What is muscular dystrophy?
A person with muscular dystrophy has an inherited disorder that results in worsening muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue. There are four main types of muscular dystrophy, each with its own features and symptoms. Duchenne's muscular dystrophy is the most common.

What are the symptoms of muscular dystrophy?
The symptoms of muscular dystrophy can vary with the underlying type. In general, muscular dystrophy causes gradually worsening muscle weakness. In the most common type of muscular dystrophy, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, symptoms usually begin before 5 years of age. Depending on the type of muscular dystrophy, symptoms include muscle weakness, arm weakness, leg weakness, hand weakness, facial weakness, difficulty running, difficulty walking, frequent falls, enlarged muscles, muscle atrophy, and scoliosis.

How does the doctor treat muscular dystrophy?
There is no cure for muscular dystrophy. Treatment for muscular dystrophy may include weight reduction, physical therapy, corticosteroid medications, and gene therapy.