Myopathy causes weakening and atrophy of your muscle tissue. We’ll do all we can to keep you strong, alleviate your symptoms and give you the most active lifestyle we can.
Myopathies are diseases that affect the muscles in your body. They can be caused by inherited genetic defects like muscular dystrophy or by endocrine, inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Others are linked to certain viruses of bacteria, and still others have no known associated risk factors.
Regardless of the cause, nearly all myopathies lead to weakening of your muscles and possible atrophy. At INTEGRIS Health, we do everything we can to help alleviate your symptoms and maintain your strength. Our goal, is to keep you stronger – longer.
The signs and symptoms of myopathy vary depending on the cause. They can range in severity from a temporary cramp to actual paralysis. Myopathy symptoms can include:
In rare cases, myopathy may be a sign of a serious neuromuscular disorder. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, including difficulty lifting the front part of your foot and toes, weakness in your legs, feet or ankles, hand weakness or clumsiness, slurring of speech or trouble swallowing, or muscle cramps and twitching in your arms, shoulders and tongue.
Often a specific myopathy diagnosis is unnecessary, unless you want to know for your own peace of mind. The specific diagnosis is more important if the myopathy is inheritable and your children are or would be at risk of inheriting the disease.
Generally, a diagnosis involves several outpatient tests to determine the specific type of myopathy. In some cases, it is necessary to wait until the disease progresses to a point at which the syndrome can be identified.
Myopathies develop through many different pathways, so there is no definitive treatment or cure. But there are options available to help manage and alleviate symptoms. Treatments can include:
We strive to provide you with care that’s not only the best available, but care that’s convenient and as close to home as possible. These INTEGRIS Health locations near you are ready to help.
