Thermography by Specialty
James Stewart Campbell, M. Nathaniel Mead in Human Medical Thermography, 2023
Myopathy refers to disorders with muscle weakness due to dysfunction of muscle fiber. Muscle cramps, stiffness, and muscle spasms can also occur. Pain is not a typical symptom of myopathy. Upon thermal imaging, flaccid myopathies with weakness and muscle disuse appear cool over the involved muscles, while muscular cramps or “tight” myopathies will appear warm due to the heat produced by prolonged, intense muscular contraction. This heat is conducted to overlying skin where it can be viewed thermographically (Figure 11.14). White blood cells and macrophages are generally absent in non-inflammatory myopathy, thus production of NO is not a major feature. The muscular dystrophies, mitochondrial myopathies, and glycogen storage diseases are non-inflammatory myopathies.64
Neuromuscular disorders
Ashley W. Blom, David Warwick, Michael R. Whitehouse in Apley and Solomon’s System of Orthopaedics and Trauma, 2017
This is a progressive degenerative disease of unknown aetiology. It affects both cortical (upper) motor neurons and the anterior horn cells of the cord, causing widespread UMN and LMN symptoms and signs. There are four main types of MND with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) being the most common form. Patients usually present in middle age with dysarthria and difficulty in swallowing or, if the limbs are affected, with muscle weakness (e.g. clumsy hands or unexplained foot-drop) and wasting in the presence of exaggerated reflexes. Muscle cramps are troublesome; muscle atrophy and fasciculations may be obvious. Sensation and bladder control are normal Some of these features are also seen in spinal cord compression, which can be excluded by MRI.
Applied exercise physiology and health
Nick Draper, Helen Marshall in Exercise Physiology, 2014
Muscular cramps, painful abnormal muscular contractions of a single muscle group, are not fully understood by researchers. The original theory as to the cause of muscular cramps was based around fluid and electrolyte imbalances within the body associated with exercise in the heat for a long duration. The incidence of muscular cramps during periods of rest and when fluid and electrolyte levels were balanced, has led to further research in the area. For adventure sports performers where the legs are either highly active during the activity (walking, climbing, etc.) or held stationary for long periods (kayaking and canoeing) the muscle groups in the upper and lower leg are particularly prone to muscular cramps. Muscular cramps are thought to be triggered by an irritation to a muscle group. The irritation results in the hyperexcitability of the motor neuron(s) innervating that motor unit bringing about an uncontrolled muscular contraction (cramp). Several factors may be involved in the initiation of cramp including muscle over-use associated with fatigue, fluid imbalances, electrolyte imbalances (particularly potassium), holding a position for too long (such as sitting in a kayak or kneeling in a canoe) and, associated with that, a lack of blood flow to the muscle group. The immediate treatment for muscular cramp is to stretch the muscle and, if appropriate, the replacement of fluids and electrolytes. The most successful preventative measures in the incidence of cramp appear to be regular stretching of the commonly affected muscle groups, which could be implemented within cool-downs, and the maintenance of electrolyte levels, particularly potassium.
Pre- and peripartal management of a woman with McArdle disease: a case report
Published in Gynecological Endocrinology, 2018
Tina Stopp, Michael Feichtinger, Wolfgang Eppel, Thomas M. Stulnig, Peter Husslein, Christian Göbl
Glycogen storage disease type 5, also called McArdle disease, is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder in muscle metabolism caused by the lack or dysfunction of muscle glycogen phosphorylase (myophosphorylase). Due to this condition the ability to break down glycogen into glucose subunits within the skeletal muscle during muscle activity is inhibited. This results in intolerance to strenuous exercise which manifests as fatigue, muscle stiffness and myalgia, in some cases accompanied by myoglobinuria and in severe instances renal failure due to muscle breakdown and rhabdomyolysis [1]. Most Patients experience a period of less painful and more effective exercise after an initial period of muscle cramps. The so-called ‘second wind phenomenon’ is typical of McArdle disease [2]. This phenomenon is believed to be caused by a switch to alternative sources of energy such as fatty acid oxidation and an increased blood flow to the muscle [3]. The metabolic shift is more effective when the patient’s muscles are conditioned through regular aerobic exercise [4].
Physical therapy for nocturnal lower limb cramping: A case report
Published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2019
Addison Williams Andrews, Richard Pine
Nocturnal muscle cramps are sudden, intensely painful, sustained, involuntary, episodic contractions of skeletal muscle occurring primarily during sleep (Blyton, Chuter, Walter, and Burns, 2012; Hallegraeff, van der Schans, de Ruiter, and de Greef, 2012; Monderer, Wu, and Thorpy, 2010). Broadly defined, cramps are contractions of muscles brought about by sustained recruitment of motor units and may occur when a maximally contracted muscle is stimulated and then shortened beyond physiologic tolerance (Monderer, Wu, and Thorpy, 2010). They are characterized electrically by repetitive firing of motor unit action potentials at high rates of up to 150 per second (Hallegraeff, van der Schans, de Ruiter, and de Greef, 2012). This is more than four times the normal rate in a maximal voluntary contraction The cramps can be sharp and excruciatingly painful, and may last from a few seconds to several minutes (Blyton, Chuter, Walter, and Burns, 2012; Hallegraeff, van der Schans, de Ruiter, and de Greef, 2012; Monderer, Wu, and Thorpy, 2010). After the initial cramp, the individual can experience muscle damage known as delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), such that pain and tenderness may last for up to 2 weeks (Blyton, Chuter, Walter, and Burns, 2012). For patients who experience frequent nocturnal lower limb cramps, these painful episodes can awaken the patient from sleep, delay subsequent return to sleep, cause substantial distress, reduce quality of life, and limit sports participation and performance (Blyton, Chuter, Walter, and Burns, 2012; Hallegraeff, van der Schans, de Ruiter, and de Greef, 2012; Monderer, Wu, and Thorpy, 2010)
Shoulder pain in the Swiss spinal cord injury community: prevalence and associated factors
Published in Disability and Rehabilitation, 2018
Fransiska M. Bossuyt, Ursina Arnet, Martin W. G. Brinkhof, Inge Eriks-Hoogland, Veronika Lay, Rachel Müller, Mikael Sunnåker, Timo Hinrichs
Spasticity and contractures were included as binary variables (“yes”/”no”). The variables were assessed applying the SCI Secondary Condition Scale, which has been found to be reliable and valid to assess different secondary health conditions in SCI [17]. The term “spasticity” was explained to participants as “muscle cramps”, the term “contractures” was explained as “limited range of motion of a joint”. Participants selecting the answer “no problem” for contractures and/or spasticity were assigned as not having contractures and/or spasticity. Participants selecting one of the following answers: “mild, infrequent problem”, “moderate/occasional problem”, or “significant/chronic problem”, were assigned as having contractures and/or spasticity.
Related Knowledge Centers
- Dystonia
- Muscle Contraction
- Muscle Contracture
- Paralysis
- Pathology
- Pain
- Pregnancy
- Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps
- Idiopathic Disease
- Spasm