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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Weakness And Tiredness In Legs And Hands?

why am I so weak?For the past few month I ve noticed that I m very weak. My legs get weak while I walk stairs or run. my arm get tired while im holding something heavier than pound for longer then 3 minutes. while I eat or talk my jaw gets very heavy to the point I have to keep my fist under my jaw so I can chew. if I smile for a long time it starts to look like Im frowning, even keeping my eyes open is a struggle. even writing and typing get my fingers tired.
Tue, 23 Sep 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
There are a few uncommon but serious conditions that affect muscles in the manner you are describing. One of these is called myasthenia gravis. Typically what happens is as you are using the muscle it gets weaker and weaker. To diagnose this, special tests need to be done. There are other conditions related to muscles that also need to be evaluated, such as muscular dystrophy. Certain types may occur later in life rather than as a young child. Guillain Barre is a type of ascending gradual paralysis where muscles might be getting gradually weaker, but this doesn't sound like what you have. There are other diseases affecting the spinal cord that cause gradual loss of muscle strength and control. See your doctor promptly and start getting this investigated. Ask specifically about myasthenia gravis and similar diseases. There are treatments for some of these conditions. Hope this helps.
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What Causes Severe Weakness And Tiredness In Legs And Hands?

There are a few uncommon but serious conditions that affect muscles in the manner you are describing. One of these is called myasthenia gravis. Typically what happens is as you are using the muscle it gets weaker and weaker. To diagnose this, special tests need to be done. There are other conditions related to muscles that also need to be evaluated, such as muscular dystrophy. Certain types may occur later in life rather than as a young child. Guillain Barre is a type of ascending gradual paralysis where muscles might be getting gradually weaker, but this doesn t sound like what you have. There are other diseases affecting the spinal cord that cause gradual loss of muscle strength and control. See your doctor promptly and start getting this investigated. Ask specifically about myasthenia gravis and similar diseases. There are treatments for some of these conditions. Hope this helps.