Weakness In Legs When Walking Common Causes And Remedies
Legstheyre great things, enabling us to move from place to place and perform our daily deeds. Pain, weakness, or increased discomfort in the legs can be very restricting and may actually be a sign of a serious condition which should receive immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing weakness in legs when walking, read on to find out about the possible causes and suggested treatments.
When To See A Doctor For Symptoms Of Leg Fatigue
If you have tried on your own to revitalize your tired legs with exercise or rest, and you notice that theyre still dragging, see a doctor soon. It may not seem like a serious issue now, but if you and your doctor can diagnose the problem, you may be able to start taking steps toward feeling better very soon.
This article was originally published in 2018. It is regularly updated.
When To Visit A Doctor
In some cases, muscle weakness can be a sign of something very serious, like a stroke. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your local emergency services immediately:
- sudden onset of muscle weakness
- sudden difficulty moving limbs, walking, standing, or sitting upright
- sudden numbness or loss of sensation
- sudden difficulty smiling or forming facial expressions
- sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding things
- the weakness of the chest muscles causing difficulty in breathing
- loss of consciousness
- Go for a walk every day
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Keep your stress levels under control
- Practice meditation and yoga
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Causes Of Fatigue & Aching Legs
Many medical conditions can cause both pain in the legs and fatigue, and determining the cause of these symptoms often requires a trip to the doctor. To make a diagnosis, your doctor needs a thorough understanding of your symptoms, including what brings them on, what improves them, and other symptoms you may have.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Is It Possible That I Have Pots And Was Incorrectly Diagnosed
This is entirely possible. Given how common POTS symptoms are and how unfamiliar many doctors are with this condition, diagnostic mishaps happen. POTS is frequently misidentified as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, anxiety disorder, ADHD, irritable bowel syndrome, myositis, etc. It is also possible that you have both POTS and one of these conditions, which may complicate the diagnosis. Sometimes people with POTS are told that its all in your head, implying that the cause of their symptoms is psychological. If you feel like something is physically wrong, dont hesitate to seek a second, and even a third or fourth opinion.
COVID-19 and POTS: Is There a Link?
Although many people recover quickly from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, others who recover may continue to experience symptoms for months. Researchers are still determining the cause of these extended symptoms, but some COVID-19 âlong-haulersâ may actually be dealing with POTS.
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Fact: A Short Nap Is The Best Solution
According to the National Sleep Foundation, pulling over for a short nap is the most effective way to restore alertness on the road. Park in a safe, well-lit area. Set your watch or phone to wake you up in 15. Then let yourself really wake up before you get back on the road. Longer naps can increase grogginess and disorientation. If you plan to nap longer than half an hour, it may be best to stop for the night.
Preparing For Your Appointment
To prepare for your appointment, see the topicMaking the Most of Your Appointment.
You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:
- What is your major symptom, weakness or fatigue?
- Have you had these symptoms before? If so:
- Did you see a doctor for an evaluation of your symptoms?
- What was the diagnosis?
- How were your symptoms treated?
While you are waiting for your appointment, it may be helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms .
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Clinical Burden Of Chronic Pain And Fatigue
Further understanding of pain and fatigue is clinically important as they are among the most frequent symptoms reported by patients. When these symptoms are persistent or unexplained they are associated with poorer quality of life and higher costs than other patient groups. They also pose a diagnostic conundrum and have a significant impact on healthcare utilisation costs and significant indirect costs.
Fibromyalgia is characterised by chronic pain, fatigue and what are described as functional symptoms. Myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex, chronic condition characterised by symptom clusters that include pathological fatigue and malaise that is worse after exertion, cognitive dysfunction, immune dysfunction, unrefreshing sleep, pain, autonomic dysfunction, neuroendocrine and immune symptoms.
Chronic pain affects between one-third and one-half of the population of the UK, whereby fibromyalgia has a reported prevalence of 5%. In a population-based sample of middle-aged individuals, fatigue was present in one out of five subjects.
Pots: A Little Known Cause Of Extreme Fatigue
Everyone knows what being tired feels like at the end of a long day. But some people experience fatigue so severe and so seemingly random that its hard to describe. If that sounds familiar, there could be more going on than daily stress.
While there are many causes of fatigue, one of them is frequently missed and misdiagnosed: postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome . Physical medicine and neuromuscular specialist Tae Chung, M.D., answers questions about POTS and extreme fatigue as one of its symptoms.
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Restless Leg Syndrome As A Symptom For Other Diseases
Aside from multiple sclerosis, restless leg syndrome can be a symptom of other diseases as well. A recent study revealed that restless leg syndrome can be a symptom of heart problems, kidney problems and stroke.
For the study 3,700 veterans with RLS were observed along with 3,700 healthy participants as controls. Both groups were followed for eight years. Researchers were specifically looking for outcomes of stroke and heart and kidney problems.
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Restless leg syndrome is symptom for stroke, heart and kidney disease: Study
Restless leg syndrome has been found to increase the risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. Restless leg syndrome is a condition that causes a person to feel an overwhelming urge to move their legs when in an inclined position . Tingling, aching and itching sensations may occur as well. Continue reading
New research from the University of Vermont suggests that in mice models, salt intake may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis . With the use of three genetically different groups of mice, researchers conducted their study. Continue reading
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Questions Your Doctor May Ask About Weakness Of Both Legs
- Are you allergic to anything?
- Do your symptoms improve with Ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin, known as NSAIDs?
- Have a friend stand across from you and hold out a finger. Touch that finger and then touch your nose. Move the target finger around and start going faster. Are you having trouble?
- Do you find yourself getting weaker and weaker?
Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.
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Causes Of New Onset Muscle Weakness
- Most causes of new onset muscle weakness are serious. True weakness points to diseases of the spinal cord or its nerves. Nerves carry messages from the spinal cord to the muscles in the arms and legs. Diseases that cause muscle weakness are very rare.
- Most children with new onset weakness need special tests to make the right diagnosis. If the weakness gets worse, most children need to be admitted to the hospital.
Healthwhy Early Coronavirus Cases May Have Been Missed
Since that report, other symptoms related to COVID-19 have emerged.
Many patients whove either tested positive for the coronavirus, or have been told by their physicians to assume they have it, also develop a headache and sore throat. Others become sick to their stomach with nausea or diarrhea.
Some patients say they have no interest in eating. Many report theyre losing their senses of taste and smell, the British Rhinological Society said recently.
Just this week, a small study published in JAMA Ophthalmology added another potential COVID-19 warning sign: pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. A third of the 38 patients in the report had the inflammatory eye condition.
But its also becoming more clear that some infected people spreading the virus dont have any symptoms at all.
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Treatment Of Dizziness During Menopause
With the exclusion of all other causes and confidence that the attacks of menopause dizziness and lightheadedness are associated precisely with climacteric changes, then the approach to the treatment of dizziness with menopause should be comprehensive. All drugs and non-drug treatment methods must be selected individually with a doctor, depending on the additional manifestations available and the degree of general condition disturbance. So, if the dizziness menopause symptoms are severe, and depend on a sharp deficiency of sex hormones, substitution therapy with estrogen preparations in strictly selected dosages and under the control of tolerance may be indicated. Non-hormonal drugs that improve the general condition, medications with a sedative effect and anti-stress protection can also be used in the treatment of dizziness menopause. A course of multivitamins with minerals is shown to replenish the bodys reserves, to prevent anemia and osteoporosis.
Additionally, the treatment of vertigo with menopause involves the use of dizziness menopause natural remedies soothing, restorative herbal teas , as well as non-pharmacological measures that increase the overall tone of the body and normalize blood circulation, including in the brain area.
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What Causes Weakness In Legs
Leg weakness can be due to systemic disease, inflammatory conditions, or medication side effects. These causes can affect the nerves, spine, or brain, leading to leg weakness. The best course of treatment depends on the cause, which can often be unclear, but a medical provider may be able to recommend tests to identify the correct diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment.
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When To Call Your Doctor
If your fatigue prevents you from engaging in work or school, social or personal activities, then you should see your doctor, Dr. Patane says.
âWhen in doubt, it never hurts to speak to your doctor about this. It can be a simple evaluation, and we may be able to say thereâs nothing seriously wrong and suggest lifestyle modifications,â he says. âOne of the best ways to get better from fatigue is with good sleep hygiene and by slowly increasing daily exercise.â
Primary Or True Muscle Weakness
This shows itself as an inability to perform what you want to do with a muscle, even the first time you try. There is a reduction in the force which the muscle can exert, however hard you try. The muscle is not working properly – it has become abnormal.
When this kind of weakness occurs the muscles are often floppier than usual and reduced in bulkiness. It can happen, for example, following stroke. It is also seen in a condition called muscular dystrophy . Both of these conditions result in weakened muscles which cannot move the usual load. It’s a real change in muscle power.
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Spinal Lesion Or Tumor
A spinal lesion or tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue within or surround the spinal cord or column. Spinal tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous, and originate in the spine or spinal column or spread there from another site.
Back pain, which is worse at night or increases with activity, is the most common symptom. If the tumor presses on a nerve, it can cause numbness or weakness in the arms, legs, or chest.
Treatment depends on the type and location of the lesion or tumor, and whether or not its cancerous or noncancerous. Surgery to remove the tumor, or radiation therapy or chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, can usually resolve leg weakness.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. Its a progressive neurological disease that damages nerve cells and often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in the legs.
Other early symptoms include:
- difficulty holding up your head
Theres currently no cure for ALS, but treatments are available that can help control symptoms and complications and improve quality of life.
Why Is My Leg Weakness Worse In One Leg
When leg weakness is worse in one leg compared to the other it is asymmetric. Some causes of asymmetric leg weakness include spinal cord damage that is worse on one side of the spine, abnormal growths that affect one side of the spine or one half of the brain more than the other, and injury to the leg nerves that is more pronounced in one leg.
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Reasons Your Legs Feel Heavy And Tired When Walking
If your legs feel heavy and tired when walking chances are, youre probably feeling lethargic as well. However, this wont necessarily always be the case.
This is because there are various possible reasons why your legs feel heavy and tired when walking. Each different from the other. As such, there isnt an out and out way of how to relieve and fix heavy legs.
However, there are certain groups more susceptible to tiredness in the legs while walking. They include female, overweight people or older people.
Spinal Cord Disease Or Injury
The spinal cord is what allows communication between the brain and the body. Thus, any impairment of the spine results in complete or partial loss of nervous communication between the brain and lower limbs. Besides weakness of legs, perception of touch, pain and temperature of the legs can also be affected.
There are numerous conditions which can damage the spinal cord, including fractured backbone, herniated disc, multiple sclerosis, infection of the spine and cancer spreading to the spine .
All of these conditions are medical emergencies which should receive immediate attention from a professional. The treatment for spinal cord disease or injury will depend on the specific cause.
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Will My Leg Weakness Be Permanent
It depends on the cause. Fortunately, many causes of leg weakness lead to complete recovery if diagnosed accurately and treated in the appropriate time frame. Sometimes leg weakness may be improved but not totally cured by treatments like physical therapy after the initial underlying cause is addressed. However, some causes are irreversible, and these include severe damage to the nerves, spinal cord and/or brain.
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Muscle Damage Through Injury
There are many ways in which your muscles can be directly damaged. The most obvious is injury or trauma such as sporting injuries, pulls and sprains. In any muscle injury, bleeding from damaged muscle fibres occurs inside the muscle, followed by swelling and inflammation. This makes the muscle less strong and also painful to use. Localised pain is the primary symptom but weakness also results.
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What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Scientists have been researching chronic fatigue syndrome for many years, but they still dont know for sure what causes it.
Many doctors believe that the way some conditions interact within the body and mind might leave some people at risk for CFS. For example, if someone has a and is under a lot of stress, the combination of these two things might make them more likely to develop CFS.
These things are believed to interact with each other in this way, putting some people at risk for CFS:
- infections. Experts have wondered if infections like measles or Epstein-Barr virus might increase the risk for CFS. The role Epstein-Barr plays in CFS is not clear because studies have not confirmed it as a cause.
- problems with the immune system or the nervous system
- hormone imbalances
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> > > Best Joint Pain Solution Available
Over-the-counter pain medication and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective for moderate and severe cases. However, some cases of osteoarthritis dont respond well to these medications, and doctors will usually advise patients to seek medical advice before having surgery. If osteoarthritis is not yet severe enough, doctors will often prescribe over-the-counter medication to help reduce pain. In the worst-case scenario, they may prescribe a special drug to alleviate the symptoms.
In the case of severe cases, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in the affected joints. Repeated corticosteroids, however, can be damaging to cartilage. For severe cases, the doctor may prescribe joint replacement. This is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged joint surfaces with artificial ones. It is often an expensive and lengthy procedure, but it will reduce the pain and improve the function of the joint.
As with other types of osteoarthritis, MIV-711 has the potential to reverse or slow down the progression of the disease. The drug has also shown promise in reducing the progression of osteoarthritis. In addition, MIV-711 has the potential to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis in the affected joints. This drug has been developed in a laboratory and is currently being tested on a clinical trial in patients with the condition.
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