Muscles are bands of tissue that contract and allow you to move. The muscles are located throughout the body including your heart, esophagus, blood vessels and pelvis. Sometimes, muscles become inflamed or you inherit a muscle disorder. In some cases, a fracture or injury can cause muscle damage. Dermatomyositis, muscular dystrophy and compartment syndrome are diseases that affect the muscular system.
Dermatomyositis
The Mayo Clinic says that dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disorder of your muscles, also known as an inflammatory myopathy. Bacterial or viral infections and parasites are thought to provoke dermatomyositis. Manifestations of dermatomyositis include a purple-colored rash on your face, elbows, knees, knuckles or chest. Dermatomyositis is also characterized by muscle weakness that gets worse over time, muscle pain or tenderness, weight loss, fatigue, trouble swallowing and weight loss.
Treatment for dermatomyositis includes such medications as corticosteroids, antimalarial medications such hydroxychloroquine and pain relievers such as ibuprofen. Other treatments for dermatomyositis include intravenous immunoglobulins and tacrolimus. Physical therapy to strengthen your muscles and surgery to prevent further skin infections can be used to manage dermatomyositis.
Muscular Dystrophy
The Mayo Clinic says that muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder in which your muscles can easily become damaged. Its physical symptoms include muscle weakness, lack of coordination and muscle contractures in which your muscles assume a contracted position. Falls, a waddling gait, fainting, dizziness and joint deformities are other manifestations of a muscular dystrophy.
Treatment of muscular dystrophy includes physical therapy and medications such as mexiletine to manage muscle spasms, weakness and stiffness. Prednisone can also help strengthen your muscles. In some cases, your surgeon can release your muscle contractures.
Compartment Syndrome
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that compartment syndrome occurs when the pressure inside your muscles becomes extremely elevated. Two types of compartment syndrome exists: acute and chronic compartment syndrome. Acute compartment syndrome is an emergency that can lead to irreversible muscle damage. Chronic compartment syndrome is not an emergency and is caused after exercising.
Manifestations of acute compartment syndrome includes tight muscles, intense muscle pain, numbness or tingling and paralysis. Symptoms of chronic compartment syndrome include numbness, trouble moving your feet and bulging of your muscles.
The AAOS says that treatment of compartment syndrome includes a fasciotomy in which your surgeon makes an incision along your muscles to release the pressure. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and low-impact exercises are also non-surgical means to manage compartment syndrome.
