1. Degeneration of Heart Muscle
Myocarditis is inflammation and degeneration of heart muscle. It can be viral or bacterial and may accompany other disease. It can also occur in the elderly as a part of the aging process. It can be a cause of heart attacks. There is no treatment for myocarditis; treatments are done to reduce the symptoms.
2. Consider the Side Effects of Prescriptions
Many prescription medications have side effects. Some, such as those for lowering cholesterol, have been found to cause varying degrees of muscle pain and degeneration. This can be improved by changing the dosage of your medication or changing to a different one altogether. If you developed unusual muscle pain since starting a medication, talk with your doctor about the side effects and whether a change can be made.
3. Nerve Disease Can Affect Muscle
Degenerative muscle disease can be caused by disease of the nerves that innervate that muscle. This is seen in polio, Lou Gehrig's disease and spinal cord injury. When nerves can no longer communicate properly with the muscles they connect to, the muscle can weaken and degenerate.
4. Long-Term Corticosteroid Effects
Corticosteroids can be helpful to those with arthritis and conditions such as asthma. However, long term use can actually cause the degeneration of muscle and other connective tissues. If you must be on a corticosteroid regimen, consider supplements that promote joint and muscle health. Discontinue corticosteroid use as soon as your doctor allows.
5. Degeneration Due to Disuse
Muscle degeneration can be cause by a specific disease, or it can be caused simply by disuse. Sedentary lifestyles can render muscles weak and mild degeneration can occur over time. A broken bone that has been in a cast will show signs of surrounding muscle degeneration, making proper rehabilitation necessary to restore muscle strength.
