Muscle Deterioration

14 April 2022

If you’re concerned about deteriorating muscle, you’re not alone. Most people have some form of muscle deterioration as they age. This condition is known as age-related muscle atrophy. In this article, we’ll cover some of the key symptoms, tests, and treatments. Plus, we’ll explore the mechanisms behind muscle deterioration and the causes. Hopefully, this article will provide you with some valuable information to help you make the best decision for your particular situation.

Tests needed for diagnosis

Blood tests are one of the most important diagnostic tools for muscular deterioration. The levels of an enzyme known as creatine kinase (CK) are elevated in affected muscle tissue, a sign that muscle weakness is occurring. This enzyme is produced in the liver and released into the bloodstream when muscle is damaged. If the levels of CK are elevated, it’s likely that a person is suffering from muscular dystrophy. The primary care physician may also order blood tests to determine the underlying condition, or refer a patient to a neurologist for further diagnosis.

Muscle biopsy samples are also used in the diagnosis of DMD. A biopsy is a surgical procedure used to remove a small piece of muscle tissue from the affected area. Depending on the type of muscle tissue, a biopsy may reveal characteristic changes in the muscle fibers. Genetic tests can also help diagnose specific mutations, as they can detect alterations in the patient’s DNA. DNA tests can also reveal the presence of certain proteins in muscle tissue, and specialized blood tests can reveal which genes are responsible for the problem.

Causes

Intact nerve supply to muscles is necessary for effective muscle action. Without an intact nerve supply, muscles waste away and degenerate. That’s why it’s important to keep your nerve supply intact during any exercise. In fact, your muscles will be less effective if they’re in a cast. If you’re worried about muscle deterioration, try some of these tips. You’ll be glad you did!

The causes of muscle deterioration can vary. If muscle atrophy is due to an underlying medical condition, physical therapy and better nutrition may help. Exercise is one of the best ways to slow the progression of muscle deterioration. Another treatment for muscle atrophy is functional electrical stimulation. This involves attaching electrodes to the atrophied limb and then transmitting an electrical current that triggers movement.

Treatments

Treatments for muscle deterioration will vary depending on the cause of the atrophy. Physiologic atrophy can be resisted by regular exercise and better nutrition. Your healthcare provider will suggest a regimen of exercises and physical therapy. Exercises can be done even with braces and splints to keep your body from deteriorating further. In addition to exercising, your healthcare provider may prescribe nutritional supplements that will increase the body’s levels of certain nutrients.

Neurogenic atrophy is caused by nerve disease or injury. Unlike atrophy caused by physical exercise, neurogenic atrophy is irreversible. Surgical procedures can correct muscle contractures. Fibrous muscle tissue may prevent movement. Treatments for muscle deterioration will target the source of the problem. Listed below are several options for treatment. They vary by severity and cause, so choose the one that best fits your condition.

Mechanisms

Several recent studies have demonstrated that certain genetic and environmental factors contribute to muscle wasting. Specifically, corticosteroid treatment reduces the number of type 2A and 2X muscle fibers. Type 1 and 2A muscle fibers have higher contractile activity. The PPAR-g co-activator-1a protein appears to oppose this process. The research findings provide potential therapeutic targets for treatment of age-related muscle atrophy.