Weakness in Legs

Legs | Rheumatology | Weakness in Legs (Symptom)


Description

Leg weakness can occur as part of a generalized feeling of weakness all over the body, or it may develop in one or both legs. True weakness occurs when the muscles lose their strength, but people often perceive that their muscles are weak when they feel ill or tired. In these cases there is not a true loss of muscle function. The sudden onset of muscle weakness can be a sign of stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition in which part of the brain is deprived of oxygen.

Causes

Among the most common causes for leg weakness is sciatica, problems with the spinal cord that lead to pinching or compression of the nerves as they exit the spinal cord through the holes between the vertebrae of the backbone. Sciatica may be caused by various conditions. In addition to weakness in one part of the arm or leg, other symptoms such as tingling, burning or pain may occur.

Neuromuscular diseases, such as myasthenia gravis (autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness) and multiple sclerosis (disease that affects the brain and spinal cord causing weakness, coordination, balance difficulties, and other problems), are other causes for muscle weakness that can occur in the legs. Toxins such as botulinum toxin and certain medications can also cause muscle weakness.

Leg weakness may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms that frequently cause leg weakness may also involve other body systems. Leg weakness may accompany other symptoms affecting the leg including: Burning feeling, Muscle spasms, Numbness, Paralysis, Pins-and-needles (prickling) sensation, Redness, warmth or swelling, Twhiching

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