9. Difficulty Rising from a Sitting Position – The Subtle Sign of Myopathies
Myopathies often manifest themselves in subtle ways before more noticeable symptoms occur. One such sign is difficulty rising from a seated position. This task, simple for many, becomes increasingly challenging as the disease progresses, primarily due to the weakening of the proximal muscles, those closest to the body’s center.
Individuals experiencing this difficulty may need to use their arms to push off from a chair or may compensate by rocking back and forth to gather momentum. In severe cases, they might need assistance to stand. This symptom is particularly common in forms of myopathy like Duchenne muscular dystrophy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, where the hip and shoulder muscles are often affected first.
This symptom’s presence can be a valuable diagnostic tool, pointing healthcare professionals towards a potential myopathy. Moreover, recognizing this difficulty can help guide therapeutic interventions such as targeted physical therapy to strengthen affected muscles and maintain functionality for as long as possible. (9)
