Muscular Dystrophy
Gradual, Progressive Muscle Loss

Muscular dystrophy is a condition in which muscles, month-by-month and year-by-year, get weaker and weaker. Because the disability gradually gets worse, we say it is 'progressive'.

Mostly affects boys (rarely girls). Often brothers or male relatives have same problem. First signs appear around ages 3 to 5: the child may seem awkward or clumsy, or he begins to walk 'tiptoe' because he cannot put his feet flat. Runs strangely. Falls often. Problem gets steadily worse over the next several years. Muscle weakness first affects feet, fronts of thighs, hips, belly, shoulders, and elbows. Later, it affects hands, face, and neck muscles Most children become unable to walk by age 10.

May develop a severe curve of the spine. Heart and breathing muscles also get weak

To get up from the ground, the child 'walks up' his thighs with his hands. This is mainly because of weak thigh muscles.