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Living with Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I

An inherited muscle condition with weakness in the arms and legs that often starts in late childhood.

Understanding Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I

Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I, also called FKRP-related LGMD R9, causes weakness and wasting in the arm and leg muscles.

The muscles closest to the body, such as the upper arms and thighs, are usually affected most. Signs often appear in late childhood, at about age 11, with trouble running and walking. Symptoms slowly get worse over time, and many people rely on a wheelchair about 23 to 26 years after onset.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Weakness in upper arm and upper leg muscles
  • Weak shoulder and hip muscles
  • Waddling walk
  • Enlarged calf muscles
  • Low muscle tone
  • Trouble running or climbing stairs (less common)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in FKRP are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Muscular Dystrophy Association and The Speak Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Speak Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Muscular Dystrophy Association and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing for the FKRP gene confirm the diagnosis?
Which mobility aids or therapies could help over time?
Should my heart and breathing be checked regularly?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startfrom Childhood to Adulthood
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesFKRP

It is caused by changes in the FKRP gene. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticNeurologicalInherited Metabolic

Also known as: autosomal recessive limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2i; autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy caused by mutation in fkrp; fkrp autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy; fkrp-related lgmd r9; fkrp-related limb-girdle muscular dystrophy r9; lgmd due to fkrp deficiency

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2IGARD ID 12533 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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Perspectives from people navigating life with Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I.

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