Creatine Monohydrate as an Effective Supplement for Muscular Fatigue in an Ehlers-Danlos Patient

TL;DR

A 39-year-old Ehlers-Danlos patient experienced reduced muscular fatigue and improved physical function after taking creatine monohydrate.

Contribution

This case suggests creatine monohydrate may be a beneficial supplement for managing muscular fatigue in EDS patients.

Findings

The patient reported significant improvement in muscular fatigue after creatine supplementation.

The supplement allowed the patient to perform daily activities and exercises more effectively.

Current treatment plans showed little progress before creatine was introduced.

Abstract

Patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) frequently report symptoms such as chronic pain and muscular fatigue that can heavily impact their quality of life. The treatment for many of the physical symptoms of EDS is focused on supportive care, which may include physical therapy and exercise programs. However, many patients will experience difficulty in deriving benefits from these activities due to significant pain and fatigue from physical activity. We report a case of a 39-year-old female with a history of EDS whose physical capabilities were severely impacted by their chronic pain and fatigue symptoms. After little progress was made with their current treatment plan of analgesics, manual therapy, exercise, and physical therapy, the patient was supplemented with creatine monohydrate due to its studied benefits in muscular strength and endurance for athletes. Following supplementation, the patient reported significant benefits in their muscular fatigue symptoms, allowing them to engage in daily activities and exercises more effectively. This case demonstrates a potential addition to the treatment of EDS that can improve a patient's quality of life.

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