5 Surprising Causes of Leg Weakness in Older Adults – and How to Fix Them!
It's perfectly normal to worry as you get older, especially if your legs aren't as strong as they used to be. You might notice this when getting up from a chair or climbing stairs becomes more difficult than before.
This can be worrying, but the good news is that knowing the causes is the first step toward a solution. Let's look at why leg weakness can occur with age and, more importantly, what you can do to keep your legs strong and resilient.
Why do our legs weaken with age?
Weak legs are frustrating, but it's not a condition you should simply accept. There are several common causes, and understanding them can help you take proactive steps to address them.
1. Muscle loss (sarcopenia)
1. Muscle loss (sarcopenia)
A significant factor is sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss. From age 50 onward, people lose an average of about 15% of their muscle strength per decade, although this varies from person to person.
Inactivity accelerates this loss. Regular exercise is therefore essential for maintaining muscle mass and function.
2. Reduced physical activity
. Another important reason is simply less exercise. As people age, many become less active, creating a damaging vicious cycle: less exercise leads to weaker muscles, making it even harder to be active.
Lack of exercise can also contribute to circulation problems, joint stiffness, and diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Being active, in whatever way, is therefore very important for strong legs.
3. Chronic diseases.
Some chronic health conditions also affect leg strength. For example, arthritis, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy can reduce balance and stability, making movement more difficult.
If you develop nerve damage due to diabetes, it can make you fear falling, causing you to remain stationary and worsening the weakness.
By working closely with your doctor to treat these symptoms, along with physical therapy and exercise, you can help prevent further progression of the disease.
4. Back Problems
Lower back conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or sciatica can damage the nerves that supply the legs, causing weakness or pain.
These complaints often lead to a reduced desire to exercise, but it remains important to stay as active as possible. Gentle exercises supervised by a physiotherapist can help relieve the pain and strengthen the leg muscles.
If you experience severe numbness, tingling or weakness, you should consult a doctor for professional advice.
