There are different types of muscular dystrophy (MD). Muscular dystrophies are rare inherited diseases of the nerves and muscles that occur mostly in males. The most common type of muscular dystrophy causes rapid muscle wasting and progressive weakness early in life.
Muscle wasting begins in the shoulder and pelvic areas. Fat and connective tissue may grow into muscles and cause abnormal enlargement (hypertrophy), especially in the calf muscles of the legs. Within several years muscular dystrophy affects the muscles of the upper body and arms. Eventually all the major muscles are affected.
There is no cure for muscular dystrophies. Treatment involves controlling symptoms.