Muscle weakness is a symptom, which is also called myasthenia or myasthenia in technical language. As the name itself expresses, there is a weakness of the muscles or the muscles are abnormally reduced in their performance.
What is muscle weakness?
Against pathological muscle atrophy and muscle weakness does not always help a targeted muscle building, but can serve supportive physiotherapeutic purposes. In muscle weakness, the performance of the muscles is severely weakened, that is, the muscles can no longer perform the normal or healthy strength and movement. At the same time, a human being has over 600 muscles that allow the musculoskeletal system as well as the internal organs to function. If this function of the muscles is weakened, it is called muscle weakness. The reasons and causes for muscle weakness can be varied. Serious diseases do not always have to be behind it. Muscle weakness can appear in varying degrees. It can show its symptom picture in the form of a slight weakness to severe paralysis.
Causes
The causes of muscle weakness are many and varied. Most often, muscle weakness occurs as a general lack of strength after great physical exertion (muscle soreness) or work. Also the wrong and unhealthy diet, which can cause physical deficiency symptoms, are the cause of muscle weakness. These are almost always of harmless nature and through recovery and regeneration of the body, the strength in the muscles is soon back. However, muscle weakness can also be a symptom of a nerve disorder or other disease, which is not infrequently accompanied by paralysis. An example of this would be the dreaded multiple sclerosis in which paralysis occurs more frequently in addition to muscle weakness. Muscle weakness can also occur as a result of an accident (shock), an infection or a stroke. Likewise, muscle weakness can frequently occur in cases of muscle atrophy. Other pathological causes are listed below.
Diseases with this symptom
- Herniated disc
- Muscle inflammation
- Nerve inflammation
- Lambert-Eaton-Rooke syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
- Muscle atrophy
- Muscle hypotonia
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Circulatory disorders
- Arterial occlusive disease
- Myasthenia gravis pseudoparalytica
- Spinal muscular atrophy
Complications
Muscle weakness is experienced by the affected person as physically and emotionally stressful. Restrictions on movement occur. Physical activities or sports activities can no longer be performed as usual. In some cases, there is a threat of occupational disability. Holding objects or carrying bags can lead to a short-term collapse of the musculature. The muscle weakness causes a general unhappiness. Fluctuations in mood or an unstable state of mind are possible consequences. Interpersonal tensions and conflicts occur. In some patients, aggressive or choleric behavior occurs. Depending on the cause, the treatment of muscle weakness can take a long time and achieve success only in small steps. The assistance of the patient is often necessary. If a congenital malformation is present, treatment measures can often help to alleviate the symptoms. However, the present genetic defect prevents a cure. The reduced strength tension can lead to self-confidence problems in the affected person. Other complications include nutritional disorders, diabetes or alcoholism. In some cases, diseases such as a brain tumor, depression, or hypothyroidism are not detected by the muscle weakness, or are detected very late. It often takes years before the true cause is found. In the case of tumor disease or brain inflammation, it is important that they are diagnosed early.
When should you go to the doctor?
Muscle weakness is a completely normal symptom after unaccustomed exertion, so a visit to the doctor is by no means necessary. If there is a stabbing pain after such activity, it is very likely that a sore muscle is responsible. However, sore muscles can also cause some complications that make a visit to the doctor absolutely necessary.If, despite muscle soreness, strong pressure continues to be applied to the affected regions, then serious muscle injuries can occur. Tendon or muscle tears are not uncommon. A visit to the doctor is then unavoidable and recovery can only be achieved with appropriate medication or even surgery. Anyone who frequently suffers from muscle pain in the face should definitely see a doctor. Behind it can hide a serious disease, which requires a medical treatment. In older people, from about 65 to 70 years of age, muscle weakness is a very normal phenomenon. Muscles lose elasticity and strength in old age, which can lead to permanent muscle weakness. However, affected individuals can counteract this appearance through sufficient physical activity. However, those who remain inactive can expect a significant worsening.
Treatment and therapy
Although muscle weakness does not always mean a serious illness, a doctor should still be consulted to clarify all eventualities. As with any medical examination, the doctor will ask in-depth questions about the symptom picture of muscle weakness. These include: Since when the muscle weakness exists, Which muscles are affected, Is there a causal connection with certain events (e.g., accident), Do other complaints exist, such as sensory disturbance or paralysis. Furthermore, possible previous illnesses (diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis) are included in the examination. Medications taken can also be important in determining the cause. This is followed by further physical examinations that diagnose the musculature, reflexes, musculoskeletal system and nerves in greater detail. Individualized muscle tests give the doctor the opportunity to measure and evaluate differences in strength. If necessary, further examination methods are then required to confirm or refer suspicions. These include specialist examinations, such as ophthalmologist or ear, nose and throat doctor, computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), muscle sampling (muscle biopsy) and electromyography (EMG). Any further treatment or therapy will then depend on the cause found. If the muscle weakness is due to inadequate nutrition, the treatment should be nutritional therapy. Magnesium deficiency, iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency can then be compensated. If general infections are the cause, the muscle weakness will disappear on its own quickly after recovery. Treatment is then not necessary. If, however, the muscle weakness is caused by serious illnesses, special therapeutic procedures are necessary. Above all, the dreaded multiple sclerosis cannot yet be cured, but it can be sustainably reduced by modern treatment methods. These include general measures of physiotherapy with physiotherapy as well as exercise baths, alternating baths, massages, heat applications and electrical treatments. Other nerve diseases that can lead to muscle weakness (polyneuropathies, myasthenia gravis pseudoparalytica, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy of the Duchenne type) must be treated by a specialist. In this regard, their physician will, of course, inform them.
Outlook and prognosis
With muscle weakness, some movements can only be performed without strength. The chances of recovery depend on the underlying disease. The most harmless form results from lack of exercise or improper diet and can be improved or completely eliminated by changing lifestyle habits. Vitamin deficiency also manifests itself in general fatigue and weakened muscle strength. Multivitamin preparations can bring improvement. Muscle tension that is too weak with simultaneous muscle weakness can already become apparent in childhood. Skeletal muscles are particularly affected, but also those responsible for active, controlled movement. If an underlying neuromuscular disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS) is present, it is essential that the patient receives medical treatment. The earlier mobility is promoted, the better the prognosis. Physiotherapy is then mainly about conscious fine motor movements, dosed effort and posture control. MS is not curable, but with a healthy diet, physiotherapy and an adapted lifestyle, the sufferer can reach a relatively old age. Since protein is essential for muscle activity, many doctors recommend a diet rich in protein, lots of fruits and vegetables.If the rare nerve disease myasthenia gravis is present, there is no cure, but there is an improvement in symptoms. In this disease, the signal transmission between the nervous system and the muscles is disturbed. The weakness is most apparent in the face, with drooping eyelids.
Prevention
Muscle weakness that has its cause in a nervous disease cannot be directly prevented today. Muscle weakness due to mineral and vitamin deficiency can be well prevented by a healthy and aubwechslungsreiche food. In addition, a healthy amount of sports and exercise is advised for general strengthening of the muscles and musculoskeletal system.
Here’s what you can do yourself
There are several methods of self-help for muscle weakness. First and foremost, the affected muscles should not be unnecessarily and excessively stressed. Certain heavy physical activities or sports should be avoided if possible, as these promote muscle weakness. Often, therapies with heat and with cold also help. The affected areas can be cooled with the help of ice or other cooling agents. Often, treatment with heat, such as visiting a sauna or using a hot water bottle to achieve relief in the muscles, also helps. Cold baths can also be taken in the swimming pool. As a rule, cold showers are very healthy and, in addition, also promote circulation. Other therapies that bring about a reduction in symptoms are occupational therapy and physiotherapy. In order to avoid overstraining the muscles during certain activities, the household should be made as simple and safe as possible. This is especially important in elderly patients. Electric toothbrushes or household robots, for example, help here. Various ointments can also be used to relax the muscles. Relaxation therapies or yoga can be helpful here. Stress and tension should be avoided. Against an inner restlessness in the muscle weakness usually helps valerian.
