U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
A 32-year-old member asked:

How long does it take for muscle to atrophy if you are bedridden?

1 doctor answer3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Gurmukh Singh
Pathology 51 years experience
Age and disease: It depends on the age of the patient and the underlying condition. Elderly are affected more severely. As a rough guide an elderly person loses about 10% of muscle function per day of immobility. If there are other factors, e.g., fever, nutritional impairment, trauma, and some medications, e.g., steroids, the muscle atrophy is worsened.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Similar questions

A 32-year-old member asked:

How long until I can regain muscle after atrophy?

1 doctor answer3 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Miller
Dr. David Milleranswered
Family Medicine 12 years experience
Depends on cause: This totally depends on the cause of the atrophy. If it's due to casting from a break, then as soon as your cleared to start exercising again. If it's due to nerve damage or some other disease, then possibly never. This is something to discuss with your doctor to see what your best course of action might be.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 31-year-old member asked:

How long does it take for muscles to atrophy?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Haider Goussous
Addiction Medicine 65 years experience
Which muscles?: If we talking about the arm and leg muscles, it is within 2-3 wks, if you look at a leg or arm after removal of the cast , u understand.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Related questions

A 38-year-old member asked:
How is muscle atrophy caused?
1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
A 30-year-old male asked:
What are signs of muscle atrophy?
1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
A 47-year-old member asked:
What does me muscle atrophy feel like?
1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
A 45-year-old member asked:
Can progressive muscle atrophy be stopped?
2 doctor answers3 doctors weighed in
A 47-year-old member asked:
How long on bedrest before muscles start to atrophy?
1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
Last updated Jan 28, 2020

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.