Asthenia (body weakness) can cause both physical and, in some cases, mental fatigue. Moving your body becomes difficult or impossible due to a lack of energy, muscle twitching, or cramps.
Some people experience asthenia in a certain area of their body, such as the arms or legs. Others may experience full-body weakness, which is often the result of a bacterial or viral infection, such as influenza or hepatitis. Weakness may be temporary, but it’s chronic or continuous in some cases. Learn more about the possible signs and causes of asthenia and when you should talk with your doctor. Asthenia is a broad term to describe general fatigue and weakness, and leads to both physical and mental symptoms. If you’re experiencing possible symptoms of asthenia, it’s important to identify and treat the underlying cause of it. There are several potential causes to consider discussing with your doctor.
Persistent feeling of exhaustion or lack of energy, often disproportionate to exertion level, indicating potential weakness.
Difficulty in performing routine tasks due to decreased muscle strength or coordination, such as lifting objects or climbing stairs.
Generalized sense of lethargy, sluggishness, or malaise, affecting physical and mental functioning.
Feeling unsteady on your feet, experiencing instability or frequent falls, or having trouble maintaining balance. Noticeable decrease in grip strength or difficulty holding objects firmly, which may affect daily activities.
Inability to sustain physical activities or prolonged periods of exertion, leading to early fatigue or exhaustion.
Cognitive symptoms such as mental fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems often accompany physical weakness. There are many treatment options for weakness. Determining the root cause helps to assess the treatment option for your doctor. When you visit your doctor, they will go over your signs. When you have signs, they will ask you. This will help your doctor understand more about what could cause you to feel weak. Your doctor might ask you to give a urine sample. They can also request a blood sample and send it to a laboratory for testing.
