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 care is needed at home?
Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep all these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs for you to take based on what the cause of your weakness is. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Talk to your doctor to find out what is causing your weakness. You will need to rest your muscles if your weakness is due to overuse. If you have a heart problem or other serious illness, you may have to limit your activity. Most of the time, your exercise will not be limited. ‚
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
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help me feel stronger.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more weakness.
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚