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Muscle fatigue is very common after greater than normal physical effort because the muscles are not used to it and get tired faster, even for simple activities, such as walking or picking up objects, for example. Thus, most people only experience muscle fatigue when they start practicing new physical activity.
Decreased strength and increased muscle fatigue is also a normal feature of the aging process, because over the years, muscles lose volume, becoming weaker, especially if they are not trained. Here's what to do to relieve fatigue in these cases.
However, muscle fatigue can also indicate health problems, especially when it is not caused by any of the previous situations or when it ends up affecting the quality of life. The following are some of the problems that can cause fatigue and what to do in each situation:
1. Lack of minerals
One of the main causes of muscle fatigue, especially when it appears very often, is the lack of important minerals in the body, such as potassium, magnesium or calcium. These minerals are essential for muscle work, allowing you to contract and relax muscle fibers. That way, whenever they are at fault, the muscles have a harder time functioning, causing more fatigue.
What to do: It is important to increase the consumption of foods that are rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium, but if the problem does not improve it is recommended to consult a general practitioner to have a blood test and confirm the diagnosis, starting the use of dietary supplements , if necessary.
2. Anemia
Muscles need oxygen to function properly, so anemia is another frequent cause of muscle fatigue. This is because in anemia there is a decrease in the number of red cells that carry oxygen in the blood to the muscles, causing easy tiredness.
As anemia usually develops slowly and gradually, it is possible that some symptoms, such as muscle fatigue, tiredness and shortness of breath, may arise even before the diagnosis is made.
What to do: if anemia is suspected it is advisable to see a general practitioner to have a blood test and confirm the problem. Treatment generally varies according to the type of anemia, but iron supplements are commonly prescribed. See how to identify anemia and how it is treated.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes is another possible cause of fatigue, especially when it is constant. This is because diabetes causes an increase in blood sugar, which can affect the sensitivity of nerves. In such cases, the muscle fibers that are attached to the affected nerves tend to become weaker or fail to function, greatly reducing muscle strength and causing fatigue.
What to do: This type of problem is more common in people who have diabetes but who do not follow the proper treatment. Thus, it is recommended to do the treatment correctly or consult the endocrinologist to assess whether it is necessary to adapt the treatment. Understand better how to treat diabetes.
4. Heart problems
Some heart problems, especially heart failure, can cause a decrease in the oxygenated blood that travels through the body, also decreasing the amount of oxygen that reaches the muscles.
In these cases, it is common to experience excessive tiredness, even without exercising, and feeling of frequent shortness of breath. See what other symptoms may indicate heart problems.
What to do: When you suspect heart problems, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist for tests, such as an electrocardiogram, to identify whether the heart is functioning properly.
5. Kidney diseases
When the kidneys are not functioning normally it is possible that an imbalance in the amount of minerals in the body may arise. Thus, if minerals such as calcium, magnesium or potassium are in the wrong amount, the muscles may be unable to work, causing a marked decrease in strength and an increase in general tiredness.
What to do: If there is a family history of kidney disease or if there is a suspicion that this may be the problem, it is recommended to consult a nephrologist to identify if there is any kidney disease and start the most appropriate treatment.
When to go to the doctor
It is always important to see a general practitioner when fatigue has been present for more than 1 week and if you have not started any type of physical activity or made any extra effort, such as cleaning, for example. In these cases, the doctor will assess the associated symptoms and may order further tests to identify the problem and initiate the most appropriate treatment.