Muscle weakness can be caused by problems with the muscle or nerve, as well as conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Trauma, neurological diseases, and muscle diseases can also cause weakness. Treatment may include physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and addressing underlying conditions like dehydration or lack of nutrition. Diagnosis involves examining symptoms and conducting neurological exams and blood tests.
True muscle weakness occurs when there is a problem with the muscle itself or the nerve that connects to it. There are also conditions that can make a muscle feel weak, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. A sudden tear can cause immediate muscle weakness, while muscle wasting can occur over time due to conditions such as a stroke or autoimmune disease. Other potential causes of muscle weakness include muscle disease, dehydration and lack of use.
One of the most common causes of muscle weakness is trauma. If a muscle tears, it won’t be able to function properly and may feel weak. In some cases, to protect a damaged muscle, the body will inhibit its movement, which can also be perceived as weakness. This is one of the many causes of muscle weakness that usually goes away over time provided the correct physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises are performed.
Neurological diseases can also be common causes of muscle weakness. Muscles receive signals from the brain via nerves, and if the neurological system malfunctions, this can impair a muscle’s ability to contract. Examples of neurological conditions that can cause muscle weakness include cerebral palsy, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.
In some cases, a disease that directly affects the muscle can cause weakness. For example, muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition that causes muscles to deteriorate over time and lead to weakness. Myotonic dystrophy, a condition involving muscle spasms, is another of many potential causes of muscle weakness and can cause the muscles to be unable to relax effectively.
There are many less serious causes of muscle weakness that can be treated relatively easily. For example, if a muscle isn’t used for an extended period of time, it may begin to decrease in strength. This is commonly seen among people who work on computers all day long. Also, if a person remains bedridden for an extended period of time, it can cause muscle wasting and require rehabilitation. In both cases, exercise or physical therapy are usually sufficient treatments.
Other causes of muscle weakness include dehydration, infections and lack of nutrition. To diagnose the causes of muscle weakness, a doctor usually looks at other symptoms that may be present to distinguish between the different conditions. Diagnosis also often includes a thorough history, neurological exam, and, in some cases, blood tests. The length of time the weakness is present and whether it affects all muscles is also important.
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