Muscular dystrophy encompasses a set of disorders that lead to a progressive loss in muscle mass, resulting in the loss of strength. The most common variety of muscular dystrophy is Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which primarily strikes young boys. Genetic mutations are one of the primary causes of this medical condition. These mutations interfere with the creation of proteins in the muscles, without which muscles cannot be built or remain healthy.

Causes for muscular dystrophy are typically genetic, and unfortunately, treatments for muscular dystrophy are not 100% effective. Treatments can only alleviate the symptoms, but cannot cure the condition. The doctor will test the blood for enzymes that get released by the affected muscles and for genetic markers. An electromyography test uses an electrode needle for detecting muscle electrical activity. A muscle biopsy may also be conducted for diagnosis, where a sample of the muscle is tested.

1. Surgery
The general treatments for muscular dystrophy include surgeries to correct muscle shortening and assisted ventilation when the respiratory muscles get damaged. Surgery may also be required for correcting spinal curvatures that often cause difficulty in breathing.

2. Medications
There are medications for heart ailments, surgery for repairing cataracts, and treating scoliosis.

Doctors may recommend eteplirsen, which is the first FDA-approved medicine for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy. While it is safe, its effectiveness is still not known. It is known to boost muscle strength, but it cannot cure Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Corticosteroids like prednisone will help to slow down the progress of this condition and boost muscle strength. But, if these are used for a long time, they may lead to weight gain, weak bones, and higher chances of fractures.

There are medications like ACE or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors for the damaged heart.

3. Occupational therapy
Besides clinical options, therapy has also been found to be very effective for muscle strengthening. For instance, occupational therapy will help you become more independent and enhance your social and coping skills.

Therapy includes the following options:

• Stretching exercises and range-of-motion workouts to improve the flexibility and mobility of joints in affected people. In this condition, the limbs typically draw inward and then remain fixed in that state.
• Low-impact aerobic workouts like swimming or walking may boost strength, overall health, and mobility.
• Braces may be used for keeping muscles and tendons stretched. It will retard the progress of contractures. Braces may also help increase functions and mobility to make the patient independent.
• Since respiratory muscles may be damaged because of muscular dystrophy, a sleep apnea machine may supply oxygen.

4. Home remedies
Home remedies such as diet changes may be able to slow down the disease. Adequate nutrition is a must to provide adequate strength. Also, care should be taken to see that there is no dehydration, obesity, or constipation happening due to a lack of mobility.

Coping with muscular dystrophy is anything but easy, and one needs to find people who they can talk to. They could choose to confide in their family and friends or join a support group.