Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that cause muscles to weaken and waste away. There are many different types of muscular dystrophy, each with its own unique set of symptoms and severity levels.
The most common form of MD is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which affects about 1 in 3,600 boys worldwide and causes progressive muscle weakness starting at around age 2 or 3 years old. In DMD patients who don’t receive treatment, walking becomes difficult by age 10; they may need braces or wheelchairs by their teen years; and they usually die before age 30 from complications related to breathing difficulties caused by weakened diaphragms or heart failure due to weak cardiac muscles.
The symptoms of muscular dystrophy depend on the type of muscular dystrophy you have. Symptoms may include:
There are several types of muscular dystrophy, and the treatments for each are different.
Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): Medication is used to slow down the progression of DMD, but there is no cure. Physical therapy can help improve mobility and strength in people with DMD. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and braces may be necessary at some point during treatment depending on your symptoms and level of disability. Surgery may also be an option if you experience breathing problems due to chest muscle weakness or collapse (pectus excavatum).
Other Muscular Dystrophy Treatment in Gurgaon includes
Exercise: Physical therapy and exercise are important in treating muscular dystrophy. They can help you maintain strength and mobility, and improve your quality of life. Physical therapists may recommend stretching exercises, range-of-motion exercises, resistance training (muscle building) or activities such as swimming.
Occupational therapy: This type of treatment helps you improve your ability to perform daily tasks. Occupational therapists use a variety of methods, such as adaptive equipment, home modifications and assistive technology. They may also recommend changes to your home and work environment.
Speech therapy: This type of treatment focuses on improving communication skills, such as speech and swallowing. Therapists use a variety of methods, including exercises that strengthen muscles used in speaking. They may also recommend changes to your diet and swallowing techniques.
Pain management: This type of treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving function and increasing quality of life. Your doctor may prescribe medications, physical therapy or both.