Top 7 Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy can cause damages and weaknesses to the muscles over time due to the deficiency of dystrophin protein, which is crucial for the normal functions of the muscles. Here are the top 7 symptoms of muscular dystrophy.

7. Frequent Falls

Your muscles play an essential role in keeping your balance and coordination. If you have a problem with your muscles, it may be the underlying cause of your falls. Leg muscles become weaker leading to foot drop and inability to straighten your knees. (1, 2, 3, 4)

6. Waddling gait

Waddling gait or myopathic gait is a way of walking caused by muscle weakness in the lower limb and pelvis area, especially the pelvic girdle. The pelvic girdle is formed of a network of bones and muscles connecting the torso to the legs and hips. Waddling gait is an early sign of muscular dystrophy. (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

5. Difficulties Running and Jumping

If you are a professional or amateur athlete, you may start noticing the progress of muscular dystrophy early when you feel that it is difficult to run or jump. If the condition is associated with other symptoms such as waddling gait and frequent falls, it is probably muscular dystrophy. (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)

4. Enlarged Calf Muscles

Enlarged calves are a characteristic symptom of muscular dystrophy. The build-up of scar tissues in the muscles and replacing the muscle tissue by connective tissue and fat increase the size of the calf muscles making the movements awkward. (16, 17, 18, 19)

3. Learning Difficulties

Studies show that children with muscular dystrophy have an increased risk of having learning difficulties more than other kids. Most research focuses on reading. However, mathematics disorder and written communication are also common. The difficulties vary from child to another, but all children become affected somehow. (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)

2. Toe Walking

Genetic disorders, including muscular dystrophies, which are characterized by muscle damage and weakness over time is associated with toe walking. It is more common in children, but parents usually notice it. If your child was walking normally then started toe walking, it may be due to muscular dystrophy. (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)

1. Delayed Growth

Delayed growth is associated with muscular dystrophy, especially in children taking daily doses of steroids. In addition, muscular dystrophy leads to distress, which can compromise growth. Growth evaluation should be done every 6 months in children. (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)