Muscular dystrophy

==Management==
[[File:Ankle Foot Orthosis leg brace worn on the left foot with ankle hinge.jpg|thumb|300px|Ankle foot orthosis]]
Currently, there is no cure for muscular dystrophy. In terms of management, [[physical therapy]], [[occupational therapy]], orthotic intervention (e.g., [[ankle-foot orthosis]]),<ref name=nih2/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00384|title=Muscular Dystrophy-OrthoInfo - AAOS|website=orthoinfo.aaos.org|access-date=2016-04-10|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412104023/http://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00384|archive-date=2016-04-12}}</ref> speech therapy, and respiratory therapy may be helpful.<ref name="nih2">{{cite web|url=https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/musculardys/conditioninfo/Pages/treatment.aspx|title=What are the treatments for muscular dystrophy?|date=2015|website=NIH.gov|publisher=NIH|access-date=10 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407124142/https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/musculardys/conditioninfo/pages/treatment.aspx|archive-date=7 April 2016}}</ref> Low intensity corticosteroids such as [[prednisone]], and [[deflazacort]] may help to maintain muscle tone.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=McAdam |first1=Laura C. |last2=Mayo |first2=Amanda L. |last3=Alman |first3=Benjamin A. |last4=Biggar |first4=W. Douglas |title=The Canadian experience with long term deflazacort treatment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy |journal=Acta Myologica |date=2012 |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=16–20 |pmid=22655512 |pmc=3440807 }}</ref> [[Orthosis|Orthoses]] (orthopedic appliances used for support) and corrective [[orthopedic surgery]] may be needed to improve the quality of life in some cases.<ref name=NIH2016Re/> The cardiac problems that occur with Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) and myotonic muscular dystrophy may require a [[artificial pacemaker|pacemaker]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Verhaert |first1=David |last2=Richards |first2=Kathryn |last3=Rafael-Fortney |first3=Jill A. |last4=Raman |first4=Subha V. |title=Cardiac Involvement in Patients With Muscular Dystrophies |journal=Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging |date=January 2011 |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=67–76 |doi=10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.110.960740 |pmid=21245364 |pmc=3057042 }}</ref> The [[myotonia]] (delayed relaxation of a muscle after a strong contraction) occurring in myotonic muscular dystrophy may be treated with medications such as quinine.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Eddy |first1=Linda L. |title=Caring for Children with Special Healthcare Needs and Their Families: A Handbook for Healthcare Professionals |date=2013 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-1-118-51797-0 }}{{page needed|date=January 2020}}</ref>

Low-intensity, assisted exercises, dynamic exercise training, or assisted bicycle training of the arms and legs during a 24-week trial significantly delayed the functional loss of muscular dystrophy. It can be done in a safe and feasible manner, even with boys late in their ambulation stage. However, eccentric exercises, or intense exercises causing soreness should not be used as they can cause further damage.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi=10.1177/1545968313496326 |pmid=23884013 |title=Assisted Bicycle Training Delays Functional Deterioration in Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy |year=2013 |last1=Jansen |first1=Merel |last2=Van Alfen |first2=Nens |last3=Geurts |first3=Alexander C. H. |last4=De Groot |first4=Imelda J. M. |journal=Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair |volume=27 |issue=9 |pages=816–827 |s2cid=9990910 }}</ref>

Occupational therapy assists the individual with MD to engage in activities of daily living (such as self-feeding and self-care activities) and leisure activities at the most independent level possible. This may be achieved with use of adaptive equipment or the use of energy-conservation techniques. Occupational therapy may implement changes to a person's environment, both at home or work, to increase the individual's function and accessibility; furthermore, it addresses psychosocial changes and cognitive decline which may accompany MD, and provides support and education about the disease to the family and individual.<ref>{{cite book |first1=R. M. |last1=Lehman |first2=G. L. |last2=McCormack |year=2001 |chapter=Neurogenic and Myopathic Dysfunction |pages=802–3 |editor1-first=Lorraine Williams |editor1-last=Pedretti |editor2-first=Mary Beth |editor2-last=Early |title=Occupational Therapy: Practice Skills for Physical Dysfunction |edition=5th |publisher=Mosby |isbn=978-0-323-00765-8}}</ref>