What causes leg weakness and trembling?

Jun 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, leg weakness and trembling may be caused by emotional stress, muscle fatigue, vitamin B12 deficiency, hypoglycemia, Parkinson's disease, or other factors. Symptomatic management may involve general treatment and medication. It is recommended to perform moderate leg-strengthening exercises daily, such as wall sits or toe raises, which can help enhance leg muscle strength.

  Under normal circumstances, leg weakness and trembling may be caused by emotional stress, muscle fatigue, vitamin B12 deficiency, hypoglycemia, Parkinson's disease, and other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatment and medication may be necessary. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

  

  1. Emotional Stress

  An extremely tense or anxious emotional state can cause the body to release stress hormones such as adrenaline, which may lead to tremors and weakness in the leg muscles. This is usually accompanied by symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and sweating. It is recommended to relieve emotional stress through deep breathing, meditation, relaxation exercises, and other methods.

  2. Muscle Fatigue

  Prolonged exercise or physical activity can lead to the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles, subsequently causing muscle fatigue. When muscle fatigue becomes severe, symptoms such as leg weakness and trembling may occur, often accompanied by muscle soreness and fatigue. It is recommended to promote lactic acid metabolism and elimination through massage, heat application, and other similar methods to alleviate symptoms of leg weakness and trembling.

  3. Vitamin B12 Deficiency

  Insufficient intake or poor absorption may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 helps maintain the formation of nerve myelin sheaths. A deficiency can slow nerve conduction speed, impair muscle signal transmission, and cause weakness and tremors. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as anemia and sensory abnormalities. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as adenosylcobalamin tablets, mecobalamin tablets, or vitamin B12 tablets to alleviate symptoms.

  4. Hypoglycemia

  Hypoglycemia is mainly caused by insufficient food intake, excessive blood sugar reduction, and other factors. During hypoglycemia, the brain and muscles lack sufficient glucose as an energy source, causing the muscles to contract abnormally, leading to feelings of weakness and tremors. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, and palpitations. It is recommended to promptly consume sugary foods or beverages and follow medical guidance to use medications such as glucose and sodium chloride injection, hydrocortisone tablets, or mannitol injection to alleviate symptoms.

  5. Parkinson's Disease

  Parkinson's disease is primarily caused by the interaction of various factors such as nervous system aging and exposure to environmental toxins. Parkinson's disease leads to a reduction in dopamine neurons, affecting the brain's ability to control movement, causing symptoms such as muscle rigidity and tremors. Patients may also experience symptoms such as slowed movement and postural balance disorders. It is recommended to follow a physician's instructions and use medications such as trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride tablets, amantadine hydrochloride tablets, or levodopa tablets for treatment.

  It is recommended to engage in moderate leg-strengthening exercises daily, such as wall sits or toe raises, to help improve leg muscle strength.