Is It Muscle Atrophy? Hand Muscle Changes in Teens

Is it muscular dystrophy?

Two days ago, I took my niece to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor due to irregular menstruation.
During the pulse diagnosis, the doctor noticed some muscle atrophy in the area between her index finger and thumb (the thenar eminence).
In a normal person, the muscles in this area should bulge when the index finger and thumb are brought together, but my niece's muscles do not.
After observing for a while, it seems to be a significant issue.
Why would a third-grade middle school girl have different muscle development in her fingers? It seems like this was not the case before.
Could it be due to improper posture or sitting habits, or is it truly muscle atrophy?

phoebe, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/08/24

Dr. Xu Zhenrong reply Rehabilitation

Hello, Ms.
Phoebe.
The peripheral nervous system typically consists of both motor and sensory components.
When nerves are damaged, symptoms may include muscle atrophy (motor component) and sensory deficits such as numbness or tingling (sensory component).
Your niece's thenar muscle appears to be atrophied, which could be attributed to several possible factors: 1) Differences between the left and right hands (it is normal for some individuals to have a dominant hand with stronger or thicker muscles); 2) Ulnar nerve pathology, which is usually accompanied by sensory abnormalities such as tingling or numbness; 3) Other radiculopathies.
It is recommended to visit a hospital that offers neurophysiological and electromyography examinations (both the Rehabilitation and Neurology Departments at Taipei Hospital provide these services) for further evaluation and treatment.
This will help confirm whether there is nerve compression or pathology, as well as assess the severity of the neurological symptoms.
Based on the severity of the condition, an appropriate rehabilitation treatment plan or related interventions can be arranged.
Wishing you and your niece good health and safety.

Reply Date: 2007/08/24

More Info

Muscle atrophy, particularly in the hands of a teenager, can be concerning and may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. In your niece's case, the observation of muscle wasting or a lack of muscle prominence between the thumb and index finger (the thenar and hypothenar eminences) could be due to several factors, including disuse, posture, or even neurological conditions.

Firstly, it's important to understand that muscle atrophy refers to the reduction in muscle mass, which can occur due to a variety of reasons. In adolescents, muscle atrophy can often be attributed to a sedentary lifestyle, particularly if they are not engaging in regular physical activity. Prolonged periods of inactivity, such as excessive screen time or poor posture while sitting, can lead to muscle disuse, resulting in atrophy. This is especially relevant for teenagers who may spend long hours studying or using electronic devices without taking breaks to stretch or engage in physical activity.

However, if the muscle atrophy is localized and particularly noticeable in the hand, it may also raise concerns about potential neurological issues. The muscles in the hand are innervated by the median and ulnar nerves, and any dysfunction in these nerves can lead to muscle weakness or atrophy. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by compression of the median nerve, can lead to weakness in the muscles of the hand. Additionally, other neurological conditions, although less common in teenagers, could also present with muscle atrophy.

To determine whether your niece's condition is indeed muscle atrophy or simply a result of disuse, a thorough evaluation is necessary. This should include a physical examination by a healthcare professional, who can assess muscle strength, reflexes, and any potential sensory deficits. If there are concerns about neurological involvement, further tests such as electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies may be warranted to evaluate the function of the nerves and muscles.

In the meantime, encouraging your niece to engage in regular physical activity can be beneficial. Strength training exercises that focus on the hands and forearms can help improve muscle tone and strength. Activities such as playing a musical instrument, rock climbing, or even simple hand exercises can promote muscle engagement and prevent further atrophy.

It's also essential to consider her overall health and lifestyle. Ensuring she maintains a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for muscle health. Additionally, addressing any postural issues or ergonomic concerns related to her study habits can help prevent further muscle imbalances.

In conclusion, while muscle atrophy in a teenager's hand can be concerning, it is essential to evaluate the situation comprehensively. Factors such as disuse, posture, and potential neurological issues should be considered. A healthcare professional's assessment will provide clarity and guide appropriate interventions to support your niece's muscle health and overall well-being.

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