Treatment
There is no cure. However, treatment may help improve the symptoms.
Treatment may consist of:
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy and exercise can help prevent the muscles from permanently contracting and stiffening.
Braces
In earlier stages, wearing braces may improve your ability to move around. A back brace may slow curvature of the spine.
Medication
Medications may include:
- Corticosteroids to relieve muscle weakness (chronic steroids can also cause muscle injury called “steroid myopathy”)
- Creatine supplements (shown to reduce fatigue and increase strength in some studies)
- Drugs for heart problems if muscular dystrophy affects the heart
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be needed to release muscles that are painfully tight. If there are heart problems, a pacemaker may be needed.
Other treatments are being studied.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
More Muscular Dystrophy Information
Improved
620 HealthChanged
293 LivesSaved
210 LivesPopular this Week
Connect with Women Like You 18 Women Care About this Condition
You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!
+ Join this Community
