You may feel weak but have no real loss of strength. This is called subjective weakness. It may be due to an infection such as the flu. Or, you may have a loss of strength that can be noted on a physical exam. This is called objective weakness.
Weakness may be caused by diseases or conditions affecting many different body systems, such as the following:
METABOLIC
Adrenal glands not producing enough hormones (Addison disease)
Parathyroid glands producing too much parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism)
Follow the treatment your health care provider recommends to treat the cause of the weakness.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have:
Sudden weakness, especially if it is in one area and does not occur with other symptoms, such as fever
Sudden weakness after being ill with a virus
Weakness that does not go away and has no cause you can explain
Weakness in one area of the body
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The provider will do a physical exam. Your provider will also ask you about your weakness, such as when it began, how long it has lasted, and whether you have it all the time or only at certain times. You may also be asked about medicines you take or if you have been ill recently.
The provider may pay close attention to your heart, lungs, and thyroid gland. The exam will focus on the nerves and muscles if the weakness is only in one area.
You may have blood or urine tests. Imaging tests such as x-ray or ultrasound may also be ordered.
Review Date:
7/25/2022
Reviewed By:
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.