Muscle weakness, also known as the technical term for adynamia or asthenia, is more common after a lot of physical exertion, such as lifting a lot of weight in the gym or repeating the same task for a long time and usually tends to be more localized, arising in the legs, arms or chest, depending on the muscles that were being used.
This happens because the muscle fibers get injured and need to recover, making it harder to have strength. In these cases, the rest of the affected muscles usually relieve the weakness and give more disposition. That way, it is very important to avoid training the same muscle two days in a row in the gym, for example, so that the muscle has time to recover.
However, there are other causes that can also cause muscle weakness, such as the cold, which causes a generalized feeling of weakness in all muscles of the body. And while most causes are mild, there are also more serious cases that need to be evaluated by a doctor, especially if the weakness lasts longer than 3 to 4 days.
1. Lack of physical exercise
When a person does not do any type of physical activity and sits at work for a long time, or at home watching television, for example, their muscles lose their strength because they are not being used. This is because the body begins to replace the muscle fibers by fat and therefore the muscle will have less ability to contract.
In addition to the sedentary lifestyle, this cause is also very common in the elderly and people who have been bedridden and, in addition to weakness, there is also a decrease in muscle volume and difficulty in doing activities that were easy
- What to do : Whenever possible, it is important to engage in physical activity such as walking, jogging or bodybuilding at least 2 to 3 times a week. In the case of bedridden people, it is also important to do bed exercises to keep your muscles healthy. Check out some examples of exercises for bedridden people.
2. Natural aging
Over the years, muscle fibers lose their strength and become more flaccid, even in the elderly who exercise regularly. This can cause a generalized weakness sensation, which slowly arises after age 30.
- What to do : Maintain the practice of physical exercise, making only the efforts allowed by the body itself. At this stage, it is also important to insert the training days with a rest day, as the body needs more time to recover and avoid injuries. See the most recommended exercises for the elderly.
3. Lack of calcium and vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D are two very important minerals to ensure the correct functioning of muscles, so when their levels are very low it is possible to feel constant muscle weakness, in addition to other symptoms such as muscle spasms, memory loss, tingling and irritability easy.
- What to do : Vitamin D can be produced in the body through regular sun exposure. Already calcium, can be absorbed from some foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli or spinach. See a more complete list of calcium-rich foods.
4. Gripes and colds
Generalized muscle weakness and excessive tiredness are very common cold and flu symptoms and happen because the body is trying to fight the flu virus, and therefore there is less energy available for proper functioning of the muscles. In addition, in some cases, the muscles may also become inflamed due to the increase in body temperature, which is why the weakness may be more intense in some people.
In addition to the flu, any other body infection with viruses or bacteria, can also cause this type of symptoms especially in cases of diseases such as hepatitis C, dengue, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV or Lyme disease.
- What to do : If you are suspicious of the flu or a cold, you should stay home, drink plenty of water and rest, avoiding more intense activities such as going to the gym, for example. If weakness does not improve or fever and other symptoms appear that may indicate a more serious problem, it is important to go to the general practitioner to identify the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
5. Use of antibiotics
The use of some antibiotics, such as Ciprofloxacin or Penicillin, and other medications such as anti-inflammatories or remedies for high cholesterol, may have side effects such as the onset of fatigue and generalized muscle weakness.
- What to do : You should consult the doctor who prescribed the medicine to evaluate the possibility of changing the medicine. Particularly in the case of the antibiotic, treatment should not be discontinued without first talking to the doctor.
6. Anemia
Anemia is one of the main causes of the onset of excessive tiredness, however, when it is more severe, it can also cause muscle weakness, making it more difficult to move the arms and legs, for example. This is because the value of red blood cells is very low and therefore there is less oxygen transport to the muscles.
- What to do : anemia is more common in pregnant women and people who do not eat meat, so if the disease is suspected, you should go to the GP to have a blood test and check the number of red blood cells, starting treatment appropriate. Understand how anemia treatment is done.
7. Depression and anxiety
Some psychiatric alterations can cause very strong physical sensations, especially in the levels of energy and disposition. In the case of depression, it is common for the person to feel low energy and therefore can feel a lot of muscle weakness throughout the day.
Already in the case of anxiety sufferers, for example, adrenaline levels are always very high and the body becomes more tired over time, resulting in excessive weakness.
- What to do : You should see a psychologist or psychiatrist to see if there are any psychiatric problems that need to be treated with psychotherapy or medicines such as Fluoxetine or Alprazolam.
8. Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease characterized by increased blood sugar levels, and when this happens, the muscles can not function properly and therefore it is possible to feel a decrease in strength. In addition, when the amount of sugar is very high, nerves can begin to suffer injuries, failing to properly nerve some muscle fibers, which end up atrophying.
Generally, the person with diabetes also presents other symptoms like exaggerated increase of the thirst, dry mouth, frequent urge to urinate and wounds that take time to heal. Take our test to find out what your risk is of having diabetes.
- What to do : Go to the general practitioner or endocrinologist and order a blood test to check fasting sugar levels. If there is diabetes, or increased risk, it is important to avoid the consumption of sugary foods and to do the treatment recommended by the doctor.
9. Cardiac diseases
Some heart diseases, especially heart failure, cause a decrease in the volume of blood that is circulating in the body and therefore there is less oxygen available to distribute. When this happens, the muscles can not contract properly and, therefore, it becomes more difficult to do activities that were once simple, such as climbing stairs or running.
These cases are most common after age 50 and are accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling of the legs, palpitations or frequent coughing, for example.
- What to do: If heart disease is suspected, it is important to see a cardiologist for tests, such as an electrocardiogram or cardiography, to find out if there are any changes that require specific treatment.
10. Respiratory problems
People with breathing problems, such as asthma or pulmonary emphysema, for example, may suffer more often from muscle weakness. This is because oxygen levels are usually lower than normal, especially during or after a seizure. In these cases, the muscle receives less oxygen and, therefore, does not have as much force.
- What to do : You should maintain the doctor's recommended treatment and rest when muscle weakness develops. People who do not have breathing problems, but who are suspected, should consult a pulmonologist to take the necessary tests and start the appropriate treatment.
