Atrophy of the Muscles

Atrophy of the muscles is a condition that occurs when the muscles have been in an inactive condition for a long period of time. The cast on the leg is the major cause of muscle atrophy. It reduces muscle activity and causes loss of the tissues. The major effect of the cast as indicated in this case is weakening of the leg muscles and reduced level of activity.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Atrophy of the Muscles specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The cast restricts the movement of the muscles (Sandri, 2008). Restricted movement of the muscles leads to reduced muscle tone. The patient therefore develops movement difficulties, which may exacerbate the condition (Hannah, Andrew Martin, 2003). Based on the above mentioned problems, it is therefore important to establish effective intervention measures that can be used to manage the condition. To solve the problem of muscle atrophy, the patient should be encouraged to pursue physical body exercise. However, in this case the presence of the cast may limit the patient’s involvement in physical exercises. Alternatively, the affected area can be exercised through effective body massage to increase muscle activity (Hannah, Andrew Martin, 2003). Proper diet is also another important step that can be used to solve the problem. There are particular nutrients that can enhance muscle activity. For instance, the patient should be encouraged to take foods that are rich in glutamine (Sandri, 2008). After an operation or muscle inactivity, the level of glutamine in the muscle reduces. The mineral is important in improving the level of muscle tone. The patient should also be encouraged to take foods that have low sugar content. This is important to maintain the right level of insulin in the body and reduce accumulation of fats, which may reduce the level of muscle activity. In addition to proper dieting, the patient can be given other nutrient supple ments such as whey and creatine, which are important for increasing muscle energy and muscle tone. The nutrients are also effective in reducing muscle fatigue and improving endurance (Sandri, 2008). Patient education is a key element in the management and control of diseases and illnesses that affect the patient. In this case education will play an important role in ensuring that the patient develops a clear understanding of the disease. Education enables the patient to identify various needs and rank them in order of priority. It also enhances patient motivation and increases the level of adherence to treatment requirements (Jutel, 2010). Due to motivation, the patient will observe the treatment guidelines and improve the treatment outcomes. Patient education plays an important role in decreasing the level of complications associated with the disease. The patient is empowered with the right information about the causes of the disease, preventive measures, and management strategies (Jutel, 2010).Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Education improves individual management and self-advocate in solving health problems. For example, in this case education will play an important role in ensuring that the patient takes the right diet and participates. Physical exercise is the cost effective and efficient method that can be used to reduce the problem. T herefore, as the patient recovers, the level of physical exercise should be increased. The patient should be encouraged to participate in physical exercises on a regular basis. To this end, patient education improves patient experience and satisfaction. Education enhances cooperation between the caregiver and the patient for quality results (Jutel, 2010). Educated patients are better placed to manage future complications not only for themselves, but also assist other members of the family. The patients become respon sible due to increased level of awareness. Patient education is beneficial to other members of the community and plays an important role in reducing the cost of treatment (Jutel, 2010). References Hannah, C. Andrew, M. Martin, S. (2003). Mammalian hibernation: Cellular and molecular responses to depressed metabolism and low temperature. Physiology, 83(4), 1153–1179. Jutel A. (2010). Self-diagnosis: A discursive systematic review of the medical literature. Journal of Participatory Medicine, 36(2), 68-78. Sandri M. (2008). Signaling in muscle atrophy and hypertrophy. Physiology, 23(2), 160- 170. This essay on Atrophy of the Muscles was written and submitted by user Porter G. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.