Muscular Dystrophy Was Not a Barrier for Maickel Melamed to Finish Boston Marathon
Treatment and medication: What could help patients maintain strength
Currently, there is no cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Research is still ongoing to fight or control the disease. Gentle exercise can be helpful. Bed rest and physical inactivity may just worsen DMD. Hence, walking and running may not be bad for Melamed to practice.
As there’s no specific treatment yet for stopping or reversing DMD, care is highly valuable. The case of Melamed is rare. Some of the advised treatment includes physical therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, corrective orthopedic surgery, and orthopedic appliances for support.
Furthermore, steroids (corticosteroids) can improve the function and strength of the muscles. However, chronic use of it may lead to side effects, so guidelines must be followed. The U.S Food and Drug Administration approved Exondys 51 (eteplirsen) as a drug for the treatments of DMD.
In addition, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has continually conducted clinical trials to find a cure for muscular dystrophy. Until then, patients have to make do with the available treatments and sessions to better their condition.