The muscular system is responsible for all body movement. More than 600 muscles in the body aid in voluntary bodily movement, heart rate, pumping of blood and digestion, according to Kids Health. The muscular system is composed of skeletal muscle, smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movement, such as throwing a ball; smooth muscle is responsible for involuntary movement, such as the digestion of food; and cardiac muscle is responsible for heart rate and is located only in the heart. Muscular system diseases cause these muscles to function improperly.
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease that is characterized by progressive muscle weakness accompanied by a skin rash. In those with dermatomyositis, the immune system attacks normal blood vessels in muscle tissue, which leads to the degeneration of muscle fibers. The cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, but it is believed to be a result of a genetic predisposition. In addition to muscle weakness and rash, other symptoms of dermatomyositis include difficulty swallowing, muscle pain, fatigue, fever, weight loss, calcium deposits under the skin, lung problems and gastrointestinal ulcers, according to Mayo Clinic. No cure exists for dermatomyositis, but treatment can help improve symptoms and muscle strength. Treatment includes medication to reduce inflammation, pain relievers and immunosuppressants. Physical therapy and speech therapy are also used to sustain muscle strength.
Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that occurs as a result of the buildup of pressure within the muscles. The increased pressure decreases blood flow, which leads to decreased oxygen to the muscles and nerve cells and can result in muscle damage. Two forms of compartment syndrome exist: chronic and acute. Chronic compartment syndrome is usually caused by extreme participation in athletics and is not an emergency. Acute compartment syndrome is usually caused by a severe injury and is considered a medical emergency, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In addition to muscle pain, other symptoms of compartment syndrome include tingling sensations in the skin, tight muscles, numbness and muscle bulging. Chronic compartment syndrome can usually be treated with a combination of physical therapy and medication. If this treatment is not effective, surgery may be required. Acute compartment syndrome always requires surgical treatment, states the AAOS.
Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition characterized by the presence of muscle fiber contents, or myoglobin, in the bloodstream due to the breakdown of muscle fibers. Myoglobin is a protein pigment that can be further broken down into structures that are harmful to the kidneys and eventually cause kidney damage, according to MedlinePlus. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are abnormal urine color, weakness, muscle stiffness, muscle aching, muscle weakness, fatigue, joint pain, seizures and unexplained weight gain, notes MedlinePlus. Intravenous fluids may be necessary to flush myoglobin out of the kidneys and prevent kidney damage. Diruetics may also be prescribed if normal urine output is adequate.
