Patient's question:
My father has muscle atrophy on the back and inner side of his calf, and he cannot land normally on his heel. He walks in a scissor-like style. Going up stairs is fine, but going down stairs requires support and slow movement. His other physical conditions are normal, but he has inherited this disease from his mother.Doctor's answer:
Mainly caused by genetic factors, this is a muscular degenerative disease. The specific etiology of the disease is unclear, and there are currently three main theories: the vascular theory, which suggests that impaired blood circulation leads to muscle tissue infarction; the neurogenic theory, which posits that abnormal function of motor neurons causes muscle degeneration; and the genetic theory, which attributes it to hereditary abnormalities in the cell membrane, leading to the leakage of muscle enzymes and consequently causing the body to synthesize more muscle enzymes.Medical Advice: This disease has a significant family history, with more males affected than females, at a ratio of 2.56:1 (male to female). Among the patients, one family had 12 members across four generations suffering from the disease, all of whom were female, with the longest lifespan reaching 56 years. Another patient came from a family of seven siblings, four of whom were affected (two males and two females).
Lifestyle Management:
Muscular Dystrophy Care 1: Maintain a clean and quiet environment, pay attention to moisture and cold prevention, and actively prevent and treat complications such as respiratory infections.
Muscular Dystrophy Care 2: Engage in regular exercise and self-massage to increase mobility, promote blood circulation, prevent muscle atrophy, but avoid overexertion.
Muscular Dystrophy Care 3: Follow a light and nutritious diet, avoiding greasy, heavy, or overly hot foods that may deplete body fluids or damage the spleen and stomach. It is advisable to consume more fish, eggs, chicken, lean pork, etc., but in moderation to prevent further damage to the spleen and stomach.
Muscular Dystrophy Care 4: Actively combat the disease, maintain appropriate recreational activities, and foster a positive and cheerful mood to help patients build confidence in overcoming the disease with perseverance.
Vegetables and fruits such as cabbage, bean sprouts, tomatoes, hawthorn, tangerines, and jujubes can be consumed in moderation. While ensuring adequate nutrition, it is also important to control weight appropriately.