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Metabolic myopathies are myopathies that result from defects in biochemical metabolism that primarily affect muscle. They are generally genetic defects that interfere with muscle's ability to create energy. At the cellular level, metabolic myopathies lack some kind of enzyme that prevent the chemical reactions necessary to create adenosine triphosphate. This prevents the muscle cells from being able to function properly and disrupts communication between joints and bones. Some people with a metabolic myopathy never develop symptoms due to the body's ability to produce enough ATP through alternative pathways. In the event more ATP is needed from the affected pathway, the lack of it becomes an issue and symptoms develop. People with a metabolic myopathy often experience symptoms such as progressive muscle weakness, fatigue, pain and cramping after exercise, and considerable breakdown of muscle tissue. The degree of symptoms varies greatly from person to person and is dependent on the severity of enzymatic defect. In extreme cases it can lead to Rhabdomyolysis.