Distal muscular dystrophy is the name for a group of rare inherited diseases that generally affect the distal muscles, or the muscles in the areas farthest from the torso, such as the hands, forearms, feet, and lower legs. In people with distal muscular dystrophy, the genes that affect muscle function are damaged, resulting in muscle weakness and other problems. Distal muscular dystrophy most commonly affects voluntary muscles in the limbs, but it can also affect muscles in the heart. There are many different types of distal muscular dystrophy that are each classified according to the kind of genetic mutation that causes the disease. The age that symptoms start and the severity and progression of the symptoms vary depending on the type.
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