Fact Checked
Weakness is the lack of physical or muscle strength and there is a feeling that extra effort is needed to move the arms, legs and other muscles. If weakness of the muscle is caused by pain, he/she can make the muscle work but with pain.
Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion or there is a need to rest because there is no energy or strength and can be due to overworking, poor sleep, boredom, worry and lack of exercise. It is a symptom that is caused by certain illnesses, medical treatment such as chemotherapy. Anxiety or depression can also cause fatigue.
It is important to note that weakness and fatigue are symptoms of other health problems. If you want to readily manage these conditions, click here.
Muscle weakness can be caused by some health conditions such as the following:
- Low levels of potassium or sodium in the body
- Problems with the thyroid gland which function in regulating the energy of the body
- Infections of the urinary and respiratory tract
- Hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, weakness, weight gain, lethargy, memory problems, depression and constipation.
- Hyperthyroidism can causes fatigue, weight loss, sweating, increased heart rate, irritability, muscle weakness, anxiety and enlargement of the thyroid.
- A nerve disorder which is known as Guillain-Barre syndrome can cause weakness of the legs, arms, and other muscles which can be severe and even progress to paralysis.
- A chronic disorder that causes weakness and rapid muscle fatigue which is called myasthenia gravis.
- Consumption of alcohol, caffeine or illegal drugs can cause fatigue
Fatigue that last for more than 2 weeks entails medical help and this can be caused by more serious conditions such as the following:
- A decrease in the amount of hemoglobin that is found in the red blood cells or anemia.
- Some issues with the heart such as coronary artery disease or heart failure
- Metabolic disorders such as diabetes in which sugar remains in the blood rather than entering the cells of the body to be used as energy.
- Fatigue is also a symptom of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Fatigue and depression that becomes severe can lead to suicidal thoughts as a way to end pain and this entails immediate medical help.
Home remedies for fatigue
- Drink coffee every day in order to boost energy.
- Eat eggs in the morning since eggs are a form of protein and fights fatigue and keeps the individual feeling energized the whole day.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Drink skin milk throughout the day in order to stay hydrated
Home remedies for weakness
- Mix 1 teaspoon of rice and 10 whole almonds in 4 oz. of water and allow soaking overnight. In the morning, strain the almonds from the water and remove the skin then grind the almonds until totally crushed. Mix 6 oz. of milk with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and allow it to boil. When the milk is cooled, add the crushed almonds and consume this every morning.
- Mash a whole banana then add a tablespoon of amla juice and consume this mixture in the morning and in the afternoon.
- Place four pieces of dried figs into 8 oz. of cold water. On the next morning, eat the figs together with 8 oz. of milk. This must be done every morning for 30 days.