An introduction to McArdle's disease

McArdle's disease is a metabolic muscle disorder that was first described by Dr Brian McArdle in 1951. The disorder is also sometimes referred to as Glycogen Storage Disease Type V (GSD V). People with the condition are unable to produce an enzyme called muscle phosphorylase, which is important in producing the fuel required by muscles for exercise. This means they suffer severe muscle pain and fatigue in the first few minutes of exercise. Continuing to exercise despite the pain usually causes a severe muscle spasm or tightness (contracture).

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