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What Causes Severe Fatigue And Weakness In Legs Of An Elderly Man?

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Posted on Fri, 19 Aug 2016
Question: I am 75 years old and am noticing that my legs seem to be out of gas. How do I diagnose what the problem is?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
take one step at a time...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

since this is a vague symptom, the investigation should carry on one step at a time. The first step is to visit your doctor for clinical examination and laboratory testing. Various findings may help to justify this symptom. I'll mention some common ones...
- low blood pressure is a common cause of fatigue.
- low pulse rate (or high pulse rate) may affect the heart's ability to pump the blood effectively and cause fatigue.
- electrolyte disorders particularly if you take drugs like diuretics.
- anemia
- infections (fever may be a clue).
- cancer (general clinical examination and blood tests may provide clues for the diagnosis)
- depression
- thyroid disease
- undiagnosed diabetes with serious hyperglycemia (and increased urine output, weight loss, etc).

So in conclusion, a general physical examination and laboratory testing will provide clues for the diagnosis. I'll be glad to discuss your case further, if you'd provide more information (like lab tests or anything relevant).

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3818 Questions

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What Causes Severe Fatigue And Weakness In Legs Of An Elderly Man?

Brief Answer: take one step at a time... Detailed Answer: Hello, since this is a vague symptom, the investigation should carry on one step at a time. The first step is to visit your doctor for clinical examination and laboratory testing. Various findings may help to justify this symptom. I'll mention some common ones... - low blood pressure is a common cause of fatigue. - low pulse rate (or high pulse rate) may affect the heart's ability to pump the blood effectively and cause fatigue. - electrolyte disorders particularly if you take drugs like diuretics. - anemia - infections (fever may be a clue). - cancer (general clinical examination and blood tests may provide clues for the diagnosis) - depression - thyroid disease - undiagnosed diabetes with serious hyperglycemia (and increased urine output, weight loss, etc). So in conclusion, a general physical examination and laboratory testing will provide clues for the diagnosis. I'll be glad to discuss your case further, if you'd provide more information (like lab tests or anything relevant). Kind Regards!