The following information on how scleroderma can affect the muscles was originally prepared by Scleroderma International.
They were created with a simple purpose in mind: to help spread awareness of scleroderma, to share stories, and bring people together through understanding and support.
A couple of years ago I had the privilege of working with them sharing aspects of my own scleroderma journey.
You see, scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, blood vessels, connective tissues, and internal organs. Although muscle involvement is not considered one of the main features of scleroderma, muscles can be affected in some people with systemic scleroderma.
These effects may include muscle weakness, inflammation, reduced muscle mass, difficulty maintaining muscle health, and normal muscle function.
Muscle weakness:
Some people with systemic scleroderma may experience weakness in different muscle groups, which can make everyday movements more difficult. For example, a person may have difficulty standing up, walking, climbing stairs, lifting objects, or performing other activities that require muscle strength. The severity of muscle weakness can vary considerably from one person to another.
Muscle inflammation:
In certain cases, scleroderma may occur alongside an inflammatory muscle condition, sometimes referred to as an inflammatory myopathy. When the muscles become inflamed, or damaged a person may experience weakness and, in some cases, muscle pain or tenderness. Therefore, persistent or unexplained muscle weakness should not simply be assumed to be caused by lack of exercise.
Reduced Muscle Mass:
Reduced physical activity can contribute to muscle loss, or reduced muscle mass. Scleroderma may cause pain, stiffness, fatigue, restricted movement, or other physical limitations. As a result, some people may become less physically active. When muscles are used less frequently over a long period of time, they can gradually lose strength and size. This process is known as muscle atrophy or muscle wasting.
Difficulty Maintaining Muscle Health:
Nutritional problems may also affect muscle health. Some people with systemic scleroderma experience gastrointestinal problems that can make it difficult to eat enough food or absorb nutrients properly. If the body does not receive sufficient calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals, maintaining muscle tissue can become more difficult. Consequently, inadequate nutrition may contribute to muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass.
Difficulty Maintaining Normal Muscle Function:
Changes in the skin and connective tissues can indirectly affect muscle function. Scleroderma can cause the skin and tissues around affected areas to become tight or hardened. Because of this tightness, normal movement may become more difficult or restricted. Over time, reduced movement can lead to decreased use of certain muscles and contribute to loss of strength.
Another important factor to bear in mind is the relationship between muscle strength and physical function. When muscles become weaker, activities may require more effort. As a result, a person may move less because movement becomes increasingly difficult. Reduced activity can then lead to further muscle deconditioning and weakness, creating a cycle that can affect mobility and independence.
However, not every muscle problem experienced by a person with scleroderma is necessarily caused directly by scleroderma. Muscle weakness, pain, or loss of muscle mass can have many possible causes, including prolonged inactivity, nutritional deficiencies, medications, nerve problems, other autoimmune diseases, infections, and other medical conditions.
Therefore, identifying the underlying cause of muscle involvement is important before determining the appropriate treatment; because muscle strength plays a major role in movement, physical function, and independence.
For this reason, people with scleroderma who develop new or worsening muscle weakness, difficulty moving, persistent muscle pain, or noticeable loss of muscle mass should discuss these symptoms with a healthcare professional.
Depending on the symptoms, evaluation may include a physical examination, blood tests, and other investigations to determine whether the muscles themselves are affected and what may be contributing to the problem.
With all that said, recognizing muscle problems early can help healthcare professionals identify possible causes and develop an appropriate approach to maintaining muscle function and overall quality of life.
As always, I hope that you have found the above information not only informative, but also helpful in understanding aspects of this disease.
Blessings ’til next time 🙂
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