Myopathy refers to diseases of skeletal muscles (muscles connected to bone).
Symptoms of myopathy include muscle weakness, stiffness, and cramps.
There are many different causes of myopathy.
Martin Dimitrov / istockphoto
Definition
Myopathy is a general term referring to a disease of skeletal muscle.
With myopathy, these muscles work less effectively than they should, causing weakness and other motor symptoms.
A muscle is composed of bundles of fibers calledmyofibersthat work in coordination to contract (shorten) a muscle.
When the fiber bundles are damaged or defective, myopathy can occur.
There are many different causes of myopathy.
Some are progressive and worsen over time, while others are fairly stable or short-lived.
Several myopathies are inherited (passed from parents to children), and many are not.
A neuromuscular condition involves both muscles and nerves.
Causes and Types of Myopathy
Myopathy can be broadly categorized as being either inherited or acquired.
Inherited myopathies include:
Is Myopathy Inherited?
There are over 200 inherited myopathies affecting roughly one of every 6,000 people in the world.
Acquired
Myopathy can also be because of a variety of illnesses or conditions.
Some are systemic diseases that affect the body as a whole.
Others are resulting from substances that affect normal muscle function.
Commonly acquired myopathies include:
What Are the Symptoms of Myopathy?
Myopathy is characterized by muscle weakness.
Some common symptoms of myopathy include:
What Does Myopathy Feel Like?
Most treatments include some form of physical therapy, exercise, or occupational therapy.
Among the general treatment approaches:
How Do I Take Care of Myself?
Smoking should also be stopped.
Myopathy is not a common condition.
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