Muscle Fatigue Causes

Muscle weakness or fatigue is defined as a condition when the muscles become incapable of exerting the required force. This occurs when the performance capacity of the muscles decrease. This condition can arise due to self-induced or genetic reasons. The limit after which a muscle undergoes fatigue differs from person to person.

Causes

There is much debate about the relation between lactic acid and muscle fatigue. Building up of lactic acid was believed to be one of the prominent causes of muscle weakness or fatigue. However, there are several debates arguing for and against the theory. Apart from these, the following are the other important reasons for fatigue.

Exercise
Improper and over strenuous exercise is one of the major self-induced muscle fatigue causes. Excess exercise can lead to overexertion and fatigue. Athletes and sports persons are also prone to fatigue, as they over stress themselves with high intensity workouts. On the other hand, it is essential to have sufficient and proper rest after a workout and lack of it can lead to fatigue.

Anemia
Anemia is a condition that develops when there are significantly less amount of red blood cells in the body. In case of anemia, sufficient oxygen does not reach the blood cells and the lack of oxygen carrying blood cells result in muscle fatigue.

Medications
It is also found that muscle weakness is also one of the side effect of certain prescription and even non-prescription medications. However, the use of medications, although a prominent one, is often ignored as a potential cause of fatigue.

Abnormal Thyroid Function
Another major cause of muscle fatigue cause is the abnormal functioning of the thyroid gland. Under activity, i.e., decrease in the production of the hormone thyroxine leads to hypothyroidism. Fatigue, weakness, depression, constipation, etc. are the symptoms of hypothyroidism. On the other hand, an increase in the level of thyroxine, i.e., hyperthyroidism also leads to fatigue in muscles.

Apart from those mentioned above, stress, diabetes, heart diseases, etc. are some other prominent reasons for muscle weakness and fatigue. It is often ignored by people and one hardly looks for a medical treatment. On the contrary, one should remember that if he / she experiences fatigue in muscles frequently, it is better to consult a doctor immediately.

Treatment

All the aforementioned causes of muscle fatigue can be treated if proper diagnose is undertaken. If the condition is induced due to exercise, it is essential to consult the trainer and change the pattern of exercise. People are often advised that exercise should be carried out only under the guidance of a trainer and it is essential to follow this out, if one wishes to prevent overexertion and exhaustion. Anemia can be treated with the help of medications and supplements. As there are several types of anemia, it is essential to find out the exact cause before commencing the treatment. On the other hand, if a person experiences muscle fatigue as a side effect of certain medication, it is essential to bring this to the notice of the doctor and discontinue taking the medications. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, both, can be treated with the help of medications and hormone injections.

As one observes that muscle fatigue can be a symptom of several severe health conditions, it is advisable not to ignore it, but get it treated as early as possible. Take care!