Why does weakness in the arms and legs occur? The reasons for this condition will be considered in this article. We will also tell you about how to treat this pathology and which specialist to contact.
General information
A fairly large number of people periodically experience weakness in the muscles of their arms and legs. The causes of this phenomenon should be identified only by an experienced specialist. Indeed, an unexpected and growing weakness in the limbs, when the legs are “filled with lead” and the hands are unable to hold even a cup of coffee, may indicate the development of a serious disease.
Most often, the condition under consideration is transient and disappears very quickly. But can this pathological phenomenon be neglected? Doctors say that with the development of strong and even transient weakness in the limbs, you should definitely undergo a medical examination.
Weakness in the arms and legs, dizziness: the main causes
What can cause this condition? In most cases, this phenomenon is a sign of a neurological disorder, which is accompanied by a violation of neuromuscular impulses.
Why else can weakness occur in the arms and legs? The causes of this condition are often associated with impaired electrolyte balance or metabolism. As a rule, this phenomenon is observed when observing strict diets or a violation of the drinking regime (for example, with a deficiency of fluid in the human body).
In addition, the development of weakness in the limbs can occur due to impaired functioning of the kidneys, liver and other organs of the digestive system.
Other reasons
Why does weakness in the arms and legs develop? The causes of this condition are associated with the presence of:
- cervical spondylosis;
- cervical osteochondrosis;
- inflammatory or traumatic lesions of the shoulder, scapular or carpal area;
- brachial arthritis.
Most common causes
Strong weakness in the arms and legs, the reasons for which were described above, causes great discomfort to the patient. After all, such a condition can take a person by surprise (for example, on the street, driving a car, at work, and so on). Therefore, it is necessary to identify the cause of this phenomenon.
Above, we told you about why weakness in the arms and legs can occur. The reasons listed by us are far from the only ones. According to experts, this condition can also occur in the presence of diseases and conditions such as:
- lumbar osteochondrosis;
- lumbar hernia in the spine;
- lumbago;
- menstruation, pregnancy:
- menopause;
- hormonal changes (for example, during puberty and before menstruation);
- endocrine diseases (thyroid gland pathologies, diabetes);
- experiences, nervous stress, chronic fatigue syndrome.
It should also be said that there can be many reasons for the development of weakness in the limbs. Therefore, it is extremely important to diagnose all possible pathologies.
Muscle weakness
Muscle weakness in the arms and legs, the causes of which should only be identified by a doctor, can be treated in different ways. But before proceeding with therapy, it is necessary to make sure whether this symptom is the only one, or whether it is accompanied by some pain, impaired sensitivity, numbness, and so on. For example, arthritis, in which there is obvious weakness in the limbs, is almost always characterized by discomfort in the joints, but dermatomyositis is often accompanied by skin lesions.
True weakness in the muscles of the legs and arms usually occurs symmetrically. Moreover, it is completely independent of physical activity. As a rule, this condition is observed first in the lower extremities, and then gradually passes to the hands.
Muscle weakness: what is it associated with?
What causes muscle weakness in the arms and legs? The causes of this unpleasant phenomenon can be hidden in the development of many diseases. However, most often this condition speaks of pathologies such as:
- diabetes;
- protein deficiency in the body;
- electrolyte metabolism disorder;
- anemia or hypovitaminosis;
- an inflammatory process that occurs in any organ;
- dehydration of the body;
- the presence of rheumatoid arthritis;
- the penetration of infection into the body;
- neurological pathology;
- exposure to toxic substances or poisoning;
- improper use of certain medications;
- thyroid disease with metabolic disorders;
- asthenic syndrome ;
- emotional overload and experienced stressful situations.
Weakness in the left arm and leg: causes of development
As a rule, with the development of weakness in the left arm and leg, specialists talk about a stroke, that is, an acute disorder of cerebral circulation. Indeed, a clear sign of such a pathology is precisely the numbness of one half of the trunk (most often the left). Similar cases are quite common. However, it should be noted that this is far from the only ailment that is expressed in the impotence of the limbs. So why else can there be weakness in the arms and legs, drowsiness? The reasons for this condition are often hidden in:
- cardiopathologies (i.e. in diseases of the coronary vessels and heart);
- vegetovascular dystonia, obliterating endarteritis;
- diseases of the left kidney, including the development of a tumor process in this organ;
- spleen diseases;
- atherosclerosis obliterans, thromboangiitis;
- diseases of the spine, including its curvature, protrusion of the disc, hernia and tumor process.
It is impossible not to say that it is impossible to diagnose all these diseases without special research methods. Therefore, if there is weakness in the limbs, you should consult a doctor who is obliged to refer the patient for further examination in order to identify the exact cause of the pathology in question. As for the stroke, then if you suspect it, you must urgently visit a specialist.
Weakness in the extremities accompanied by trembling
Shivers are called frequent and involuntary contraction of the muscles of the legs or arms. Very often this condition is accompanied by weakness. It is rather difficult to identify the cause of this phenomenon. At the same time, experts argue that such a condition can be essential, physiological, cerebellar and parkinsonian.
Essential trembling and weakness of muscle tissue is hereditary, and is also often associated with the age of the patient. A similar condition is enhanced by motor activity. Moreover, it is not dangerous, but significantly affects the quality of human life.
Physiological tremors and weakness in the limbs are the most common condition. As a rule, it is associated with anxiety, nervous excitement, fear, hypothermia, overwork, some diseases of the National Assembly and the endocrine system, as well as withdrawal symptoms. We can not say that often such a tremor appears after a long exposure to the sun or taking large doses of caffeine.
Weakness and cerebellar tremor develop with damage to the cerebellum. Thus, this may be a sign of congenital cerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and so on.
Parkinsonian trembling and weakness indicate the presence of Parkinson's disease.
Weakness in the limbs, followed by numbness
A condition in which there is weakness in the limbs, as well as their numbness, can indicate an impending cold or other infectious disease. Also, a similar phenomenon is often observed with poor sleep, malnutrition and overwork.
If the limbs become numb gradually, and weakness appears in them (for example, throughout the week, month, and even year), then we can talk about damage to the spinal cord, brain, or neuromuscular system. In such cases, a medical examination is necessary.
It cannot be said that the symptoms in question very often indicate diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including intervertebral discs, spinal column, bones and joints. Also, a similar condition can occur after a back injury.
Who to contact and how to treat?
Now you know why weakness occurs in the legs and arms. The reasons for the treatment of this pathology are discussed in this article.
With a suddenly developed weakness in the limbs, the patient needs to lie down, as well as ensure maximum peace and relaxation. You can also sit quietly for about 20 minutes.
In some cases, a normal state can be restored by taking a sedative drug (for example, Novopassit, Valerian extract, Fitoseda, and so on).
With weakness in the limbs, in no case should you drink alcohol or smoke. In this case, it is better to make soothing tea or make an infusion with mint, chamomile, honey or linden.
If the cause of this condition is a serious illness, you should consult a doctor. Such narrow specialists as a neurologist, traumatologist, psychologist and endocrinologist will help to understand the situation.