Muscle weakness can make everyday activities and movements of your arms, legs, and body challenging.

It can also be sparked by an underlying immune condition, a virus, or a neurological problem.

This article lists 47 possible causes of muscle weakness, how an underlying cause is diagnosed, and treatments.

High Angle View Of Woman Holding Dumbbells

Wutthichai Luemuang / EyeEm / Getty Images

Wutthichai Luemuang / EyeEm / Getty Images

What Causes Muscle Weakness?

Treatment options include medication, dietary changes, physical and occupational therapy, and in certain cases, surgery.

Medication

Medication may be prescribed to help treat the underlying cause of your muscle weakness.

Steroids andbiologicsare also often prescribed to decrease inflammation in autoimmune conditions that can cause muscle weakness.

It is usually considered when other forms of treatment fail to improve symptoms.

Surgery will involve removing tissue that is causing nerve compression.

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