Muscles and bones enable the body to walk, run, jump and move in general. While we might take these important body parts for granted, many people have their lives interrupted by debilitating diseases of the bones and muscle systems. Common such diseases include osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, bone cancer, muscular dystrophy and polymyositis. While all of these diseases affect the bone and/or muscle systems, each has unique symptoms, complications and treatments.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis compromises the density and quality of the bone, causing it to become weak and porous. Early onset osteoporosis does not exhibit signs or symptoms; as the disease advances, common symptoms include fractures, back pain and loss of height over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of osteoporosis is not yet known, but a number of factors increase the risk of developing it, including low calcium intake, eating disorders and a sedentary lifestyle. The general treatment for osteoporosis includes a combination of medication, hormone therapy and physical therapy.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue in the joints between bones, resulting in pain, swelling and loss of function in the affected areas. Severe cases of RA might result in deformation of the hands and heart and lung problems. According to MedlinePlus, the cause of RA is unknown, but heredity, hormonal factors and environmental factors might contribute to it. While symptoms might come and go, RA requires lifelong treatment, which includes medicine to manage pain, changes in diet and exercise, and surgery.
Bone Cancer
Bone cancer can begin in any bone, but generally affects the bones of the arms and legs. According to the Mayo Clinic, bone cancer starts because of an error in cells that causes them to grow in an uncontrolled manner. Symptoms of bone cancer include: pain in the affected bone, swelling in the area of the cancer and bone weakness. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, and usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy, or MD, causes voluntary muscles to become weaker and to eventually be replaced with fat and connective tissue. Signs and symptoms differ with each type of MD, but common symptoms include muscle weakness, lack of coordination and loss of mobility. The Mayo Clinic reports that no cure for MD currently exists but the disease might be slowed with a combination of medication and surgery.
Polymyositis
Polymyositis causes inflammation that leads to systemic, or whole body, muscle weakness. MedlinePlus reports no known cause of polymyositis, but autoimmune reaction or a viral infection of the muscles might contribute to it. People with polymyositis might exhibit symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness, joint pain, difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath. Doctors prescribe corticosteroid medications to treat this disease. Most cases of polymyositis are treatable, but others require long-term maintenance through the use of immunosuppressant drugs.
