Muscular dystrophy is progressive weakening of muscle due to some genetic reasons. As it occurs due to genetic reasons, it also occurs due to heredity. A patient suffering from muscular dystrophy will experience progressive weakening of skeletal muscles, which may be associated with defects in the muscle proteins. Most often, it leads to death of the muscle cells and tissues.
A number of treatments and protocols have been suggested for muscular dystrophy. As it occurs due to genetic mutations, research is going for genetic treatments. Along with genetic treatments, several other methods as medications and repairing the damaged muscles also are among the probable future treatments for muscular dystrophy.
At this movement though there is no effective treatment, which can cure it completely, we can surely do something to keep it under control. During muscular dystrophy the patient experience weakness and pain in the muscles. Therefore most of the patients would like to be inactive i.e. take bed rest. However, the recent researches have shown that this will do nothing but swell up the problems. Therefore, a patient from muscular dystrophy should not become completely inactive. He should maintain at least some activity.
As the muscles become very weak, the patient may find it different to use them. Therefore, there is a need of some support. Therefore, generally wheelchairs, standing frames etc are advised for muscular dystrophy patients. Maintaining such activity even though it may be with the help of some support is called physical therapy for muscular dystrophy.
Physical therapy for muscular dystrophy is essential for preventing contractures. The patients of muscular dystrophy are very much prone to contractures. A contracture is a condition in which the muscles do not move with the bones or do not move the bones, which they are supposed to move. They thus become dysfunctional. Physical therapy is very effective in preventing them from occurring.
On the other, hand the use if orthopedic supporting appliances improves the quality of life of muscular dystrophy patients. However, in some cases very important muscles of the body as for example myotonic muscles in the heart may be affected by muscular dystrophy. In such cases, the appliance as pace maker plays a very crucial role in keeping the heart working.
Some drugs are helpful for curing the myotonic dystrophy. Some examples are quinine, mexiletine, or phrenytoin, etc. they are especially useful for the short-term relief.
Many people in the world suffer from muscular dystrophy. Therefore, lot of research is going on different techniques and methods, which can cure it. It is hoped that shortly some effective method is available for treating muscular dystrophy.