Understand Muscle Weakness Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Muscle weakness is caused by a lack of muscle strength affecting one or multiple muscles. It can be temporary or chronic, caused by various health conditions and requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Muscle Weakness?

Muscle weakness, also known as myasthenia, occurs when muscles lack the strength to perform tasks that require normal strength. It can affect just one muscle or a group of muscles and be temporary or chronic.


What are the Common Muscle Weakness Symptoms

Identifying muscle weakness early can help manage the condition more effectively. Common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty lifting objects or performing tasks that require strength
  • The feeling of heaviness in the limbs
  • Muscle cramps or spasms
  • Frequent falls or balance issues
  • Fatigue after minimal physical activity
  • Noticeable reduction in muscle size (muscle wasting)

Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!

Get A Second Opinion

What are the causes of muscle Weakness?

Many health conditions can cause muscle weakness, such as:

Addison's Disease

Addison's Disease occurs when a person's adrenal glands do not make enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Besides muscle weakness, other common signs of Addison's disease include:

Anemia

Anemia occurs when a person's hemoglobin levels are low, often because of an iron deficiency. Other signs of anemia include:

  • dizziness
  • shortness of breath
  • headaches
  • cold hands and feet
  • an irregular heartbeat

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Another name is myalgic encephalomyelitis. People with chronic fatigue syndrome experience severe tiredness and trouble sleeping. Other signs include muscle weakness, pain, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. It can cause nerve damage that can cause muscle weakness. Diabetes can also cause a variety of other signs related to muscle weakness, including:

  • fragility
  • reduced mobility
  • fatigue

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease that, besides other symptoms, causes muscle pain and fatigue, such as:

Kidney Diseases

Kidney function problems may cause the build-up of metabolic waste products, such as creatinine, in the muscles. This can lead to muscle spasms and weakness.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy and insomnia, can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue during the day. A person who wants to remain in bed can also encounter muscle fatigue because of a medical condition.

Infections

Some infectious diseases can cause muscle weakness. They include:

  • Flu: Influenza (flu) virus can cause temporary weakness, and fever, sore throat, cough, and fatigue.
  • Lyme Disease: This inflammatory disease follows the bite of an infected tick. Signs can be acute or chronic and include fever, rash, stiff neck, numbness, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
  • Epstein-Barr virus: The Epstein-Barr virus can cause muscle weakness and fatigue, rash, headaches, and loss of appetite that are unexplained.
  • Syphilis: This sexually transmitted infection can cause muscle weakness, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, and weight loss.
  • Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that causes headaches, fatigue, low-grade fever, and seizures.
  • Meningitis: A severe infection that causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord is meningitis. Besides muscle weakness, symptoms can include fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light.
  • HIV: HIV can cause progressive muscle weakness in some people, especially those who do not receive treatment.
  • Polio: Polio myositis can cause weakness in your muscles and tenderness. A person who has had polio, which results in muscle weakness, may also encounter post-polio syndrome.
  • Rabies: Rabies results from contact with the saliva of an infected animal. Tiredness, headaches, anxiety, confusion, seizures, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms can be symptoms.

Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!

Book an Appointment

Treatment for Muscle Weakness

Once they have determined the cause, your healthcare provider will recommend the appropriate treatment. Your treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms.

Here are some treatment options for conditions that cause muscle weakness:

Physiotherapy

Physical therapists can suggest exercises to improve your quality of life if you have conditions like Multiple sclerosis (MS) or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

For example, a physical therapist might suggest progressive resistance exercises to help someone with MS strengthen muscles that have weakened from lack of use.

For someone with ALS, a physical therapist might recommend stretching and range-of-motion exercises to prevent muscle stiffness.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists may suggest exercises to strengthen the upper body. They can also recommend assistive devices and tools to help with daily activities.

Occupational therapy can be especially helpful during the stroke rehabilitation process. Therapists may recommend exercises to address weakness on one side of your body and help with motor skills.

Medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain associated with conditions such as:

  • peripheral neuropathy
  • CFS
  • neuralgia

Thyroid hormone replacement is used to treat hypothyroidism. Standard treatment involves taking levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid), which is a synthetic thyroid hormone.

Diet Changes

Changing your diet can help remedy electrolyte imbalances. Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you take supplements, such as calcium, magnesium oxide, or potassium oxide, depending on your needs.

Apply cool, damp cloths to the skin. Placing cold compresses on the groin, neck, and armpits helps lower body temperature. Provide cold liquids as often as the person can tolerate.

Surgery

Surgery can be used to treat certain conditions, such as a herniated disc or hyperthyroidism.


When should someone visit a Doctor for Muscle Weakness?

In some cases, muscle weakness can be a sign of something very serious, like a stroke. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your local emergency services immediately:

  • sudden onset of muscle weakness
  • sudden difficulty moving limbs, walking, standing, or sitting upright
  • sudden numbness or loss of sensation
  • sudden difficulty smiling or forming facial expressions
  • sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding things
  • the weakness of the chest muscles causing difficulty in breathing
  • loss of consciousness

Book Doctor Appointment
Book Free Appointment
Make an appointment just in few minutes - Call Us Now

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What vitamins are good for muscle weakness?

Get enough vitamin D, but not too much. Vitamin D helps strengthen bones and can help prevent some cancers. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include muscle weakness, pain, fatigue, and depression.

2. Does anxiety cause muscle weakness?

The most common physical symptoms of anxiety include fatigue, increased heart rate, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, muscle aches, muscle weakness, headaches, digestion, malaise, and tingling sensations.

3. What does leg weakness feel like?

Symptoms in the legs can occur along with weakness in the legs, muscle spasms. Numbness. Paralysis. Tingling (tingling) sensation.

4. What are the treatment options for muscle weakness in legs?

Treatment options for muscle weakness in the legs include:

  • Physiotherapy: Tailored exercises to improve strength and mobility.
  • Medications: Prescribed for underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or inflammation.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Adequate rest, a balanced diet, and regular low-impact exercises.
  • Supplements: Vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, Calcium, and Magnesium.
  • Surgery: In cases of severe nerve compression or other structural issues.

5. How to strengthen weak muscles?

To strengthen weak muscles, you can:

  • Engage in Regular Exercise: Focus on resistance training, weight lifting, and body-weight exercises.
  • Practice Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.
  • Maintain a Balanced Diet: Ensure adequate protein intake for muscle repair and growth.
  • Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for muscle function.
  • Get Enough Rest: Allow muscles to recover by getting sufficient sleep and rest between workouts.
  • Use Proper Form: Avoid injury by performing exercises with the correct technique.
Whats app Health Packages Book an Appointment Second Opinion