Muscle weakness and fatigue can have various causes, including disease, overuse, lack of minerals, and nervous system conditions. True muscle weakness is a serious condition that requires medical evaluation. Fatigue is caused by overwork, lack of sleep, or health problems, and can be resolved by addressing the underlying issue. Serious causes of muscle problems include liver or kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, and thyroid problems. Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia can also cause these symptoms.
Muscle weakness and fatigue are actually two different conditions, although in some cases they can be caused by similar problems. There are a large number of potential causes of these symptoms, including disease, muscle strains or tears, and overuse. Lack of certain minerals in the body, muscle wasting from lack of use, and nervous system conditions can also lead to these problems. In some cases, muscle fatigue may simply be caused by insufficient sleep or exhaustion, although long-term symptoms could be a sign of something more serious.
Weakness occurs when the muscle is unable to provide its normal strength. This commonly occurs, for example, after a long workout where the muscle becomes sore or tired over a period of time. This usually goes away naturally once the muscle has had time to recover.
True muscle weakness, in which the muscle becomes permanently weak, is a more serious condition. If a muscle gradually weakens over time, this can be a sign of a number of health problems, including a nervous system impairment that affects signals to the muscle, diseases such as celiac disease, and conditions such as fibromyalgia. In most cases, a gradual weakening of a muscle that is used regularly is reason for a visit to a doctor for an evaluation.
Muscle weakness and fatigue, while similar, have markedly different symptoms. Fatigue is when muscles feel tired or lack energy. This can be caused by a person who is overworked, not getting enough sleep, or by general health problems, such as the common cold. Usually, the fatigue goes away when the problem is fixed. If it does not improve within a couple of weeks, however, the individual should see a healthcare professional.
Some of the more serious causes of muscle problems include disease affecting the liver or kidneys, diabetes, or heart failure. Any condition that restricts blood flow to the muscles can cause a feeling of weakness. Problems with the thyroid gland have also been known to cause weakness and fatigue.
Both chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia can cause these types of symptoms. These conditions can be difficult to diagnose, so weakness can be present for a long time before the cause is determined.
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