing later down the line.
As muscular dystrophy progresses, movement decreases. This can lead to the development of pressure sores. It is best to get care for these, as they are painful and uncomfortable to deal with.
Getting the right support
With so many aspects of condition management to consider, it is vital that you get professional help and support.
Our team are on hand to help you get the right care at home. We work alongside you, your loved ones, and your healthcare professionals to ensure that a care plan is developed that takes all areas of care into account.
From support with movement and daily activities, to help managing pain and medication, our specialist team can ensure that you get all the support you need.
If you would like to find out more about our services, please contact our team today.