Address:  Plot No-HIG 2, Nandan Enclave, Nandan Vihar, Bhubaneswar-751024

Pinnacle Neuro Centre

            Muscle wasting, or muscle atrophy, is the loss of muscle mass and strength due to reduced muscle use, injury, or underlying medical conditions. It occurs when the balance between muscle protein synthesis and breakdown is disrupted, leading to diminished muscle fiber size and function. Common causes include prolonged immobility (e.g., bed rest, casts), neurological disorders (like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or spinal cord injuries), and chronic diseases such as cancer, heart failure, or diabetes. Aging-related sarcopenia, malnutrition, and certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids) also contribute. Inactivity accelerates wasting, as muscles require regular stimulation to maintain mass.

Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause and rebuilding muscle. Physical therapy with resistance exercises is central, stimulating muscle growth and improving strength. Nutritional support, including high-protein diets and supplements like branched-chain amino acids, aids recovery. In disease-related wasting, managing the primary condition—such as optimizing diabetes control or treating cancer—slows progression. Medications like anabolic steroids or myostatin inhibitors are under study for specific cases but aren’t widely used. Assistive devices or bracing may support mobility during rehabilitation.