What are the common causes of muscle weakness in the legs?

Muscle weakness in the legs can be caused by a wide variety of health conditions, including but not limited to nerve or muscle problems, some medications, and long-term heavy alcohol use.

Some Common Causes of Muscle Weakness In The Legs

1. Nerve-related: Examples of nerve-related problems that can cause leg weakness include stroke and sciatica (which affects the spinal cord). Long-term heavy alcohol use can also affect the nerves.
2. Muscle-related: If your muscles don't get enough exercise (including strength or resistance training), they can get weak. More information on exercise is available at https://familydoctor.org/exercise-how-to-get-started/. Long-term heavy alcohol use can also cause muscle weakness. In addition, some frequently prescribed medications can cause muscle weakness. For example, long-term, frequent use of steroid pills (like prednisone) can cause muscle weakness. Less commonly, a particular type of medicine to lower cholesterol can cause muscle weakness in certain
3. Other Causes: Other causes of muscle weakness in the legs include some infections, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid hormone problems.

If you are experiencing muscle weakness, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider so they can help determine the cause and the appropriate treatment. If there are any warning signs like suddenly becoming unable to walk or control when you urinate, it's critical to seek emergency medical care for these symptoms.