Leg weakness can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, some of which are serious. Possible causes include stroke, systemic diseases, inflammatory conditions, nerve damage, muscle disorders, and medication side effects.
For example, a 2018 case study reports that vitamin D deficiency can lead to proximal muscle weakness, which means weakness near the center of the body, and an increased risk of falls. Other vitamin deficiencies linked with muscle weakness include: calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) potassium deficiency (hypokalemia)
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for your muscles to function normally. As per a study, a Vitamin D deficiency leads to proximal weakness and reduced muscle mass. It also puts you at an increased risk of falling. Vitamin D can be used to help patients suffering from muscle pain or weakness.
Various medical issues can develop in the spine and lead to losing strength in the legs. They include a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, arthritis and degenerative disc disease. These medical conditions can lead to loss of leg strength, but other symptoms usually develop too.
Leg fatigue or heaviness can be caused by various conditions. They include: Varicose veins: The leg veins become enlarged. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): Buildup of fat deposits in the artery walls, thus, causing inadequate circulation of blood in the legs.
You can see small results in even two to four weeks, after you begin a leg workout. You will have better stamina, and your legs will look a little more defined. But all in all, depending on your fitness levels, it does take three to four months for any remarkable difference.
Besides vascular issues, nerves and nerve damage can be the source of your lower leg pain and weakness. Issues involving the spinal cord are the most prevalent source of leg weakness. A narrowed spinal canal, or stenosis, puts pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Poor dietary intake can result in weak leg muscles. For example, an older person with a poor diet may not get enough calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium in their body. These nutrients are necessary to maintain healthy bones and muscles.
Problems with the joints, (such as arthritis), bones (such as deformities), circulation (such as peripheral vascular disease), or even pain can make it difficult to walk properly. Diseases or injuries to the nerves, muscles, brain, spinal cord, or inner ear can affect normal walking.
The “jelly legs” feeling, which typically refers to feelings of weakness, dizziness, or loss of control in the legs, is often caused by a rush of adrenaline taking blood away from the legs, though there may be other causes.
Weakness in the legs is a common symptom of many health conditions and injuries, including autoimmune diseases, spinal conditions and injuries, and stroke. Often, leg weakness will resolve over time, but in some cases, it can be a medical emergency, especially if the weakness comes on suddenly.
Rising from a squatting position or stepping onto a chair tests proximal leg strength; walking on the heels and on tiptoe tests distal strength. Pushing with the arms to get out of a chair indicates quadriceps weakness. Swinging the body to move the arms indicates shoulder girdle weakness.
“All the muscles in the leg work together to provide stability, support and control to the body whilst walking, these movements help to strengthen and condition the leg muscles.”
Physical therapy helps strengthen a weak knee or leg so it can heal. The exercises help strengthen your knee or leg so you can get back to your activities.
There are a lot of causes for standing problems, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other related health conditions. It is useful for your loved one to talk to a doctor about this issue. A doctor can advise you and your loved one on appropriate physical therapy.
This is essentially what happens to a lesser degree while you sleep – your joints stiffen from inactivity. Arthritis in your ankles, knees, hips, and the joints in your feet can make for awkward, painful movement when you wake. As with plantar fasciitis, the key is to start slowly and warm up before getting up.