Muscular atrophy or amyotrophy occurs when either the muscle does not work or contracts in a very limited way. However, the three main mechanisms are – it can be a disorder relating to the motor innervations of the muscle, an attack of the muscular tissue itself or a forced resting as in the case of a plastered immobilization. There are two types of muscle atrophy-

• Amyotrophy

  This occurs from a lack of physical exercise. In most people, muscle atrophy is caused by the lack of enough muscle use. People with inactive jobs, decreased activity levels, or medical conditions that limit their movement can make them lose energy of the muscle and develop atrophy. This type of atrophy can be reversed with exercise and better nutrition.

• Neurogenic atrophy

  The most severe type of muscle atrophy is neurogenic atrophy. It occurs when there is an injury or disease of a nerve that connects the muscle.

How to recognize atrophy?

The simple observation of the patient, at rest and then in action, studying especially the general attitude, the postural alterations, the gait, brings decisive information. The amyotrophy can be easily recognized from a simple inspection of the existence of flat areas where one normally finds muscular protrusions. It may, however, go unnoticed when it is discreet. Muscle atrophy is sometimes obvious. Sometimes it must be sought under adiposity or highlighted by special maneuvers. Its distribution is to be studied precisely, in the face, the muscles of the neck, the upper limbs, the lower limbs, and the trunk. Learn to recognize the symptoms of muscular atrophy. Early detection allows for more effective management. Some signs can help to diagnose muscle atrophy. The most obvious symptom is the loss of muscle tone accompanied by a reduction in muscle volume.

Some signs and symptoms to recognize muscle atrophy

• Face

  The atrophy of the muscles of the face often appears at first glance. This is highly suggestive of Steinert’s disease, an expressivity of the face with ptosis and drooping jaw.

• Neck and waist muscles

  When they are affected, the clavicles protrude forward, with a cylindrical aspect of the neck. A remote consequence of the atrophy of the shoulder muscles is the attitude of the hand. In the normal subject, while standing, the dorsal surface of the thumb is oriented forward. In the case of scapular involvement, it is the back of the hand that is forward, the hand putting in the attitude of pronation.

• Upper limbs and hands

  The atrophy of the muscles of the forearm is like the forearms folded and the palms of the hands in the air and forward. The atrophy of the long supinator muscle is evidenced by a flexion of the forearm, hand on the sagittal plane and fingers spread apart, like the arms of an automaton. The examination of the hands is often very instructive. The normal attitude of the hand at rest combines a position of the thumb at right angles with half-flexed fingers. Atrophy of the thenar eminence causes a thumb position in the same plane as the other fingers.

If you suffer from muscular atrophy, consult a doctor. Muscular atrophy requires medical follow-up, especially if it results from forced immobilization. Your doctor can diagnose atrophy and offer you the right treatment.

Interested in more articles about Wellness? Explore them here. Keep yourself updated with fresh content by liking us on Facebook or subscribing to our Newsletter.

If a daily dose of fantastic images related to Women’s Lifestyle gets you going, follow us on Instagram.