Right Leg Atrophy: Symptoms?

[sarahjane]

I just noticed it is clearly smaller than my left leg. The muscle on the left has a definite bump when you look at it straight on (like in a full length mirror) and the right one is more flatter shapped.

So my question is - if that muscle has atrophied, would I have significant signs of weakness? Other than the cramping, I can do all the other strength testing with the leg.

Please, if anyone can help me with this, I would appreicate it.

Julie

 

[Garetteimi]

Dear Julie,
No one is symetrical. If you can see atrophy you would already have weakness. I have a client with ALS. He actually noticed the weakness before the atrophy was evident. That is what sent him to the doctor. Weakness first then atrophy then twitching. Hope that helps make you feel better. -Stacy <><

 

[GinniferLynne]

Julie,

I've read in Principles of Neurology that atrophy and weakness parallel each other, thus if you had atrophy, you would have weakness.

Ginny

 

[sarahjane]

Thank you so much for responding to my question. I obviously hoped that was the response I’d get – that if I had noticeable atrophy, that I’d have more noticeable weakness (than just pain in the muscle area).

I know that I am obsession over the way it looks –I can’t stop myself from comparing, flexing, measuring etc etc. The more I look the more worried and upset I get. But I seriously can’t stop myself from doing it. Maybe I have OCD in addition to everything else!

Ok – so the consensus is – if my calf had atrophy, I wouldn’t be able to run, walk on my tip toes, walk normally etc.

Oh and one more question – if I had atrophy present, would I at that point also have something else wrong on my neuro exam – like reflexes/babinski and those things? Because those are the things I’m trying to find hope it – normal neuro exam and still able to run/walk etc. I am hoping it’s the case that it’s not possible for what I’m seeing to be atrophy, with the normal neuro exam and no real weakness (other than pain sensations).

Thanks again – all the reassurance really helps.