muscle mass seen in a
extremity. With disuse atrophy no more than one third of
the muscle mass is lost and this loss occurs over a long period of time.
Neurogenic atrophy occurs when nervous input to a muscle is lost. Without signals form nerves a muscle will not contract and will therefore not have high metabolic demands. The body will break down muscular components in order to conserve metabolic resources. Neurogenic atrophy is characterized by loss of muscle mass. The muscle mass lost is far greater than that seen with disuse atrophy. The third type of atrophy is often called cachexic atrophy though it is not only seen in individuals affected by cancer. This type of atrophy is also seen with severe starvation or malnutrition, or with any other condition that causes exceptionally high metabolic demands. The body catabolises muscle fibres to provide energy for essential body functions. In order to make up for the loss of type II fibres there may be some hypertrophy in the type I fibres and postural muscles to allow the individual to continue functioning. All types of atrophy show some signs and symptoms in common. All types of atrophy show decreases in muscle mass which make the underlying bones and joints appear . If the atrophy is neurogenic or due to disuse there may be imbalances in muscle mass. Cachexic atrophy will also be been seen as low body fat and poor overall body condition. All types of atrophy result in decreased range of motion and muscular weakness.
Diagnosis of atrophy is made through clinical signs and symptoms,
, or
a history of a primary disease or condition.
Treatment of atrophy is varied and is dependent on the type of atrophy. Neurogenic and disuse atrophy benefit from stimulating massage, applications of short, cold hydrotherapy and electromagnetic stimulation. Treatment for cachexic atrophy is secondary to treatment of the primary cause. Muscular imbalances caused by mild disuse atrophy can be corrected and prevented by implementation of a controlled exercise program that ensures balanced use of all muscle groups and proper engagement of the ring of muscles. Cramp A cramp is an involuntary, painful and forceful muscular contraction that is . A cramp can involve a whole muscle or may just involve a few muscle fibres. Some cramps are spasmodic while others are continuous. There are many factors that can result in a cramp. These include the hyper-shortening of a muscle, of muscle tissue, chilling of a muscle, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances such as hypocalcemia and hypokalemia, lactic acid build up in the extra cellular fluid, kidney disease and thyroid disease.
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