Muscle Weakness in Arms: What Could Be Causing It?

Muscle weakness is a common problem in the United States. Do you know that approximately 5% of adults over the age of 60 report having muscle weakness?

The ability of muscles to contract and produce their desired effects decreases over time. But, there are more serious medical conditions that can also cause muscle weakness in arms.

Weak arm muscles can result from everything from simple muscle fatigue to life-threatening malignancies compressing the nervous system.

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about treatments for muscle weakness in arms.

Anemia

Anemia occurs when the level of hemoglobin is low in a person. This is often due to an iron deficiency.

There are a variety of other symptoms that come with anemia. Some of these include dizziness, shortness of breath, and an irregular heartbeat.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disorder that involves the immune system attacking the body’s own nervous system. Usually, the first sign of Guillain-Barré syndrome is a weakness or tingling in the extremities.

However, these sensations can spread quickly and lead to total paralysis.

This is a very serious medical emergency that needs to be treated right away. If prompt intervention does not occur, the condition can be life-threatening.

If you are starting to experience new-onset weakness in your fingertips or extremities, go to the emergency department to be evaluated right away.

You can learn more about Guillain Barre syndrome treatment here.

Medications

Certain types of medications can produce weakness in muscles, especially in the extremities. Some of these include amiodarone, chemotherapy medications, or even certain antibiotics like penicillin.

In most cases, stopping the offending agent leads to a resolution of symptoms.

Spinal Conditions

Whenever there is compression on a nerve exiting the spinal cord, it’s possible for muscle weakness to result. There may or may not be pain associated with the condition.

Oftentimes, surgical intervention is needed to release compression on the nerves and hopefully restore function back to normal. It is possible for compression that has occurred over a longer period to be irreversible.

It’s also important to note that many cancers metastasize to the spine. Oftentimes these metastases can result in nerve compression that manifests as nerve weakness or pain. If you have concerns about cancer or have recent unexplained weight loss, please consult your physician right away.

Finding the Cause of Muscle Weakness in Arms

At the end of the day, muscle weakness in the arms can result from a variety of medical conditions. These can simply be from tiredness after a long workout or can be the first signs of a serious neurological disorder. If you are experiencing muscle weakness that is either new or long-standing, it’s always best to see a physician right away.

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