The Muscular System Lesson 2: The Pathology of the Muscular System 24 The Muscular System Lesson 2: The Pathology of the Muscular System

Lesson Objectives Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to … Define and spell the terms to learn for this chapter. Identify and explain common disorders of the muscular system.

Critical Thinking Question What types of conditions occur in the muscular system?

Atrophy Occurs with disuse of muscles over a long period of time Lipoatrophy is atrophy of fat tissue, common at injection sites Signs and symptoms: Apparent “wasting away” appearance of a muscle group Extreme weakness and fatigue associated with atrophic muscle groups

Atrophy Treatments: Isometric exercises of the immobilized muscle Active exercise of uninjured limbs helps prevention

Fibromyalgia Musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder More common in women than men No obvious known cause; evidence of possible genetic predisposition Signs and symptoms: Mild to severe muscle pain and fatigue Sleep disorders Irritable bowel syndrome Depression Chronic headaches

Criteria to Determine Fibromyalgia American College of Rheumatology has identified specific criteria The patient must show pain at 11-18 trigger or tender points to be considered for this diagnosis, as well as a history of widespread pain lasting at least three months

Treatment of Fibromalygia Geared towards improving quality of sleep and reducing pain Common prescriptions are muscle relaxants, pain relievers, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory drugs Chiropractic, acupuncture, acupressure, relaxation techniques, and massage

Ganglion Cyst Benign saclike swelling or cyst that typically develops over a joint or tendon More common in women than men No known cause Signs and symptoms: Masses occur typically on the hands, wrists, and ankles and are very painful Erratic swelling can occur, developing and disappearing without cause

Treatment of Ganglion Cyst Anti-inflammatory drugs Aspiration of fluid (74% effective rate) Surgery if pain or decreased range of motion occurs

Lyme Disease Caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium Carried by ticks and transmitted through the bite of an infected tick Signs and symptoms: Round “bull’s eye” rash Headache Fatigue Fever

Prevention and Treatment of Lyme Disease Wearing long sleeves and pants while in heavily wooded areas Proper use of insect repellant Prompt removal of any tick that may be lodged in the skin Treatment: Erythromycin Penicillins Doxycycline

Muscular Dystrophy (MD) Genetic disease Progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal or voluntary muscles There are 9 major forms Signs and symptoms (general): Muscle weakness Loss of coordination Immobility

Treatment of MD None specific for any of the forms Physical therapy to prevent contractures Orthoses for support Corrective orthopedic surgery Emery-Dreifuss and myotonic forms may necessitate a pacemaker, due to the cardiac problems associated with them

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease Most common in young adult women and older men Affects any voluntary muscle, but more often found in the eye and jaw areas

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment for Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Signs and symptoms: Primary one is muscle weakness (increases during periods of activity, improves after rest) Weakness may also occur in the muscles that control breathing and arm and leg movements Treatment: No cure Controllable Corticosteroids and anticholinesterase Surgery, including removal of the thymus gland, may be required

Rotator Cuff Tears Common in shoulder muscles and tendons Due to many years of overuse of these muscles and tendons Also caused by one single traumatic injury Signs and symptoms: Limited mobility of the shoulder area Considerable pain Atrophy of the shoulder muscle Cracking sensation when shoulder is moved into certain positions

Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears Rest Narcotic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Splinting Physical therapy Range of motion exercises Severe injuries may require possible steroid injections and possibly surgery

Shin Splints Usually caused by overuse or improper conditioning of the leg muscles Most common in running sports, military training, and high impact dancing Also found in those with flat feet or rigid arches Signs and symptoms: Increased pain, tenderness, and possible swelling along the shin area

Treatment of Shin Splints Rest Ice or cold compresses to shin area Aspirin and NSAIDs for pain management Use of proper footwear to prevent future episodes

Sprain Stretching or tearing of a ligament Very common in athletes Often occurs in ligaments of major joints Signs and symptoms: Pain Swelling Bruising Loss of joint mobility and function

Treatment of Sprains RICE method: Rest (if joint is weight bearing, should use canes or crutches) Ice Compression (bandages to encourage proper healing) Elevation (above or at same level as the heart)

Treatment of Sprains Range of motion exercises Physical therapy NSAIDS Surgery in rare instances

Strain Injury to a muscle or tendon Chronic–from prolonged, repetitive movements Acute–improper lifting of a heavy object High risks found in sports such as: Soccer Football Hockey Tennis Gymnastics

Strain Signs and symptoms: Treatment: Pain Muscle weakness Muscle spasms Loss of muscle function Inflammation Cramping Swelling Treatment: Similar to that of a sprain (RICE method) Anti-inflammatory medications Gentle stretching Heat application On occasion, a brace to limit mobility of the injured muscle

Tendonitis Excessive and repetitive movements causing inflammation and tears of the tendon Tendon–end part of a muscle that attaches to the bone Common areas: Elbow and wrist Biceps and shoulder Hip, leg, and knee Achilles

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment for Tendonitis Signs and symptoms: Pain and stiffness in the affected area Burning sensation surrounding the joint or inflamed tendon Pain can worsen during or right after activity

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment for Tendonitis Proper care can lessen the symptoms over three weeks Healing does not occur for at least six weeks following the initial injury Support and protect via braces to affected area Physical therapy, including exercises to increase range of motion

Tetanus Often fatal, infectious disease Caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria Toxin enters body through a puncture, cut or open wound Signs and symptoms: Profound painful muscle spasms Lockjaw Difficulty swallowing due to neck stiffness Stiffness of chest, abdominal, and back muscles Fever

Questions? 30