Now that the Pandemic is almost declared over, we are tending to become more active. As Spring and warmer weather approach, we tend to be more active. Have you noticed since being more sedentary throughout the pandemic and winter, you may feel a little weaker or not be able to walk as far as before or even get sore muscles and joints. This can due to Disuse Atrophy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Atrophy is the loss or thinning of your muscle tissue. If you have atrophied muscles, you’ll see a decrease in your muscle mass and strength. With muscle atrophy, your muscles look smaller than normal. Muscle atrophy can occur due to malnutrition, age, genetics, a lack of physical activity or certain medical conditions. Disuse (physiologic) atrophy occurs when you don’t use your muscles enough. Neurogenic atrophy occurs due to nerve problems or diseases.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSESWhat are the symptoms of muscle atrophy?
The symptoms of muscle atrophy differ depending on the cause of your condition. The most obvious sign of muscle atrophy is reduced muscle mass. Other signs of muscle atrophy may include:
- One arm or one leg is smaller than the other.
- Weakness in one arm and or one leg.
- Numbness or tingling in your arms and legs.
- Trouble walking or balancing.
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking.
- Facial weakness.
- Gradual memory loss.
Disuse (physiologic) atrophy is caused by not using your muscles enough. If you stop using your muscles, your body won’t waste the energy it needs to take care of them. Instead, your body will start to break your muscles down, which causes them to decrease in size and strength. Disuse atrophy may affect you if you:
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle.
- Are malnourished.
- Don’t get enough exercise.
- Sit at a desk job all day.
- Are on best rest.
- Have a genetic disorder such as muscular dystrophy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
- Can’t move your limbs due to a stroke or other conditions such as dermatomyositis.
- Have age-related atrophy (sarcopenia).
There are several factors that can cause the time of the muscles to atrophy:
depends on age, fitness level and cause of atrophy. Disuse atrophy can start within two to three weeks of not using your muscles. Neurogenic muscle atrophy may develop sooner depending on your health condition.
Disuse atrophy can be reversed with a better diet, exercises, and physical therapy. The recovery to build the muscle tissue may take several months but it can be achieved. So with Daylight Savings Time in effect, we could go for a walk after dinner or start some yardwork in preparation for Spring, but do not over do it. Take it slow so you do not injure yourself. Contact your physical Therapist if you are having concerns about atrophy.