Muscle Atrophy – What A Waste!

Skeletal muscle atrophy refers to the loss of muscle mass, where the affected muscle appears smaller and more shrunken compared to the unaffected side. This reduction in muscle size is often accompanied by a decrease in muscle tone and strength.

Muscle wasting can occur due to disuse, swelling, nerve injury, or underlying disease, and if left unaddressed, it can significantly affect a person’s strength, mobility, and overall quality of life.

In the article below, we explore the specific reasons and mechanisms behind muscle atrophy in greater detail. In many cases where there is no permanent damage, appropriate exercise and physical activity remain one of the most effective ways to prevent or reverse muscle loss.

Causes Of Muscle Atrophy

Disuse

A common cause of muscle atrophy is disuse. This happens when muscles are not stressed sufficiently due to a lack of physical activities or because of pain. This is commonly seen in sedentary people and the elderly who have a reduced activity level. It has been observed that muscles start wasting away within 4 hours of the start of bed rest.

Swelling

Swelling to the joints can also cause muscles to atrophy and lose its strength. For example, in an ACL tear of the knee, the swelling and pain would inhibit the activation of the quads muscle, leading to significant quad muscle atrophy if swelling is not management and the underlying ACL tear is not resolved.

Nerve Damage

Neurogenic muscle atrophy occurs when there is damage to the nerve, affecting its normal function. this can occur when a nerve is impingemetn due to a disc protrusion or a narrowing of the spinal canal. This can become a severe problem if left untreated, as the patient may eventually lose control over his or her extremities, as a result of shrunken, weakened muscles.

Disease

Cachexia, or “body wasting syndrome”, and Muscular Dystrophy are examples of diseases that cause progressive muscle wasting. Cachexia is often seen in patients with AIDS, cancers, and other serious chronic diseases. This group of patients may find it difficult to rebuild muscle tissue. Popular Singaporean television actor, Chew Chor Meng, is a local example who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy.

Exercise is the most important element in promoting the rebuilding of muscle tissue. To help build muscles, exercise may also be supplemented with a special diet. If exercise is not practical especially in bed-bound patients, electrical nerve stimulation of the atrophied region can help to reduce the severity of muscle atrophy by artificially activating the muscle for the patient.

Muscle atrophy can be serious and debilitating, leading to a decline in your quality of life. If muscle atrophy appears suddenly and without any apparent cause, it is a good idea to consult a doctor. Proper investigation and treatment will determine the cause and prevent progressive atrophy and rebuild the wasted muscles.

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