Weakness symptoms are a common complaint for many people, but they may be a sign of something more serious.
Everyone feels weak from time to time – after exercising, having an infection or taking certain medications. But true weakness is an actual loss of strength that prevents your body from doing many movements and tasks.
Sometimes it happens suddenly, but it can also be gradual. Muscle weakness is more likely to occur little by little over time if it is due to a medical condition, a chronic illness or a toxic disorder.
If you’re experiencing sudden or gradual muscle weakness, see a doctor right away to rule out a serious medical condition. Some serious conditions that cause weakness include polio and a rare spinal cord disease called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).
AFM is not as common as polio but can still occur in children. It causes sudden onset of arm or leg weakness and numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
Another common cause of sudden or gradual muscle weakness is nerve damage. This can be caused by an injury or a disease like diabetes, or it can be the result of exposure to toxins such as cleaning and pest control products.
Physical and mental health issues can also cause weakness, particularly if you are not getting the proper nutrition or sleep. Emotional problems such as depression and anxiety can also make you feel tired.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and your medical history. Then, they will do a physical exam and other tests to find out the cause of your weakness.
The results of these tests will help your doctor determine the best course of treatment for you. For example, if your weakness is due to cancer, your doctor will do a test to find out if it is spreading to other areas of the body and how fast.
If your weakness is a side effect of your medication, your doctor will talk to you about what changes to make to the dosage or switch medications altogether. Often, this will improve your condition and decrease the amount of medication you need.
Some medications can cause weakness, such as sulfonylureas (such as glyburide) and diuretics (like laxatives). You should speak to your doctor before you change your medication.
You should also tell your doctor if you’re experiencing any other symptoms that are similar to weakness, such as shortness of breath or pain. These symptoms could suggest that you’re having a heart attack or stroke.
Other symptoms that can indicate a neurological condition are tingling or numbness in your fingers or hands, difficulty breathing, double vision, or problems with your balance. These symptoms are especially likely if the damage is in your chest or neck muscles.
Your doctor will also discuss other symptoms and health risks to determine the best way to treat your weakness and keep you healthy. Some conditions may be treated with a few simple medications, while others require longer-term treatments.
