Loss of strength refers to a reduction in one's ability to exert force with their muscles. This can occur due to various factors like aging, injuries, and medical conditions affecting the muscular, skeletal, or nervous systems.
Some common causes of loss of strength include:
- Aging: As we get older, there is a natural decline in muscle mass and quality leading to decreased strength. This condition is called sarcopenia.
- Injuries: Traumatic injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments or bones can result in immobilization and loss of strength. For example, a rotator cuff tear can cause weakness in shoulder muscles.
- Arthritis: Diseases like osteoarthritis break down the cartilage in joints over time resulting in pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion which negatively impacts strength.
- Nerve damage: Neuropathies affecting the nerves that stimulate muscles can drastically reduce signals to contract muscles leading to weakness and atrophy. Common causes are diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infections, trauma, toxins and nutritional deficiencies.
- Muscular dystrophy: This is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass due to defects in genes responsible for maintaining healthy muscles.
The consequences of loss of strength include reduced mobility, frequent falls and injuries, and a diminished
quality of life. It can greatly hinder one's ability to perform daily tasks like climbing stairs, household chores and even walking.
If you are experiencing unexplained muscle weakness or fatigue, I highly recommend getting evaluated by the caring medical team at Vital Hormones Clinic. They specialize in hormone optimization and can develop personalized treatment plans involving supplemental hormones, smart nutrition and safe exercise to help you regain strength, vigor and an overall improved wellbeing.
Treating the underlying cause, proper physiotherapy and muscle strengthening exercises are key to managing loss of strength. Maintaining an active lifestyle with a balanced diet also helps attenuate age-related decline in muscles. Though difficult, coming to acceptance of the body's limitations while finding ways to stay mobile and independent is vital for those dealing with chronic, irreversible loss of strength.
I hope this overview on what constitutes loss of strength and its common bases helps provide more insight. Let me know if you have any other questions!