What causes arm muscle weakness

Muscle weakness in the arms may be caused by factors such as excessive fatigue, cervical spondylosis, stroke, myasthenia gravis, peripheral neuropathy, etc. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to identify the cause and receive targeted treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

1. Excessive fatigue

Long term repetitive arm weight-bearing activities or vigorous exercise may lead to muscle lactate accumulation and temporary weakness. This condition can usually be relieved after rest, and appropriate hot compress and massage can help improve local blood circulation. Daily attention should be paid to balancing work and rest, avoiding excessive exercise in a single session.

2. Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy may compress the nerves that innervate the upper limbs, leading to a decrease in arm muscle strength. Patients often experience symptoms such as neck pain and numbness in their fingers. Improvement can be achieved through cervical traction, physical therapy, and other methods. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be considered. Normally, one should avoid bowing their head for a long time and maintain a correct sitting posture.

3. Stroke

Cerebral hemorrhage or infarction may damage the motor central nervous system pathway, causing sudden weakness in the contralateral arm. This type of situation is often accompanied by symptoms such as unclear speech and facial asymmetry, and is considered an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. During the rehabilitation period, acupuncture and moxibustion and kinesitherapy can be used to promote functional recovery.

4. Myasthenia gravis

is an autoimmune disease that can lead to impaired transmission of neuromuscular junctions, manifested as mild morning and severe evening muscle weakness symptoms. Patients may need to take medications such as bromhexidine to improve symptoms, and in severe cases, plasma exchange therapy may be necessary. Daily attention should be paid to avoiding infection and excessive fatigue.

5. Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral nerve damage caused by diabetes, alcoholism, etc. can lead to atrophy and weakness of arm muscles. Controlling the primary disease is key, and it can also be combined with vitamin B nutritional nerve therapy. Patients need to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels and quit unhealthy lifestyle habits.

When symptoms of arm muscle weakness occur, it is recommended to record the time, cause, and accompanying symptoms of the weakness. When seeking medical attention, it is recommended to inform in detail that moderate upper limb stretching exercises can be performed in daily life, such as lifting mineral water bottles, training with elastic bands, and other low-intensity exercises, but excessive force should be avoided. Pay attention to supplementing high-quality protein and B vitamins in diet, such as eggs, lean meat, whole grains, and other foods. If the symptoms continue to worsen or affect daily activities, it is necessary to seek medical examination in the neurology or orthopedics department as soon as possible.