making muscle wasting history

Steroids slow muscle loss, improve strength, and help restore energy. There can be significant side effects such as weight gain, short stature, delay of puberty, facial ‘puffiness,’ osteoporosis (soft bones), and cataracts. Steroids may also have psychological or behavioral side effects such as irritability, hyperactivity, difficulty with emotional control, and reduced attention. In some cases, these psychological and behavioral side effects decline as the child’s body becomes used to the medication.

Heart Medication
Boys with Duchenne take medication to control or slow the development of heart problems. These medications may cause fatigue or lack of energy.

Boys with Duchenne develop tightness or contractures in the Achilles, hamstrings, and ileotibial (hip) bands. Maintaining flexibility in these tendons is important to maintain function this can be achieved by Stretching.

Boys with Duchenne should participate in physical activities. Aerobic activity is recommended while strenuous activities (such as walking up and down steps, lifting weights, and related activities) are NOT recommended. Swimming is one of the best aerobic exercises for boys with Duchenne.

Supplements
Some children may take nutritional supplements, but evidence of their benefit is only anecdotal.
Surgery In some cases, surgery is recommended to release contractures. Scoliosis is monitored very closely after the loss of ambulation. Surgery should be considered when the scoliosis advances beyond 20 degrees