Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Muscle Fatigue In An Elderly Person
Question: 86 year old widowed XXXXXXX XXXXXXX woman. 5'3". 125lbs. High energy. Drives every day. Regularly attend civic functions and church. Live alone in ranch styles home in suburbia. Recently notice she walks slow. Sudden onset. Energy is high but the legs and feet aren't moving like they were a few weeks ago.
Brief Answer:
Muscle fatigue seems to be the cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for the query.
It is good that even at the age of 86,you maintain such high energy levels and are ambulating enough to be physically fit and moving around.
Walking slow can be due to muscle fatigue. The calf muscles,often referred to as our peripheral heart,are responsible for adequate pumping of blood in the muscular system of the lower limbs.
Due to electrolyte imbalance,especially sodium and potassium,the calf muscles functioning is affected to some extent.This indirectly affects all the muscles as well in the lower limbs,including the thigh muscles and feet.
Another possible cause could be calcium deficiency causing hypocalcemia and effectively affecting the feet movements.
Possibility of lower back spondylitis,associated with a compressed nerve in the back,should be kept in mind.
I suggest you should maintain a good hydration,drink plenty of fluids,fruit juices,dry fruits. Calcium and vitamin supplements can increase the efficiency of the muscles. L-carnitine is also known to have beneficial effects.
If symptoms do not improve in a few days,then you should see an orthopaedic specialist.
I hope the answer was helpful to you.
If you have any further doubts,feel free to get back to me anytime.
Thank you,
Kind regards.
Muscle fatigue seems to be the cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for the query.
It is good that even at the age of 86,you maintain such high energy levels and are ambulating enough to be physically fit and moving around.
Walking slow can be due to muscle fatigue. The calf muscles,often referred to as our peripheral heart,are responsible for adequate pumping of blood in the muscular system of the lower limbs.
Due to electrolyte imbalance,especially sodium and potassium,the calf muscles functioning is affected to some extent.This indirectly affects all the muscles as well in the lower limbs,including the thigh muscles and feet.
Another possible cause could be calcium deficiency causing hypocalcemia and effectively affecting the feet movements.
Possibility of lower back spondylitis,associated with a compressed nerve in the back,should be kept in mind.
I suggest you should maintain a good hydration,drink plenty of fluids,fruit juices,dry fruits. Calcium and vitamin supplements can increase the efficiency of the muscles. L-carnitine is also known to have beneficial effects.
If symptoms do not improve in a few days,then you should see an orthopaedic specialist.
I hope the answer was helpful to you.
If you have any further doubts,feel free to get back to me anytime.
Thank you,
Kind regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
