About this topic
Weakness is a lack of physical muscle strength. Fatigue is a feeling of being tired and not having enough energy. Some people use these words to talk about the same thing. You can feel weak if you have used your muscles too much. For instance, if you do a long, hard work out one day, you may feel weak. This kind of weakness would go away after a few days. Sometimes, you can feel weak and it is not because you have overused muscles. This may be a result of a health problem. Your doctor will work to find out what is causing your weakness. ‚
What are the causes?
- Older age
- Overuse of muscles
- Low blood pressure
- Thyroid problems
- Loss of body fluids
- Muscle disorders like myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Illnesses like lung or kidney problems
- Stroke
What can make this more likely to happen?
Older adults are more likely to have muscle weakness. A hard workout or activity may make your muscles sore and painful. Sometimes, more serious health problems are the cause. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Trouble moving arms, legs, and other muscles
- Painful muscles
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will ask you questions about how you feel and when you feel weak. To help find the cause, the doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-ray
- CT scan
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will work to find the cause. Treatment is based on what is causing the weakness. In many cases, more rest, sleep, exercise, and a good diet may help. Sometimes, the problem is caused by other more serious illnesses or problems. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs for you to take based on what the cause of your weakness is. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Return to your normal activities slowly.
- Exercise can help your energy levels by helping carry oxygen to your muscles. Alternate activities with rest. Do not exercise within 3 to 4 hours of going to bed.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day. This will help keep your fluid levels up.
- Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. This means:
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and veggies. Fresh or frozen is best.
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid caffeine.
- Do not smoke.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call your doctor if: ‚
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚