Leg weakness: 9 possible causes

Intense physical exertion and circulation problems are among the commonest causes of leg weakness. Nonetheless, this symptom can even be the result of significant neurological, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal conditions. Here we inform you more.

After we discuss weakness, we discuss with a decrease or partial lack of strength. On this sense, individuals with leg weakness are usually not in a position to move the muscles of the lower limbs, even when they struggle.

This term is commonly confused with fatigue, tiredness, and drowsiness.

Essentially the most common causes of leg weakness

Leg weakness hinders the performance of every day activities and hinders the mobility of those affected. It’s also one among the most important reasons for falls and injuries in older adults. Amongst essentially the most common causes are the next.

1. High-intensity physical activity

High-level physical exertion and overtraining are frequent causes of weakness within the legs, especially in individuals with little experience. Usually, this symptom appears after training sessions and should be accompanied by muscle tremors.

Similarly, it’s common for weakness to reappear after a few days, related to pain and muscle tension. On this case, it’s the results of the recovery means of the distended and worn tissue. Most often, people improve spontaneously after 2 to 4 days.

2. Peripheral arterial disease

This can be a common circulatory problem that affects 15-20% of individuals over 70 years of age, in accordance with studies. This disease results from a decrease within the caliber of the arteries with reduced blood flow to the extremities.

Muscle weakness and numbness within the legs are typical manifestations of this condition. Similarly, patients often manifest pain within the thighs or calves after walking or climbing stairs.

Other symptoms include the next:

• A chilly sensation within the legs
• Color changes within the lower limbs
• Weak pulse within the legs or feet
• Shiny skin

Atherosclerosis is the most important offender of peripheral arterial disease. A physical examination, ankle-brachial index, a Doppler ultrasound, and angiography are the methods used for diagnosis. Treatment is geared toward relieving symptoms and halting progression.

3. Venous insufficiency

This can be a vascular disorder characterised by difficulty within the return of blood from the legs to the guts as a consequence of incompetent valves within the veins. Over time, the veins turn into distended and retain blood within the lower limbs, especially when standing.

This condition is 5 times more common in women than in men, in accordance with research. Skin changes comparable to swelling, dryness, redness, varicose veins, and sores which are slow to shut are often seen.

Weakness within the legs, cramping, itching, and pain at rest are amongst the standard symptoms of the condition. Doppler ultrasound is the diagnostic test of selection. The therapeutic plan seeks to enhance venous blood mobilization and institute healthy habits.

4. Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a neurological condition attributable to damage to the nerve pathways liable for the transmission of knowledge between the brain and the remainder of the body.

Most often, people manifest a stabbing or burning pain within the legs or hands. Similarly, it’s possible to search out the next symptoms:

• Numbness and tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Hypersensitivity to the touch
• Coordination and gait problems

Likewise, the most important causes of this syndrome are traumatic injuries, diabetes, infections, and exposure to toxic substances. Treatment includes the usage of medications to cut back symptoms, nerve stimulation, physical therapy, and surgery.

5. A herniated disc

A herniated disc is a protrusion of the nucleus pulposus through a weakened a part of the intervertebral discs, situated within the spine. This condition can occur at any level of the back, being more frequent within the lumbar area.

Studies estimate that disc herniations produce 2% of the cases of dorsolumbar pain in people between 30 and 50 years old. The feeling of weakness within the legs is a manifestation of lumbar hernias. The weakness often promotes falls and stumbling and makes it difficult to get off the bed.

Tingling, burning, and pain within the buttocks and lower back are also common. The treatment plan includes the use of medicine, physical therapy, and surgical correction, depending on severity.

6. Cerebral vascular disease (CVD)

CVD is a disorder characterised by a sudden lack of neurological function resulting from a disturbance in blood flow to the brain as a consequence of ischemia or hemorrhage, as defined by studies. In most individuals, it causes weakness on one side of the body and altered sensation.

Affected patients might also experience slurred speech, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, and impaired balance. This condition requires emergency medical management, so it’s crucial to acknowledge it early and seek help as soon as possible.

7. Guillain-Barré Syndrome

That is an autoimmune disorder by which the body attacks the nerve pathways. Some research states that this syndrome presents itself with symmetrical, progressive, ascending muscle weakness. As well as, it’s often accompanied by decreased or abolished reflexes.

Currently, there’s no definitive cure for this condition. Nonetheless, plasmapheresis and administration of immunoglobulins can alleviate symptoms and reduce progression.

8. Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin by which there’s the destruction of the nerve fibers of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, brainstem, spinal cord, and cranial nerves, with an affinity for the optic nerve.

This disorder can debut with different symptoms, depending on the anatomical area affected. Essentially the most common manifestations include the next:

• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• Cognitive impairment
• Memory loss
• Gait disturbances
• Tremors and muscle spasms

Treatment of MS relies on the usage of corticosteroids during disease flares. Similarly, immunomodulators and physiotherapy will be used to enhance long-term symptomatology.

9. Compression of the spinal cord

Occasionally, certain traumas and disorders produce compression of the spinal cord structures. Hematomas, abscesses, and tumors are among the most important causes of this condition. The person manifests back pain, tingling, and weakness within the legs.

Studies estimate that spinal cord compression occurs in 5% of cancer patients and even maintains an incidence of 10% in individuals with spinal metastases. Essentially the most commonly associated cancers include multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and lung cancer.

Leg weakness: A symptom that shouldn’t be taken flippantly

Leg weakness is a manifestation present in an unlimited variety of disorders and diseases. It’s related to physical exertion and poor circulation. Nonetheless, it also warns of several underlying neurological and vascular conditions that require attention as soon as possible.

Don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you happen to notice a rapid progression of weakness or persistence of weakness. As well as, the presence of pain increases the necessity for skilled attention.

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