Muscle Fatigue Symptoms

It may happen that, after working out for an extended period, you feel exhausted and weak. Even moving your limbs may be like a Herculean task. This occurs when your muscles get tired and fail to function normally. In most cases, the tired muscles become normal after sufficient rest. Generally, muscle fatigue caused by exercises is not considered a cause of concern, unless the condition does not normalize after sufficient rest. So, muscle fatigue can be defined as a condition, wherein the muscles get tired to such an extent that they fail to exert a normal force, or require greater efforts to exert a normal force. Let us take a look at some of the common causes for this condition and muscle fatigue symptoms.

Muscle Fatigue Causes

There are various causes for muscle fatigue and some of them can be even genetic. In case of exercise induced muscle fatigue, different theories have been put forward by researchers, to explain this occurrence. One, is the lack of energy supply in the body (during exercise) and the other is disruptions in calcium flow through the muscles. Even poor technique of exercising may also contribute to muscle fatigue. However, exercise induced muscle fatigue is found to subside with sufficient rest. There are many other causes of muscle fatigue and these include, prolonged stress, lack of sleep, regular smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, etc. Even an unhealthy diet that lacks necessary nutrients, may lead to muscle fatigue.

There are several genetic, as well as acquired, conditions that can cause muscle fatigue symptoms. Such causes can range from cold and influenza to thyroid problems, fibromyalgia, etc. Other such conditions include cerebral palsy, anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, myasthenia gravis, Addison's disease, botulism, lung cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc. Sudden occurrence of muscle fatigue on one side of the body is usually associated with stroke. Even depression, anxiety and other such mental problems can also be included as muscle fatigue causes.

Symptoms of Muscle Fatigue

One of the common symptoms of muscle fatigue is weakness, and a loss of strength. You may not even have the strength to do your daily activities. Such lack of energy may be caused by lack of adequate blood flow to all parts of the body, especially, the extremities. This condition is mainly seen in people with heart problems or high blood pressure. Muscle fatigue can be localized too. For example, leg muscle fatigue symptoms may include weakness of the legs. Muscle fatigue in a particular location can be due to reduced nerve impulses to that area. Studies show that such reduction in nerve impulses actually helps to protect the muscle from injuries that can be caused by overuse. Muscle twitching is also commonly experienced in such conditions. Otherwise known as myoclonic jerks, such muscle twitching are brief and involuntary contractions and relaxation of muscles. Such momentary muscle twitching is mainly seen in people with fibromyalgia. Muscle fatigue symptoms may also include trembling, which is uncontrollable. The person may also find it difficult to grip something.

Even though, muscle fatigue symptoms in men and women are almost similar, women may suffer from this condition during pregnancy. Most pregnant women develop symptoms of muscle fatigue, which is more concentrated in the legs and arms. This can be controlled with proper diet and exercise. Muscle fatigue in women is mainly associated with conditions like, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Even though, men too develop these medical conditions, it is women, who are found to be more vulnerable.

In short, muscle fatigue symptoms can be caused by various reasons, ranging from mild to severe. While, in some cases, treatment is not required, as the symptoms subside with rest. However, others require relevant treatment, as per the underlying condition that is causing symptoms of muscle fatigue.