Muscle Fatigue and Weakness: Causes & Treatment

Do you often feel muscle weakness or fatigue? 

Well, experiencing short-term muscle weakness after having a workout is normal. However, continuous muscle weakness can be due to some underlying health conditions like dehydration, depression, anemia, hepatitis C, and others.

Muscle weakness is a lack of muscle strength, meaning the muscles may not contract or move as easily as they used to. 

At the beginning of exercising or performing any task, the muscles feel strong and resilient, but over time and with repeated movement, they may begin to weaken and become tired. This is known as muscle fatigue. 

This symptom decreases your muscle's ability to perform over time. 

It can be associated with exhaustion, often following strenuous activity or exercise. 

Understanding the symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment options is important for managing conditions effectively. Let's learn more about them. 

What is Muscle Weakness?

Muscle weakness refers to a reduction in the strength of your muscles. If you experience muscle weakness, you might find it difficult to perform activities or tasks that require strength, such as lifting objects and climbing stairs.

Muscle fatigue, on the other hand, is a condition in which muscles feel tired or exhausted after an activity, even if the activity is light.

Muscle weakness can be temporary due to overexertion fatigue or a sign of an underlying medical condition. 

What Are the Common Muscle Weakness Symptoms?

Here are some common signs of muscle weakness. 

• Soreness
• Dizziness 
• Shortness of breath
• Cold hands and feet
• An irregular heartbeat
• Trembling muscles
• Weak grip
• Muscle twitching
• Difficulty Performing Daily Activities
• Difficulty walking short distances 
• Muscle Pain
• Loss of Balance or Coordination

What Are the Causes of Muscle Weakness?

Muscle weakness can be caused due to a variety of factors, from lifestyle choices to underlying health issues. Here are some root causes of muscle weakness.

Overexertion and Chronic Fatigue

Overexertion during physical activities such as intense exercise may cause temporary muscle fatigue and weakness. After a heavy workout, give your body enough rest to recover itself.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Are you vitamin Deficient? Muscle weakness can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin D, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, leading to muscle weakness. Vitamin D is crucial for muscle functioning as it helps with calcium absorption.

According to WHO, nearly 1 billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient, which is a major cause of muscle weakness and other health problems.

Dehydration

Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances. It can also cause muscle cramps, fatigue, and weakness.

Chronic Conditions

Several chronic medical conditions can lead to muscle weakness, including:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A condition that causes extreme fatigue and muscle weakness.
• Fibromyalgia: Causes pain and muscle weakness.
• Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormone levels can slow muscle metabolism, leading to weakness.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This autoimmune disease affects the nervous system and can cause muscle weakness.

Infections

Viral and bacterial infections can sometimes lead to temporary muscle weakness as the body fights off illness. Conditions like the flu or Lyme disease are examples of infections that can cause muscle fatigue.

Medications

There are some medications like statins, steroids, and chemotherapy drugs that impact muscle weakness.

Age

As we age, muscle mass naturally decreases—a process called sarcopenia. Older adults may notice muscle weakness as they lose muscle strength over time.

Anemia

Anemia occurs when a person's hemoglobin levels are low because of iron deficiency. Other signs of anemia include dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, cold hands and feet, and irregular heartbeat. 

Diabetes

When the body cannot make enough insulin and does not use insulin properly, nerve damage can cause muscle weakness. This can cause signs related to muscle weakness, including fragility, fatigue, and reduced mobility.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Muscle Weakness

If you're experiencing persistent muscle weakness, then it is important to consult your medical professional to determine the cause and get the right treatment. 

Here is how muscle weakness is diagnosed and treated:

Diagnosis

Muscle weakness can be diagnosed by checking your medical history, including recent illness, lifestyle factors, or medications. A Physical examination can help assess muscle strength and identify specific areas of weakness.

Blood Tests

Blood tests can check for nutritional deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, or markers of certain medical conditions (such as thyroid hormone levels).

Imaging Tests

In some cases, imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans may be used to rule out neurological conditions or muscle injuries.

Nerve and Muscle Function Tests

If a neurological disorder is suspected, your doctor might conduct tests like electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve and muscle function.

How can you prevent Muscle Fatigue?

You can take steps to prevent muscle fatigue during exercise and everyday life.

Rest and Recovery

Rest is the best treatment for muscle weakness caused by overexertion or fatigue. Giving your muscles time to recover can help restore strength.

Nutritional Supplements

If nutritional deficiencies are the cause, your doctor may recommend supplements such as Vitamin D, magnesium, or calcium to restore muscle functioning.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help enhance muscle strength and function for people with chronic conditions or recovering from injury. A therapist will guide you through exercises that target weak muscles and help restore balance and coordination.

Medication

In cases where muscle weakness is caused by a medical condition, such as hypothyroidism or an autoimmune disorder, medicines may be prescribed to treat the underlying condition.

Hydration and Electrolyte Management

If dehydration is the cause of muscle weakness, increasing fluid and electrolyte intake can help restore muscle function.

Exercise

Regular strength training exercises can help keep muscle mass and prevent further decline in age-related muscle weakness.

Pro Tip- Simple resistance exercises, like bodyweight squats or light weight lifting, can help strengthen muscles and reduce the effect of sarcopenia in older adults.

The Final Words

Muscle fatigue and weakness can significantly impact your day-to-day life, making it challenging to perform even the simplest tasks. Fortunately, many of the causes of muscle weakness are treatable, and with the right diagnosis and approach, you can regain your strength and improve your quality of life. 

To improve health and increase vitality, get better nutrition, exercise, or medical treatment and address muscle weakness early on.

If muscle weakness symptoms persist or worsen, consult your medical professional to determine the underlying cause.