Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that causes loss of muscle mass and progressive weakness. It is caused by genetic mutations that impede the production of muscle proteins that are necessary for building and maintaining healthy muscles. Muscular dystrophy is an incurable condition, but there are medical and physical treatments that can slow the progression and improve symptoms.

The medications and therapies that doctors recommend for treating muscular dystrophy include the following:

1. Medication for muscular dystrophy
To treat people suffering from muscular dystrophy, doctors might suggest the following medication:

• Corticosteroids
  This medication helps improve the strength of muscles and slows down the progression of some forms of muscular dystrophy. However, prolonged use can lead to weight gain. Additionally, prolonged use can cause weak bones, which increases the chances of fractures. As a result, one should consume this only after a doctor’s recommendation.
• Heart medication
  This is administered if the disease causes damage to the heart’s muscles, followed by the overall condition of the heart.
• Eteplirsen
  This medication, among the treatments for muscular dystrophy, is the first to be approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Though this medication is considered safe, the effectiveness of the drug is unclear. It acts on particular genes that affect at least one in seven DMD patients.

2. Therapies for muscular dystrophy
Following are the various forms of therapies that can help people with muscular dystrophy.

• Braces
  Braces help maintain the flexibility of muscles and tendons, thereby reducing the progress of contractures. They also support weak muscles, which further helps the affected people move.
• Mobility aids
  Walkers, canes, and wheelchairs might help the affected people move freely.
• Breathing assistance
  In the advanced stages, as people may have trouble breathing, owing to this health condition, sleep apnea devices or ventilators can be used.
• General exercises
  Exercising is considered to be an effective method among the various treatments for muscular dystrophy. Since this disorder can limit the mobility and flexibility of the joints, the limbs are drawn inward and stay in the same position. Various stretching exercises can help the affected person overcome this problem. Additionally, various types of aerobic exercises, such as swimming and walking can help maintain muscle strength and the ability to move. Various types of strengthening exercises can also be helpful. However, one must consult his/her doctor before starting any form of activity.
• Surgery
  The curvature of the spine can cause breathing problems. Hence, this method is applied to correct the spinal curvature.
• Preventing the development of infections in the respiratory system
  In the advanced stages, the affected people might also develop respiratory infections. Doctors would generally suggest a pneumonia vaccination and shots for influenza. Besides that, they are also advised to maintain distance from other people who are suffering from respiratory infections.

All these forms of treatment methods are adopted to relieve one from the symptoms of muscular dystrophy.