Which symptom is commonly associated with myotonic dystrophy?

Myotonic dystrophy is characterized by a specific symptom known as myotonia, which refers to a delayed relaxation of muscles following voluntary contraction. In individuals with this condition, once a muscle has contracted, there is a prolonged difficulty in relaxing it. This manifests as stiffness or an inability to quickly relax muscles, making tasks that require quick movements challenging.

This symptom is a hallmark of myotonic dystrophy and helps differentiate it from other muscle disorders. The muscle stiffness can be particularly notable in the hands when gripping objects, leading to a sensation of being "stuck." The other symptoms associated with myotonic dystrophy might include muscle weakness and wasting, but the delayed relaxation is a distinctive feature that defines the myotonic aspect of the disease.