A 32-year-old member asked:
How long does it take for muscle to atrophy if you are bedridden?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
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.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 32-year-old member asked:
How long until I can regain muscle after atrophy?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

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.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
How long does it take for muscles to atrophy?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Haider Goussousanswered
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.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 28, 2020
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