Muscle atrophy facts for kids
Muscle atrophy is a medical term for when your muscles get smaller and weaker. It's also sometimes called "muscle wastage." When this happens, a person loses muscle tissue, which makes their muscles less strong. Muscles can shrink a little bit or even waste away almost completely.
Muscle atrophy can cause problems because as a person's muscles get weaker, it becomes harder for them to do everyday activities.
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What Causes Muscle Atrophy?
Muscles can get smaller and weaker if they are not used very much. This is common in older people. For example, if someone breaks an arm or leg and has to wear a cast, the muscles under the cast won't be used for a while. When the cast comes off, those muscles might look smaller and feel weaker.
Another common cause is when someone has to stay in bed for a long time because of an illness. Not moving around much means the muscles aren't being used, and they can start to atrophy.
How Can Muscle Atrophy Be Treated?
There are several ways to help muscles get stronger and bigger again:
Exercise and Movement
One of the best ways to treat muscle atrophy is through exercise. When you exercise, your muscles work hard and get stronger. This helps them grow back to their normal size and strength. Regular physical activity is very important for keeping muscles healthy.
Electrical Stimulation
Sometimes, doctors use something called functional electrical stimulation. This is a special treatment where small electrical pulses are sent to the muscles. These pulses make the muscles contract, almost like they are exercising. This method has been very helpful for people who can't move their muscles on their own, like some patients who are paralyzed.
Special Nutrients
Eating the right foods can also help. Some treatments involve giving people special nutrients called amino acids. These are like the building blocks for muscles. They can help repair damaged muscle tissue and encourage new muscle growth.
See also
In Spanish: Atrofia muscular para niños
