![](https://simplyhealth.today/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Weakness-in-the-Hand.jpg)
7. Muscle weakness
An annoying but seemingly unavoidable by-product of being unable to exercise or function as you normally would, is that muscle wastage often occurs resulting in muscle weakness.
It’s a bit of a vicious cycle here, in terms of the fact that the patient would dearly like to get moving as per the advice of some medical outlets. The only problem is that it really hurts to move, like really really hurts. However, if they stop moving altogether, their muscles are likely to remain stiff and swollen, resulting in longer layoffs and ultimately more muscle weakness.
This presents a real challenge to the mind, not just the body, and one symptom not discussed here is the seriously damaging effect that scleroderma can have on someone psychologically, on top of the physical implications.
The mental impact of having what is essentially an incurable illness can be absolutely huge, and incredibly detrimental to the quality of life of a patient.