Losing Strength? Don’t Ignore These Muscle Atrophy Red Flags

     As we stride forward with confidence, many may not notice that "Muscle mass"—the body's essential powerhouse—is gradually declining due to time or certain complications. Muscle Atrophy (Muscle Atrophy) is not just about aesthetics or a changing physique; it is a warning signal that directly impacts your quality of life.

Understanding "Muscle Atrophy"

Muscle Atrophy, or the loss of muscle mass, can stem from various causes, ranging from natural processes like inadequate nutrition to physical inactivity and other factors such as:

• Disuse Atrophy (Disuse Atrophy) often found in those who sit for long periods or experience leg atrophy after surgery, as nerves are not fully signaling the muscles to work.
• Age-related degeneration: Muscle loss in the elderly is difficult to avoid but can be "slowed down" with proper protein intake and appropriate exercise.
• Neurological disorders: Such as arm atrophy from cervical or spinal nerve compression, or motor neuron diseases. If left untreated, this can lead to Sarcopenia, causing mobility difficulties, increased fall risks, and loss of independence.

Signs You Can Observe Yourself

Doctors often receive questions like "Doctor, my legs are getting smaller, what should I do?" or patients notice clothes that used to fit well are now loose around the limbs. These signs usually start with:

• Visible asymmetry or a noticeable decrease in the circumference of the arms or legs.
• Muscle weakness: Daily life becomes more difficult, such as struggling to get out of a chair, shaking while climbing stairs, or dropping objects.
• Post-surgical atrophy: Found in patients requiring long recovery periods or restricted movement after major surgery, leading to muscle disuse.

Care and Rehabilitation Guidelines

If you start to feel that your muscle mass is decreasing, lifestyle adjustment is the key:

• Targeted Nutrition: Focus on high-quality protein to repair and build muscle mass.
• Resistance Training: To improve the coordination between the nervous system and muscles, helping muscle fibers increase in size and function better.
• Physical Therapy: For those with muscle weakness or leg atrophy from specific conditions, proper physical therapy will help restore strength safely.

"Muscles" are the foundation of free movement. Monitoring and taking care of them from the very first small signs will help maintain your strength in the long run.

Ramkhamhaeng Hospital is ready to care for you

     If you are concerned about muscle atrophy or wish to assess your muscle mass and physical performance, our team of doctors and physical therapists at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital is ready to provide consultation and design the most suitable rehabilitation plan for you.