Bones/Muscles/Joints
-
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) stands as one of the most severe types of muscular dystrophy. This progressive muscle disorder is characterized by muscle weakness and wasting, primarily affecting boys and leading to severe physical disability. This article aims to provide a thorough understanding of Duchenne’s, the populations it impacts, its causes, and available treatment options. What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy? Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder that leads to muscle degeneration and weakness. It is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy. DMD primarily affects the skeletal muscles, which control movement, though it can also impact the heart and other organs. As DMD progresses, affected individuals usually face…
-
Carpal Tunnel: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent neuropathic disorder that affects many individuals worldwide. It is characterized by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway located at the base of the hand. This article delves deep into the intricacies of CTS, the demographics it commonly affects, its causes, symptoms, and the treatments available. Demographics: Who’s at Risk? CTS is indiscriminate, but certain segments of the population have a heightened vulnerability: Gender and Biology: Women, with a predisposition due to their typically smaller carpal tunnels, are thrice as likely to suffer from CTS compared to men. The Age Factor: The syndrome often…
-
Keeping Your Muscles Supple
Muscle stiffness can be a common issue, especially as we age or engage in intense physical activity. Stiff muscles are not only uncomfortable, but they can also limit our range of motion and impact our daily lives. In this article, I’ll share some tips to help you prevent muscle stiffness and keep your muscles supple and healthy. Regular Exercise Engage in regular physical activity to keep your muscles active and flexible. Exercise helps to increase blood flow, bringing essential nutrients to your muscles, and removing waste products. Activities such as stretching, yoga, or Pilates can help increase your range of motion and prevent muscles from stiffening up. However, ensure you’re…
-
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a painful disorder that impacts the hands and wrists and can have significant implications for a person’s daily activities and quality of life. In this article, we will discuss what carpal tunnel syndrome is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand, becomes compressed or pinched at the wrist. This compression happens within the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway located on the palm side of the wrist. The carpal tunnel is surrounded…
-
Arthritis in Younger People
Arthritis is commonly associated with the elderly, but the reality is that this inflammatory condition can strike at any age. In Canada, a surprising number of children, adolescents, and younger adults are grappling with various forms of arthritis. Understanding the complexities of these conditions, their causes, symptoms, and treatments, can greatly aid in their management. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is a group of inflammatory joint disorders that affect children under the age of 16. Its subtypes provide insights into its diverse presentations. Systemic JIA Systemic JIA affects the entire body and often starts with high fevers and a rash. These symptoms may be mistaken for a viral…
-
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder marked by the loss of nerve cells called motor neurons in the spinal cord. This results in muscle wasting (atrophy), leading to progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. Recognizing its impact on Canadians, the month of August is designated as Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, offering an opportunity for education, advocacy, and support for those affected. Understanding Spinal Muscular Atrophy Spinal Muscular Atrophy is an autosomal recessive disease. This means that a child must inherit two copies of the defective gene, one from each parent, to have the condition. The responsible gene, Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1), is instrumental in maintaining motor neurons.…
-
Strategies for Effective Muscle Rebuilding
Rebuilding muscle is a crucial aspect of maintaining overall health and wellness, particularly as we age or recover from injury. It is important to recognize the significance of muscle rebuilding in order to reap its benefits. This article aims to explore who needs to rebuild muscle and why, the health reasons behind it, and the various ways in which one can rebuild muscle effectively. Who Needs to Rebuild Muscle and Why? Muscle rebuilding is a process that applies to various individuals for different reasons. One group that particularly benefits from rebuilding muscle is older adults. As we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass and strength, a condition known as…
-
Osteoporosis Awareness
One of the most common disease affecting older individuals is osteoporosis – a condition that is characterized by low bone mass in addition to deterioration of bone tissue, which can lead to an increased risk of fractures. Because bone deterioration can develop over a number of years, an individual may not initially be aware that they even have the disease. It is only when they begin to develop fractures and bone breaks that they realize something is wrong, and by this time the disease is already in an advanced stage, which makes it more difficult to treat. Once osteoporosis is in an advanced stage and your bones have become weaker,…
-
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) that causes inflammation or irritation of the tendon. It’s often caused by overuse of the wrist but may also be caused as a result of rheumatoid disease or infection. Anyone can develop tendinitis, though it’s more common in adults. As we age, our tendons become less elastic, making it much easier for them to tear. Along with the wrist, tendinitis can also occur in other areas of the body including the knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows. Partaking in certain activities such as writing, typing, painting, cleaning house, shovelling snow, raking, carpentry, and playing sports (such as tennis, baseball, basketball, or skiing) can also…
-
Age-Related Muscle Loss and How to Build Back Strength
Age-related muscle loss, also known as sarcopenia, is a condition that occurs as a result of the body’s natural aging process. When muscle decreases, so does a person’s strength, and this can not only have a direct impact on one’s balance, but can also affect the ability to be able to perform everyday activities – such as walking, climbing stairs, and lifting objects. Muscle mass can begin to decline as early as age 40, and may progress more rapidly between the ages of 50 and 60. A person can lose anywhere from 3 to 8 percent of muscle mass every 10 years. While aging is usually the main cause of…