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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

---