Why does potassium deficiency cause inability to walk in both legs?

Under normal circumstances, low potassium levels causing inability to walk with both legs may be due to insufficient potassium intake, excessive potassium loss, hypokalemia, hyperthyroidism, or severe myasthenia gravis. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Insufficient Potassium Intake

Potassium in the human body mainly comes from food. Long-term inadequate potassium intake may lead to decreased potassium levels, thereby affecting normal muscle function and potentially resulting in inability to walk. It is recommended to adjust the diet by consuming more potassium-rich foods.

2. Excessive Potassium Loss

Excessive sweating, prolonged use of diuretics, frequent vomiting, or diarrhea may cause excessive potassium excretion, leading to potassium deficiency and possibly resulting in inability to walk. It is recommended to promptly replenish potassium to maintain the body's potassium balance.

3. Hypokalemia

When blood potassium ion concentration falls below the normal range—potassium deficiency—it may lead to hypokalemia, which can cause neuromuscular dysfunction and result in inability to walk. Symptoms may also include arrhythmia, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to treat under a doctor’s supervision using medications such as potassium citrate granules, potassium magnesium aspartate tablets, or potassium magnesium aspartate injection.

4. Hyperthyroidism

Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones may lead to hyperthyroidism, accelerating potassium metabolism and excretion in the body, causing potassium deficiency and worsening muscle weakness, manifesting as inability to walk. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations and excessive sweating. It is recommended to treat under a doctor’s guidance using medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or levothyroxine sodium tablets.

5. Severe Myasthenia Gravis

Antibodies produced by the autoimmune system attack acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, potentially causing severe myasthenia gravis. Potassium deficiency may exacerbate muscle weakness, leading to inability to walk and possibly accompanied by double vision and difficulty swallowing. It is recommended to treat under medical supervision using medications such as prednisolone acetate tablets, dexamethasone tablets, or cyclosporine soft capsules.

In daily life, appropriate physical exercise can be increased to enhance physical strength and boost immune function.