10 early signs and symptoms of muscular dystrophy
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10 early signs and symptoms of muscular dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a term used for a group of genetic disorders that affect an individual’s muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. The condition is usually caused when the body is unable to produce muscle-building proteins because of certain abnormal mutated genes. Muscular dystrophy can emerge at any age, and recognizing its early signs and symptoms is pivotal for timely intervention and management. Here are the telltale early signs of the condition that should prompt one to seek expert help immediately. Delayed motor milestones In infants and young children, a delay in achieving motor milestones can raise concerns about muscular dystrophy. These milestones include sitting up, crawling, and walking. Children with muscular dystrophy may take longer to reach these developmental stages or exhibit unusual movement patterns when they achieve them. Muscle cramps and pain Apart from abnormal shortening of muscles and range of motion, muscle cramps and pain can also be early signs of muscular dystrophy. Individuals with this condition may be unable to move their joints freely and often experience persistent muscle cramps, which can be uncomfortable or even painful. One may experience these symptoms during physical activity or at rest. Muscle weakness This is one of the primary signs that affects the way an individual performs routine tasks requiring muscle strength, including lifting objects, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position.
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