Treatment for mcardle disease

The treatment for McArdle's disease, which is a genetic problem that causes intense cramps in the muscles when exercising, should be guided by an orthopedist and a physical therapist to adapt the type and intensity of physical activities to the symptoms presented.

Generally, muscle pains and injuries caused by McArdle's disease arise when performing activities of greater intensity, such as running or weight training, for example. However, in some cases, symptoms can also be caused by simpler exercises, such as eating, sewing and even chewing.

Thus, the main precautions to avoid the appearance of symptoms include:

Do muscle warm-up before starting any type of physical exercise, especially when it is necessary to do more intense activities such as running; Maintain regular physical exercise, about 2 to 3 times a week, because the lack of activity causes the symptoms to worsen in the simplest activities; Regular stretching, especially after doing some type of exercise, as it is a quick way to relieve or prevent the appearance of symptoms;

Although McArdle's disease has no cure, it can be controlled with the appropriate practice of light physical exercise, guided by a physiotherapist and, therefore, patients with this type of disease can have a normal and independent life, without great types of limitations..

Here are some stretches that should be done before walking: Leg stretching exercises.

Symptoms of McArdle's disease

The main symptoms of McArdle's disease, also known as Type V glycogenosis, include:

Excessive tiredness after a short period of physical exercise; Cramps and severe pain in the legs and arms; Hypersensitivity and swelling in the muscles; Decreased muscle strength; Dark colored urine.

These symptoms appear since birth, however, they can only be noticed during adulthood, since they are usually associated with lack of physical preparation, for example.

Diagnosis of McArdle's disease

The diagnosis of McArdle's disease must be made by an orthopedist and, normally, a blood test is used to assess the presence of a muscle enzyme, called Creatine kinase, which is present in cases of muscle injuries, such as those that happen in McArdle's disease.

In addition, the doctor may use other tests, such as muscle biopsy or ischemic forearm tests, to look for changes that may confirm the diagnosis of McArdle's disease.

Although it is a genetic disease, McArdle's disease is unlikely to pass on to children, however, it is recommended to do genetic counseling if you are planning to become pregnant.

When to go to the doctor

It is important to go to the emergency room immediately when:

Pain or cramps do not relieve after 15 minutes; The color of the urine is darkened for more than 2 days; Severe swelling in a muscle appears.

In these cases, it may be necessary to stay in hospital to make injections of serum directly into the vein and balance the energy levels in the body, avoiding the appearance of serious muscle injuries.