What is a common sign that muscle atrophy is occurring?

Muscle atrophy refers to the decrease in muscle mass and strength, often resulting from disuse, injury, malnutrition, or aging. One of the most telling signs of muscle atrophy is reduced muscle strength. As muscle fibers diminish in size and number, the overall ability to generate force decreases, leading to noticeable weakness in the affected muscles.

In contrast, increased muscle size would suggest muscle hypertrophy, which involves growth rather than reduction. Improved flexibility can occur in well-stretched muscles regardless of their size, and enhanced endurance typically requires a well-conditioned muscle rather than one that is atrophying. Thus, reduced muscle strength is a clear and common indicator of muscle atrophy.