When you hear the term inflammation, you may think of a swollen ankle or a cut that becomes red and painful. However, inflammation can also occur in your muscles and lead to a condition called muscle atrophy.

In this article, we will explore the connection between inflammation and muscle atrophy. We will also take a closer look at what muscle atrophy is and what causes it.

What is Muscle Atrophy?

Muscle atrophy, also known as muscle wasting, is a condition that occurs when your muscles become smaller and weaker. It happens when your body breaks down muscle proteins faster than it can build them up, leading to a reduction of muscle mass.

As a result, your muscle strength and function are compromised.

Muscle atrophy can happen in any muscle in the body, from the large muscles in your legs and arms to the small muscles in your hands and feet. It can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in older adults and people who have mobility issues.

What Causes Muscle Atrophy?

There are many reasons why muscle atrophy can occur, including:.

Lack of exercise: When you don’t use your muscles regularly, they can become weaker and smaller.
Malnutrition: If your body doesn’t receive enough protein or calories, it may break down muscle tissue for energy.
Chronic illnesses: Conditions like cancer, AIDS, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause muscle wasting.
Injury or immobilization: When you can’t move a body part due to injury or surgery, your muscles can become weakened and smaller.
Nerve damage: If the nerves that control your muscles are damaged, your muscles may not receive the signals they need to function properly.

The Role of Inflammation in Muscle Atrophy

Another cause of muscle atrophy is inflammation. Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s immune response.

When your body detects an injury or infection, it sends white blood cells to the affected area to fight off any foreign invaders and start the healing process.

However, chronic inflammation can be detrimental to your health. It can lead to the destruction of healthy tissue and the creation of scar tissue, which can impair the normal function of your organs and tissues.

Inflammation can also cause muscle atrophy. When chronic inflammation occurs in your muscles, it can trigger a process called catabolism. Catabolism is the breakdown of muscle proteins into amino acids, which can be used as fuel for your body.

However, when muscle proteins are broken down faster than they are replaced, muscle atrophy occurs. This can happen when chronic inflammation persists and triggers the catabolic process for long periods.

Inflammatory Disorders that Can Cause Muscle Atrophy

There are several inflammatory disorders that can cause muscle atrophy, including:.

Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. It can also cause muscle atrophy if the inflammation affects the muscles surrounding the joints.
Poliomyelitis: This is a viral infection that affects the nerves in the spinal cord and can cause muscle weakness and wasting.
Dermatomyositis: This is an inflammatory disorder that affects the muscles and skin. It can cause muscle weakness and wasting, as well as skin rashes and other symptoms.
Myasthenia gravis: This is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nerves that control the muscles. It can cause muscle weakness and wasting.
Multiple sclerosis: This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the central nervous system. It can cause muscle weakness and atrophy, as well as other neurological symptoms.

Preventing and Treating Muscle Atrophy

Preventing and treating muscle atrophy depends on the underlying cause.

If your muscle atrophy is due to lack of exercise, for example, incorporating more physical activity and resistance training into your routine can help rebuild and strengthen your muscles.

If your muscle atrophy is due to an underlying medical condition, you may need to undergo treatment for that condition in order to prevent further muscle wasting. This may involve medications, physical therapy, or surgery in some cases.

It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing muscle weakness, atrophy, or any other symptoms. Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Conclusion

Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s immune response, but chronic inflammation can cause a wide range of health problems, including muscle atrophy.

Muscle atrophy is a condition in which your muscles become smaller and weaker due to the breakdown of muscle proteins faster than they can be replaced. It can be caused by lack of exercise, malnutrition, chronic illnesses, injury or immobilization, nerve damage, and chronic inflammation. Addressing the underlying cause is key to preventing and treating muscle atrophy.