What Causes Muscle Weakness In The Lower Limbs Especially After Exertion?

Posted on Mon, 5 Dec 2016

Question: I walk about 5 miles 4 to 5 days per week, I have been tripping and falling frequently and have noticed that it is caused by my left leg stops picking up occasionally as I walk, so I have to consciously make sure I lift it. now my right is beginning to do the same. Also if I'm sitting or squatting I need to use my arms to push myself up! What could be causing this?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not specific...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

From what I understand you are tripping and falling frequently and you noticed weakness of lower limbs especially after exertion. Now, these are not specific symptoms and I cannot arrive at a conclusive diagnosis without detailed clinical history, examination and evaluation. Can you answer few of my questions here to begin with and we can take this forward?

1. Do you experience pain especially at the back or the limbs or the joints?
2. Do you have problems while passing urine / stools?
3. Do you have problems while lifting arms, combing, buttoning, stitching?
4. How did it start - was it acute onset (over night) or gradual?
5. Did you experience symptoms such as fever, body aches, diarrhea before you developed these symptoms?
6. Do you have any known medical conditions - diabetes, high blood pressure, heart ailments, thyroid disorder, depression, anxiety?
7. Do you take medications regularly - if yes, can you list them here.

Please provide answers to these initial set of questions and any other information which you feel relevant. It will allow me to direct you further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (16 hours later)

No to all of your questions except thyroid, I take levothyroxine . The symptoms have. Come on gradually. They have nothing to do with exertion,

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Retest thyroid hormone - TSH level...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

In the absence of associated complaints and when symptoms have been as subtle as yours, I am unable to narrow down medical conditions that can be called as diagnosis. That being said, low thyroid hormone level can present with limb weakness. Therefore I would retest thyroid levels - serum TSH. I would also order complete hemogram as well as serum electrolytes to look for disturbances. Careful neurological examination is also recommended.

In all, your descriptions do not indicate a serious concern. But it would be worthwhile to visit a physician / neurologist and get evaluated. Besides neurological examination, it will also be important to get aforementioned blood tests.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar