08 Sep 🎈7th September is World Duchenne Awareness Day🎈
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births (about 20,000 new cases each year worldwide). Because the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects boys;🧒 however, it occurs across all races and cultures. The theme of Duchenne Awareness Day 2023 is “Breaking Barriers”, where everyone is called to take on responsibility and help break down barriers for people living with DMD to create an inclusive society and build a better future for all.
DMD results in progressive loss of strength and is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for dystrophin. Because dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells are easily damaged. The progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs. Young men with Duchenne typically live into their late twenties. There is currently no cure for DMD.😢
Physiotherapy can help increase and prolong the ability to walk for a boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. 💪Physiotherapists play an important role in monitoring and maintaining overall physical health for a boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.🤓
Listed below are the common signs of Duchenne.
•Has a hard time lifting his head or has a weak neck👶🏻
•Is not walking by 15 months👣
•Has a hard time walking, running or climbing stairs🏃♂️
•Is not speaking as well as other kids his age🗣
•Needs help getting up from the floor or walks his hands up his legs in order to stand up👣
•Has calves that look bigger than normal
•Walks on his toes and waddles
•Walks with his legs apart
•Walks with his chest pointed out and back concave in.
If your son has a combination of these above traits, and you are concerned about your child, ring My Favourite Physio 📱on (02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio to speak to one of our Paediatric Physiotherapists today.
For more information, please visit http://www.worldduchenneday.org/
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