Assessment Techniques of the Muscular System

Assessment Techniques General Inspection: asymmetry, deformity, swelling or bruising Systematic movement: weakness? Reflex tests: assessing the neurological functioning of muscular system Range of joint motion Blood Tests: measure enzymes for possible muscular system damage Electromyography: needles inserted in muscle Biopsy: assessing tissue disorders

Disorders of the Muscular System

Disorders of the Muscular System *Back Pain * Contracture *Muscle cramping * Muscular Dystrophy *Fibromyalgia * Gangrene *Hernia * Myasthenia gravis *Poliomyelitis * Muscle Sprain *Pes panus (flatfoot) *Muscle Strain *Tetanus *Trichinosis

Back Pain Usually results from weakened muscles around the spine in the lower back Recurrent back pain can be caused by: - sedentary lifestyle - obesity - poor posture or muscle tone - muscle strain or pressure on sciatica nerve Treatment includes: - bracing back for support - heat applications - exercises to strengthen the muscles - Pain medication / Muscle relaxers

Muscle Cramping Sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle producing pain Usually occur in legs or feet May result from exertion or unknown cause Treatment includes stretching and gentle pressure to relieve the pain

Fibromyalgia Includes a group of muscle disorders affecting the tendons, ligaments, & other fibrous tissues Common sites of pain include: - neck - thorax - thighs - shoulders - lower back S/S: Pain & tenderness after being exposed to cold, dampness, illness, or minor trauma - does not cause inflammation Generalized myalgia usually occurs in women Treatment: decrease in stress, rest, heat, massage, exercise, and therapy to stretch the muscles

Hernia Abnormal protrusion of a body part into another body area An example is protrusion of intestine through abdominal muscles in the groin area May result from weakness in the muscles of the abdomen Treatment: bracing, medication, & surgical procedure to restore proper positioning

Poliomyelitis Viral infection that results in paralysis of muscles Can be prevented by vaccine No cure Treatment directed toward relieving symptoms

Pes panus Also called “Flatfoot” or “Fallen arches” May be congenital or result from weakened foot muscles Extremely painful Treatment: - corrective shoes - massage - special exercises

Tetanus Commonly called “lockjaw” Caused by a bacterial infection Muscle spasms may be severe Can result in death Prevented by vaccine No cure Treatment involves preventing complications of muscle spasms & life support

Contracture Condition in which muscles remain contracted as a joint loses flexibility and ligaments & tendons shorten Results from gradual muscle wasting (atrophy) because of lack of movement of the muscles Can be prevented with range of motion exercises Treatment of severe contractures may involve surgical cutting of ligaments

Muscular Dystrophy Group of genetic diseases involving painless, gradual atrophy of muscle tissue Mild to severe disability No cure Treatment: - meds to slow progression - braces - corrective surgery

Gangrene Caused by Clostridium, a bacteria that kills muscle tissue Begins when the bacteria enters an area of the muscle tissue that has died The bacteria then destroys surrounding living tissue Extremities are most often affected, but gallbladder or intestines may become infected in some cases Treatment: removal of dead tissue, antibiotics, & meds against the toxins produced by the bacteria

Myasthenia Gravis Condition in which nerve impulses are not transmitted normally from the brain to the muscles Unknown cause, although it is considered to be an autoimmune disorder S/S : Muscle weakness in different body areas eventually becomes severe, although remission may occur No cure Treatment: may include maintaining life support

Muscle Sprain Traumatic injury to the tendons, muscles, or ligaments of a joint Causes pain and swelling Treatment: Alternating heat & cold, rest

Muscle Strain Torn or stretched tendons and muscles, causing pain May occur if muscles are exerted too suddenly or for too long In severe cases the muscle may break in two pieces, leaving a gap in the middle Treatment: stopping all activity, elevation, ice application to minimize swelling, or alternating heat/cold applications

Trichinosis Parasitic infection caused by eating undercooked pork Parasite forms cysts in muscle tissue, especially diaphragm & chest muscle S/S: Pain, tenderness, & fatigue Can be fatal if it affects the brain or heart Treatment: fluids, nutritional support, medication to relieve pain, reduce fever, and kill the parasites