If you have ever felt like your muscles just don’t have the strength they used to, it could be a sign of muscle weakness. This can be frustrating, especially when it seems to happen out of the blue. However, have you ever wondered what causes it?
Whether you’re noticing fatigue during workouts or simple daily tasks, it’s important to understand what might be holding your muscles back. Health publications will uncover a few reasons behind muscle weakness.
According to the Health publication, muscle weakness is a condition where the body’s muscles cannot contract properly, causing reduced strength. It is primarily caused by underlying health conditions and ageing, with 5% of U.S. adults experiencing it. “If left untreated, muscle weakness can make it difficult to perform daily activities and may also cause other symptoms. Your exact treatment plan will depend on the underlying condition that’s causing your muscle weakness and the severity of your symptoms.”
The Patient publication states that muscle weakness is a common cause of deconditioning, which occurs due to an inactive lifestyle. It is further mentioned that muscles become less bulky and floppy, leading to easy tiring and slower recovery times. According to the mentioned source, this condition is reversible with regular exercise but worsens with age.
“Muscles tend to lose strength and bulk with age and they become weaker. Whilst most people accept this as the natural consequence of age – particularly great age – it is frustrating to be unable to do the things that were easily managed when younger.”
Healthline mentions that muscle weakness can be caused by various conditions, including neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, thyroid conditions, and electrolyte imbalances. Other conditions are said to include stroke, herniated discs, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypotonia, peripheral neuropathy, neuralgia, polymyositis, prolonged bed rest, alcoholism, complications from certain viruses and infections, botulism, and prolonged use of certain drugs like statins, antiarrhythmic drugs, corticosteroids, and colchicine.
