Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy has been described as a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle.

What Causes Muscular Dystrophy

In most cases, muscular dystrophy runs in the family. It usually develops after inheriting a faulty gene from one or both parents.

There are many kinds of muscular dystrophy that exist:

Congenital (CMD) - refers to a group of muscular dystrophies that become apparent at or near birth.

Duchenne (DMD) - is the most common type of muscular dystrophy that usually develops between ages 2-3. DMD usually affects lower limbs first, before having an impact on the heart and respiratory muscle later on.

Becker (BMD) - appearing between ages 5-15, Beck has a slower progression than DMD and affects the hips and pelvic area first. Becker commonly causes muscle weakness in the heart for most

Limb-Girdle (LGMD) - there are over 30 different types of LGMD, the age onset of LGMD is highly varied, ranging from early childhood to late adulthood. LGMD creates muscle weakness and atrophy in the hips and shoulders. Progression of the disorder is dependent on the age of onset.

Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) - typically appears before the age of 20 but can appear in later adulthood or even in childhood. FSHD affects the muscles of the face, around the shoulder blades and in the upper arms. Most people with FSHD will experience asymmetrical weakness of their muscles, meaning one side of the body will be affected differently than the other

Myotonic - characterized by the inability to relax muscles following contractions. Facial and neck muscles are usually the first to be affected. People with this form typically have long, thin faces, drooping eyelids and swanlike necks.

The list of different muscular dystrophies is not exhaustive. If you have any concerns, seek professional medical advice straight away.

What are the common symptoms of muscular dystrophy

What Types of Orthotics Might Be Effective

How Can Children’s Orthotics Help?

At Children’s Orthotics, our qualified paediatric orthotists have access to a wide range of orthotic devices that can help support weakened muscles, provide stability, enhance comfort and slow the progression of contractors (tightened muscles or tendons that become shorter over time).

Orthotic devices can be worn at any time of the day or night. The use of a specific orthotic device depends on the type of muscular dystrophy and the muscles affected.

Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) - are devices that cover the ankle, foot and the leg below the knee. AFOs are highly durable and are custom made to the individuals' requirements. AFOs are normally made from thermoplastics, silicon, lycra or carbon fibre to control unwanted movements and improve mobility. Children’s Orthotics prescribe these orthoses to target areas of the leg that require specific support while maintaining as much natural function as possible.

Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) - are similar to AFOs but also cover the knee joint. KAFOs help in preventing excessive joint motion so to lessen joint pain. They also help with joint alignment and stability. KAFOs are customised for each individual and are usually made of metal or thermoplastics. Newer KAFO varieties are made of carbon fibre and are lightweight while still offering the support needed to complete a gait cycle.

Splints - Well fitted splints around the foot and ankle can provide stability, support and stretching of the muscles to help prevent or slow down any contractors. Children’s Orthotics have access to a wide range of stock that can be custom designed to fit your child.

Night splints - Resting splints help support and align the foot to the optimal position when resting. The resting splint allows a prolonged stretch of the muscle that may prevent or slow down deformities.

Spinal brace - As trunk muscles deteriorate the spine can be gradually pulled into a curved shape (side-to-side: scoliosis, front-to-back: kyphosis). Spine bracing along with strengthening exercises can help slow the progression of the spinal deformity. A spinal brace helps to stabilise the spine (which can help to control pain) and reduce the mechanical load on the vertebrae. Spinal braces must be very well fitted in order to achieve support and pain relief, the best way to achieve a well-fitting spinal brace is for the brace to be custom made to fit your child exactly.

What Might the Assessment Procedure Involve

Your orthotist will ask you questions about your child’s daily activities and medical history. The paediatric orthotist will undertake a gait examination and watch them walk, paying attention to movements at their affected joints and making observations of how their body moves. Following this, your child’s treatment options and goals will be discussed and a prescription made. Any devices that are required will be fabricated using materials chosen specifically to meet their requirements and then a fitting session arranged. All of our prescriptions and fittings are followed by a review to ensure that your child’s treatment is effective and any adjustments can be made.

To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.