Best Becker Muscular Dystrophy Treatment In Delhi NCR.
What is Becker Muscular Dystrophy ?
Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) is a genetic disorder primarily affecting males, characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. It is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, leading to insufficient or abnormal production of the dystrophin protein, which is crucial for muscle cell structure and function. BMD is similar to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) but is generally milder and progresses at a slower rate.
Symptoms of Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD)
The onset and severity of symptoms in BMD can vary widely, but they typically appear later than in DMD, usually between the ages of 5 and 25. Common symptoms include:
- Muscle Weakness: Progressive weakness starting in the hips, pelvic area, thighs, and shoulders. This leads to difficulties with activities like running, jumping, climbing stairs, and getting up from the floor (often using the Gowers’ sign, where a person uses their hands and arms to “walk” up their body from a squatting position).
- Muscle Cramps and Pain: Some individuals experience muscle cramps or pain, especially during exercise.
- Fatigue: General tiredness and reduced stamina.
- Toe Walking: Walking on the toes due to tight calf muscles.
- Calf Hypertrophy (Pseudohypertrophy): Enlarged appearance of the calf muscles due to the replacement of muscle tissue with fat and connective tissue. Despite their size, these muscles are weak.
- Frequent Falls: Due to muscle weakness, individuals may fall more often.
- Delayed Motor Milestones: Some children with BMD may walk later than usual.
- Cardiomyopathy: The heart muscle can be affected, leading to a weakened heart and potential heart failure. This can occur at any age and sometimes without obvious muscle weakness in the limbs.
- Breathing Problems: In later stages, weakness of the respiratory muscles can lead to breathing difficulties, especially during sleep.
- Scoliosis: Curvature of the spine may develop due to muscle weakness.
- Learning and Behavioral Difficulties: Some individuals may have mild cognitive impairments or behavioral issues.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Becker Muscle Dystrophy
While there is no cure for BMD, physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing the condition, maintaining function, and improving the quality of life. The goals of physiotherapy treatment include:
- Maintaining Mobility and Independence: Exercises and strategies to help individuals stay mobile for as long as possible.
- Preventing Contractures: Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises to prevent the tightening of muscles and joints, which can limit movement and cause pain. Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) may be recommended, especially for nighttime wear, to keep the Achilles tendon stretched.
- Maintaining Muscle Strength: Low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling can help maintain existing muscle strength without overexertion. Strengthening exercises should be carefully prescribed, avoiding intense contractions and eccentric stresses on weakened muscles.
- Improving Balance and Coordination: Exercises to enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls.
- Respiratory Management: As the respiratory muscles weaken, physiotherapists can teach breathing exercises and techniques to help maintain lung function and effective coughing.
- Pain Management: Strategies to manage muscle pain and cramps.
- Postural Management: Education on maintaining good posture to prevent complications like scoliosis.
- Hydrotherapy: Water-based exercises can be beneficial due to the buoyancy and reduced impact on muscles and joints.
- Provision of Mobility Aids and Adaptations: Guidance on the appropriate use of canes, walkers, scooters, and wheelchairs to maintain independence and conserve energy. Occupational therapists also play a crucial role in recommending adaptations for daily living activities.
Goals of Physiotherapy
If you don’t have surgery, your physical therapist will work with you to restore your:
- Muscle strength
- Agility
- Balance
- Return to your regular activities.
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