Weakness: Overview
Weakness is a lack of physical or muscle strength. You may feel that you need to make extra effort to move your arms, legs, or other muscles. Generalized weakness means that you feel weak in most areas of your body. Another type of weakness may affect just one muscle or group of muscles.
You may feel weak and tired after you have done too much activity, such as taking an extra-long hike. This is not a serious problem. It often goes away on its own.
Feeling weak can also be caused by medical conditions like thyroid problems, depression, or a virus. Sometimes the cause can be serious. Your doctor may want to do more tests to try to find the cause of the weakness.
The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
Weakness
Weakness is a lack of physical or muscle strength and the feeling that extra effort is required to move the arms, legs, or other muscles.
Caring for weakness and fatigue
If you have generalized weakness and fatigue along with other symptoms, look closely at those symptoms. Home treatment for your other symptoms usually will improve your weakness and fatigue. Mild generalized weakness and fatigue that occur with a viral illness usually improve with home treatment. Here are some things you can try.
- If you can, stay home when you are sick.
Try to stay away from others and get some extra sleep.
- Go slowly.
Return to your usual activities slowly to avoid making the fatigue last longer.
- Stay hydrated.
Be sure to drink extra fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Listen to your body.
Switch between rest and exercise. Gradually increasing your exercise may help decrease your fatigue.
- Limit medicines that might add to fatigue.
Medicines like cold and allergy medicines often cause fatigue.
- Improve your diet.
Eat a balanced diet to increase your energy level. Don't skip meals.
- Beware of substances that may cause fatigue.
Reduce your use of alcohol or other drugs, such as caffeine or nicotine.
- Cut back on screen time.
Spend that time with friends or try new activities to break the fatigue cycle.
- Get a good night's sleep.
This may be the first step toward controlling fatigue.
- Try to limit sound and light disturbances.
- Avoid eating just before you go to bed.
- Avoid using screens before you go to bed. Use your bed only for sleeping.
Weakness: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse weakness.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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