Muscular System Disorders: 14 Common Conditions, Symptoms, and Management

Disorders affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments range from genetic to inflammatory to mechanical. Fourteen notable conditions:

1. Muscular Dystrophy – Genetic; progressive weakness/wasting (Duchenne, Becker, etc.).
2. Myasthenia Gravis – Autoimmune; impaired neuromuscular transmission → fatigable weakness.
3. Fibromyalgia – Chronic widespread pain, tenderness, fatigue, sleep disturbance.
4. Tendinitis – Tendon inflammation from overuse; localized pain, stiffness.
5. Bursitis – Inflamed bursae; joint pain, swelling, limited motion.
6. Polymyositis – Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy; proximal weakness.
7. Dermatomyositis – Polymyositis + characteristic skin rash (heliotrope, Gottron’s).
8. Rhabdomyolysis – Muscle breakdown releasing myoglobin → risk of acute kidney injury.
9. Muscle Atrophy – Loss of mass/strength from disuse, denervation, aging, disease.
10. Myositis Ossificans – Heterotopic bone formation in muscle after trauma.
11. Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis) – Finger locks in flexion due to thickened tendon sheath.
12. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Median nerve compression at wrist; numbness, tingling, pain.
13. Rotator Cuff Injuries – Tears/tendinopathy of shoulder tendons; pain, weakness.
14. Muscle Cramps – Sudden, painful involuntary contractions; often dehydration/electrolytes.

Persistent symptoms warrant medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.