The muscles are tissues in the body responsible for movement. Sometimes, muscles can become stiff or weak and limit important movements such as walking or even getting up from a chair. Also, exercising frequently can lead to muscle overuse, strain and tearing. Learn about the different muscular diseases that may cause some of these symptoms.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular (involving the muscles and nerves) disorder. MedlinePlus says that myasthenia gravis manifestations include muscle weakness, a drooping head, trouble swallowing, trouble climbing stairs or lifting objects and trouble eating or talking. This condition can also cause eyelid drooping, double vision, facial paralysis and trouble breathing. These symptoms get better with rest and worsen with movement.
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition in which certain immune cells in the body attack the nerve cells. This prevents cell-to-cell communication between the nerves and muscles resulting in its characteristic symptoms.
MedlinePlus says that medications such as neostigmine or pyridostigmine improve symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Medications such as prednisone, azathioprine and cyclosporine can also be used to manage myasthenia gravis symptoms. Other myasthenia gravis treatments include plasmaphoresis, a type of treatment that removes the antibodies (proteins) responsible for attacking your body.
Lambert-Eaton Syndrome
MedlinePlus notes that Lambert-Eaton syndrome's specific symptoms present much like myasthenia gravis. Muscle weakness, trouble climbing stairs, trouble chewing, trouble swallowing and blurry vision are just some of its manifestations. Sometimes, dry mouth, dizziness and fluctuations in blood pressure can also result.
MedlinePlus says that Lambert-Eaton syndrome occurs when reduced amounts of a specific chemical in your nerves called acetylcholine is released. Acetylcholine allows muscles to contract and without decreased amounts, muscles become very weak.
Like myasthenia gravis, plasmaphoresis and such medications as neostigmine or pyridostigmine help treat Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Another treatment involves a drug called 3, 4-diaminopyridine. This medication induces nerve cells to release more acetylcholine.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease is an inherited muscular disease that affects 1 out of every 2,500 people in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. Its symptoms involve leg, ankle or foot weakness, atrophy (shrinking) of the muscles, curling of the toes and reduced sensation in the foot or legs. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is also characterized by trouble running, high foot arches and frequent tripping or falling, according to the Mayo Clinic.
No cure exists for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Analgesic medications can relieve pain, physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and occupational therapy may help you deal with the limitations of the disease. For example, Charcot-Marie-Tooth sufferers cannot grip well, so occupational therapists advise sufferers to use a rubber grip on doorknobs, says the Mayo Clinic. Sometimes, leg braces or ankle boots can provide extra support. In some cases, surgery can correct any foot deformities.
