Muscle weakness can be a sign of various underlying health conditions. Some of the most common causes of muscle weakness are:
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Neuromuscular disorders: These include conditions such as muscular dystrophies, multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
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Autoimmune diseases: Examples include Graves’ disease, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
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Thyroid conditions: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can both cause muscle weakness.
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Electrolyte imbalances: Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency), hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency), and hypercalcemia (elevated calcium in your blood) can all cause muscle weakness.
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Stroke: Muscle weakness related to a stroke will usually affect one side of your body and not the other.
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Herniated disc: This is a condition where the soft tissue inside a spinal disc pushes out through a crack in the exterior. It can cause muscle weakness.
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Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): This is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue that doesnt improve with rest. Muscle weakness can be a symptom of CFS.
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Hypotonia: This is a lack of muscle tone thats usually present at birth.
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Peripheral neuropathy: This is a type of nerve damage that can cause muscle weakness.
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Inflammatory myopathy: This is a group of diseases that cause muscle inflammation and weakness.
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Deconditioning: Lack of muscle fitness due to an inactive lifestyle can cause muscle weakness.
If you are experiencing persistent muscle weakness without an apparent cause, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation. They may perform an exam and order tests to determine the underlying cause of your muscle weakness.
