Why do elderly people experience weakness and lack of strength in their legs?
Disease description:
I'm 76 now, and recently I've been feeling weak and powerless in my legs, making walking difficult. Going up and down stairs is even harder, and I'm more prone to falling. What could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Leg weakness in the elderly is a common symptom that may be related to various causes. The following are some common reasons:
1. Physiological issues: As people age, muscle strength gradually weakens, which is a natural physiological change and generally not a cause for concern. In addition, malnutrition, particularly deficiencies in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12, can also lead to weakened muscle strength, manifesting as leg weakness and fatigue.
2. Osteoporosis: This may be caused by nutritional deficiencies or prolonged bed rest, characterized by decreased bone density and bone quality, leading to symptoms such as leg weakness, fatigue, and leg pain.
3. Neurological issues: These include, but are not limited to, cerebrovascular diseases, spinal cord disorders, radiculopathy, or peripheral nerve lesions. These conditions can affect nerve conduction, resulting in reduced muscle strength in the legs.
4. Musculoskeletal system diseases: Long-term lack of exercise, malnutrition, muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, arthritis—particularly osteoarthritis of the knee and hip joints—can all potentially cause leg weakness.
