What is Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy?

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy is one of the formslower arms and eventually hands.
of muscular dystrophy. It is also called LGMD.Since this is a progressive disease, the weakness in
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder whichthe muscles spreads and the patient may have to
weakens the muscles of the body. Limb girdledepend on a wheelchair by the age of 20 to 30
muscular dystrophy affects the muscles around theyears. Sometimes, there may be some cardiac
shoulders and hips. However over a period of time,complications in a patient suffering from Limb girdle
the other muscles are also affected.muscular dystrophy and this may also cause death.
This disease is contracted when one of the parentsHence, careful attention should be paid to the heart
or both the parents pass on a defective gene to theand lungs.
child. Due to this, the muscles cannot produce theDespite enough knowledge there is no treatment as
proteins that make the muscles function normally.such for this disease. However, it has been reported
The most common symptoms of Limb girdlethat inactivity such as bed rest can worsen the
muscular dystrophy are difficulty in climbing the stairs,condition. Physical therapy and occupational therapy
difficulty in standing from a sitting position, enlargedcan help the patient in performing his activities and
calf, thinning of certain body parts, and weakness insuch therapy can also provide support and education
the shoulders, low back pain accompanied withto the patient and its family.
weakness in the muscles of the lower legs, feet,