What is loss of muscle?
Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink or degrade as a result of disuse or disease. This leads to reduced muscle strength and function.
There are two main types of muscle atrophy:
- Disuse atrophy - This occurs due to inactivity and lack of exercise. When muscles are not used regularly, they begin to shrink and lose strength. This type of atrophy can happen after injuries, illnesses, or extended periods of inactivity.
- Age-related atrophy - Also called sarcopenia, this is the gradual loss of muscle that occurs naturally with aging. After age 30, people tend to lose up to 3-5% of their muscle mass per decade if they do not strength train regularly.
Some key signs and symptoms of muscle loss include:
- Decreased muscle strength
- Difficulty performing daily activities
- Fatigue, tiredness
- Muscle shrinkage, especially in the arms and legs
- Unexplained weight loss
- Poor balance and increased risk of falls
What causes muscle loss?
There are several potential causes of muscle wasting and atrophy:
- Inactivity and disuse - Not using muscles regularly leads them to waste away. Being bedridden, sedentary, or immobilized can accelerate muscle loss.
- Aging - Gradual muscle loss is a natural part of aging, starting around age 30.
- Poor nutrition - Lack of protein, calories, or nutrients like vitamin D can contribute to muscle wasting.
- Diseases - Certain medical conditions like cancer, kidney disease, AIDS, and heart failure are associated with rapid muscle loss.
- Injuries - Severe injuries, especially to muscles or nerves, can cause immobilization and disuse atrophy.
- Medications - Some drugs like corticosteroids can trigger muscle wasting as a side effect.
How can you prevent and treat loss of muscle?
Here are some effective ways to combat muscle loss and weakness:
- Exercise regularly - Strength training with weights or resistance bands can reduce age-related muscle loss.
- Eat enough protein - Getting adequate protein helps muscles recover and rebuild after exercise. Shoot for 0.5-0.8 grams per pound of body weight daily.
- Get checked by a doctor - Unexplained muscle loss may indicate an underlying condition, so it's important to get evaluated.
- Consider hormone therapy - Boosting testosterone levels can help build muscle in older adults with low testosterone. Talk to your doctor about hormone testing.
- Use supplements wisely - Certain supplements like creatine or amino acids may aid muscle growth when combined with strength training.
- Manage illnesses - Treating diseases and conditions that cause muscle wasting can improve strength and function. Physical therapy helps too.
- Reduce medications if possible - Work with your doctor to minimize medications that may contribute to muscle loss.
With proper exercise, nutrition, and care, it is possible to rebuild and maintain muscle mass and performance - even into old age. Don't ignore unexplained muscle weakness or wasting, as timely treatment can help restore strength and vitality. Our experienced physicians at Renew Clinic specialize in customized care plans to address muscle loss and other age-related declines.