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What Causes Muscle Cramps And Weakness Of The Body?
Question: A couple of months ago I notice after some repeated movements in my lower body, especially my right calf, it got tight and wouldn't relax. This condition hasn't corrected itself and I now notice I am generally weaker over my entire body, though mostly in my lower body. I now doctor primarily with the VA which doesn't wan to search for other causes until my A1C is lower. I find my symptoms listed among those for a stroke and ALS, but not for type 2 diabetes.
Brief Answer:
Other conditions than ALS, or stroke, to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Muscles cramps and tighten in calf and weakness in lower body may be related to conditions such lumbar spinal cord stenosis, before to consider ALS or stroke.
Metabolic conditions such electrolytes imbalance, low thyroid gland function, also may cause such symptoms.
Peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes also may cause muscles tighten and weakness in legs, but sensory changes such pins and needles are present too.
So, it is necessary to get evaluated about spinal conditions such stenosis and about peripheral neuropathy by consulting a Neurologist and getting done tests such imaging of your spine (MRI), nerve conduction study and blood tests about electrolytes levels and thyroid gland function.
Discuss with your Doctor about these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Other conditions than ALS, or stroke, to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Muscles cramps and tighten in calf and weakness in lower body may be related to conditions such lumbar spinal cord stenosis, before to consider ALS or stroke.
Metabolic conditions such electrolytes imbalance, low thyroid gland function, also may cause such symptoms.
Peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes also may cause muscles tighten and weakness in legs, but sensory changes such pins and needles are present too.
So, it is necessary to get evaluated about spinal conditions such stenosis and about peripheral neuropathy by consulting a Neurologist and getting done tests such imaging of your spine (MRI), nerve conduction study and blood tests about electrolytes levels and thyroid gland function.
Discuss with your Doctor about these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I have no numbness or pins and needles sensations or any other diabetes symptoms other than a high A1C. I don't remember if I mentioned, but though my primary symptom was my right calf, (and that only after a repeated motion using a muscle that hadn't been used all that much for some while) I have discovered my weakness is now over my whole body, yet more prevalent below the knees. Mind, hand to eye coordination and speech are normal.
Brief Answer:
Consider blood circulation impairment too.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
In addition to the above mentioned conditions, blood circulation issues such as arteriosclerosis should be taken in consideration, since one calf is affected, it is necessary to be evaluated further,
In conclusion, conditions that cause muscle cramps and tightening, also affect nerves or blood supply to these muscles.
There's no impairment of cognitive functions caused by such conditions.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Wishing you good health.
Consider blood circulation impairment too.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
In addition to the above mentioned conditions, blood circulation issues such as arteriosclerosis should be taken in consideration, since one calf is affected, it is necessary to be evaluated further,
In conclusion, conditions that cause muscle cramps and tightening, also affect nerves or blood supply to these muscles.
There's no impairment of cognitive functions caused by such conditions.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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