The Muscular System Disorder

Muscle Disorders are diseases and disorders that affect the human muscle system, with skeletal muscle weakening as the primary symptom. Muscular dystrophy, neuromuscular diseases, and neuromuscular disorders are all included under the umbrella term ‘Muscle Disorders.’ These are a diverse set of illnesses that affect either the muscles, such as those in the arms and legs, or the heart and lungs, or the nerves that govern the muscles. Muscle disorders can result in weakness or paralysis even when the neurological system is intact.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries caused by biomechanical stressors on muscles or related tissues (such as tendons). They can be triggered by rapid effort, over-exertion, repeated actions, or prolonged durations of unnatural postures. Musculoskeletal problems are frequently work- or sports-related, and typically affect only one or a few muscles. They are frequently successfully treated, and complete recovery is highly likely. Muscle strains, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are among the ailments.

Muscle Strain

A muscle strain is an injury caused by the tearing of muscle fibres as a result of excessive stretching. Muscle strains are frequently referred to as pulled muscles or torn muscles. (Strains are frequently confused with sprains, which are ligament injuries.) A muscular strain can be slightly to highly painful, depending on the extent of muscle fibre injury. Apart from discomfort, common symptoms include stiffness and bruising in the strained muscle area. A huge bruise induced by a hamstring muscle strain is depicted in this photograph. Strains to the hamstrings are extremely prevalent in track and field athletes. Around one-third of injuries in sprinters, for example, are hamstring strains. Athletes who have previously sustained a hamstring injury are at an increased risk of suffering another.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) can aid in the reduction of inflammation and pain. However, because these medications inhibit blood clotting, they should be used only after muscle bleeding has ceased – not immediately after the injury occurs. Professional medical attention may be required for severe muscular strains.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is an inflammatory condition that happens when a tendon is overextended or overworked without adequate rest. Tendons of the ankle, knee, shoulder, and elbow are frequently impacted. The tendon that is impacted is determined by the type of use that results in the inflammation. For example, rock climbers are more prone to acquire tendinitis in their fingers, whereas basketball players are more likely to develop tendinitis in their knees.

Aching, intense pain, a burning feeling, or joint stiffness are all possible symptoms of tendinitis. Swelling may occur around the inflamed tendon in some situations, and the area may feel hot and seem red. The above-mentioned PRICE guidelines are used in conjunction with the usage of NSAIDs to further reduce inflammation and pain. While symptoms should improve within a few days of starting medication, complete healing may take several months. It is advised that the afflicted tendon be gradually reintroduced to exercise or other uses. Physical or occupational therapy may assist in resuming normal activity levels more quickly.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common biomechanical issue that affects the wrist and occurs when the median nerve becomes crushed between the carpal bones. This can occur as a result of repetitive wrist use, a tumour, or wrist trauma. Two-thirds of instances are related to job. Computer work, work with vibrating instruments, and labour requiring a strong grip all contribute to an individual’s likelihood of acquiring this condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects women more frequently than males. Additionally, risk factors such as obesity, pregnancy, and rheumatoid arthritis exist. Genetics could also be involved.

Compression of the median nerve impairs nerve stimulation of the thumb and first two fingers of the hand. The primary symptoms in these digits are pain, numbness, and tingling. Occasionally, symptoms might be alleviated with the use of a wrist splint or corticosteroid injections. By severing the carpal ligament, pressure on the median nerve is relieved, and surgery is generally more effective than nonsurgical treatment. Carpal tunnel syndrome recurrence is uncommon following surgery. Without therapy, however, the loss of nerve stimulation by the median nerve may eventually cause the affected hand muscles to deteriorate and die.

Neuromuscular Disorders

Neuromuscular disorders are systemic conditions caused by malfunctions in the nervous system’s control of muscle contractions or in the muscle cells themselves. These illnesses are frequently caused by defective genes, not by biomechanical forces. Neuromuscular abnormalities may also be caused by other system-wide issues, such as aberrant immune system reactions.

In contrast to musculoskeletal disorders, neuromuscular disorders often affect the majority or all of the body’s muscles. Additionally, the illnesses are progressive and incurable. However, in the majority of cases, treatment is available to delay the advancement of the disease or to alleviate symptoms. Muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and Parkinson’s disease are all examples of neuromuscular disorders.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a central nervous system degenerative ailment that mostly affects the muscular system and mobility. Parkinson’s disease is defined by four motor signs and symptoms: muscle tremor (shaking), slowness of movement, muscle rigidity and postural instability. Tremor is the most common and visible symptom, and it most frequently occurs in a resting limb, disappearing during sleep or when the patient consciously moves the limb. Difficulty walking ultimately develops, and dementia is a common complication of the disease in its final stages. Depression is also frequent.

Parkinson’s disease is more prevalent in the elderly, with the majority of cases identified beyond the age of 50. Often, the disease strikes without apparent cause. This type of Parkinson’s disease is referred to as primary Parkinson’s disease. Occasionally, a known or suspected cause of the condition is identified, such as exposure to pesticide chemicals or recurrent head trauma. This is referred to as secondary Parkinson’s disease.

Whatever the source, the disease’s motor symptoms are caused by the loss of neurons in the midbrain. Although the exact mechanism of cell death is unknown, it appears to entail the accumulation of protein complexes called Lewy bodies in the brain. Medications can be provided early in the course of the illness to help alleviate motor abnormalities. However, as the condition advances, the treatments become useless. Additionally, they contribute to the unpleasant side effect of uncontrollable writhing motions.

CONCLUSION

Your muscles aid in your movement and the functioning of your body. Different types of muscles perform a variety of functions. There are a variety of issues that can affect the muscles. Muscle diseases can result in weakness, discomfort, and even paralysis in some cases.

Muscle diseases are caused by a variety of factors, including:

Injury or overuse of muscles , such as sprains or strains, cramps or even  tendinitis

A genetic disorder, such as muscular dystrophy

Some cancers

Inflammation, like myositis

Diseases of nerves that specifically  affect muscles

Infections

Certain medicines

Sometimes the cause of muscle disorders is unknown.