Myopathic Gait Treatment in India

David Ali, a 58-year-old former construction...

David Ali, a 58-year-old former construction supervisor, had always prided himself on his physical strength. Over the past two years, he noticed a slow, frustrating decline. He began having immense difficulty climbing ladders at work and found himself constantly tripping over small curbs. His legs felt heavy and weak, especially his thighs. Simple tasks like rising from a chair or climbing stairs became monumental efforts, forcing him to take an early medical retirement. His primary doctor, concerned about the progressive muscle weakness, referred him to a neurologist. The neurologist observed David's distinctive, waddling walk, his pelvis tilting with each step as he struggled to lift his legs, and identified it as a classic myopathic gait. He recommended a comprehensive workup including blood tests for muscle enzymes, electromyography (EMG), and ultimately a muscle biopsy of his quadriceps to confirm the specific type of myopathy. The biopsy was a day procedure under local anesthesia; David felt pressure but no pain. The recovery involved soreness at the site for a week. The results confirmed a diagnosis of inclusion body myositis. While there is no cure, the diagnosis gave David clarity. He felt a profound grief for the loss of his old, robust self, but also a strange relief in finally having a name for his struggle. With a confirmed diagnosis, he began a tailored physiotherapy program to maintain strength and mobility for as long as possible, and he joined a support group. The emotional journey shifted from confusion and anger to a focused, albeit bittersweet, determination to adapt and live fully within his new limits.