What is Loss of Strength?
Loss of strength refers to a reduction in one's ability to exert force with their muscles. This can have several potential causes:
Aging
As we get older, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength through a process called sarcopenia. By age 30, adults can lose up to 3-5% of their muscle mass per decade. By age 50, strength levels can decrease by up to 15% from their peak.
Injuries
Injuries such as strains, tears or trauma to muscles, tendons or ligaments can lead to loss of strength. This may be temporary during healing or permanent if there is lasting damage. Protecting damaged areas through bracing, taping or modification of activities is key.
Neurological Conditions
Diseases that affect the brain, spinal cord or nerves can interrupt signals that control muscle contraction. This includes conditions like multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease or peripheral neuropathy. Weakness may start in isolated areas and spread.
Muscle Disorders
Disorders that directly affect muscles can substantially reduce strength. These include muscular dystrophies like myotonic dystrophy, inflammatory myopathies like polymyositis, or metabolic disorders. Genetic testing often diagnoses them.
Malnutrition
Inadequate calories, protein or key nutrients weaken muscles over time. Conditions like anorexia, malnutrition after surgery/illness or simple lack of proper nutrition contribute. Getting sufficient healthy balanced meals restores strength.
Medications
Certain prescription drugs can lead to loss of strength or fatigue as potential side effects. Medications for mental health, heart conditions, endocrine disorders and more can indirectly lead to weakness by altering chemical signals in the body.
Disuse
One of the most common reasons people lose strength is simply not using their muscles enough. Prolonged bed rest, sedentary work or lack of physical activity allows muscles to weaken and atrophy. Resistance exercise builds strength back up.
In summary, loss of muscle strength has diverse causes ranging from aging, injuries and illness to lifestyle factors like nutrition and activity levels. Determining the root cause through medical assessment allows appropriate treatment to support strength, function and quality of life. Maintaining physical fitness provides a buffer against declines over time.