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Muscular Dystrophy Treatments

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 © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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