Question
My father has muscle atrophy on the posterior and medial side of his lower leg, and he cannot land his heel normally, walking in a crouched gait. He can climb stairs well but needs support to descend slowly. Otherwise, his body is normal. His mother also had this disease, mainly due to a genetic muscle degenerative disorder. The specific cause of the disease is unknown, and there are currently three main theories, namely the vascular theory, which believes that circulatory obstruction causes occlusion of muscle tissue; the next is the neurogenic theory, which believes that abnormal function of motor neurons causes muscle degeneration; and the third is the genetic theory, where genetic abnormalities in the cell membrane lead to the leakage of myoenzymes, thus causing the body to metabolize and synthesize more myoenzymes.
Answer
The disease has a clear family history, with more males than females, a ratio of 2.56:1. There is an example of a family with four generations and 12 cases of the disease, all of whom are female, with the oldest living to 56 years. In another patient’s family, seven siblings were affected, with four cases occurring. It is recommended to maintain a clean and quiet environment, pay attention to moisture and cold prevention, actively prevent and treat respiratory tract infections and other complications. Persist in physical exercise, self-massage to increase activity, promote blood circulation, and prevent muscle atrophy, but should be moderate and not overexert. Diet should be light and nutritious, avoid or eat less greasy, thick, spicy foods that damage body fluids and the spleen and stomach. Fish, eggs, chicken meat, lean pork can be consumed more. But do not overdo it to avoid damaging the spleen and stomach. Actively fight against the disease, persist in appropriate leisure activities to encourage patients to establish an optimistic and cheerful mood, and build confidence in overcoming the disease with strong willpower. Vegetables and fruits such as cabbage, sprouts, tomatoes, hawthorn, tangerines, and jujubes can be consumed.