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MUSCLE FATIGUE

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MUSCLE FATIGUE

Muscle fatigue is the reduction or decline in the capability of a muscle to perform work. It can be associated with a state of exhaustion, which may occur as a result of strenuous activity or exercise. A person that suffers from muscle fatigue will have a hard time getting a specific muscle to continue working, even if an attempt is made to change the type of activity engaged in. This is usually because muscle fatigue decreases the force behind the muscles’ movement, causing a person to feel weaker.

Muscle fatigue is what everyone can experience, although minor in many cases.In some cases, an individual may have difficulty recovering from muscle fatigue, thus requiring medical attention. If left untreated, the condition can lead to overwork and increase your risk of injury

CAUSES

According to some physiology experts, muscle fatigue is believed to be caused by a failure of the nervous system to generate a sustained signal with muscle tissue, or due to the reduced ability of the muscle fiber to contract.

Here is a more specific look at the causes of muscle fatigue:

  • Age
  • Anxiety
  • Anemia
  • Stroke
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Myositis
  • Mineral deficiencies such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
  • Medications
  • Lactic acid production.
  • Lack of exercise
  • HIV
  • Chemotherapy
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Botulism
  • Dehydration
  • Hepatitis C
  • Influenza
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Poor muscle tone due to a medical condition
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Pregnancy
  • Depression

SYMPTOMS

  • Muscle weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tremor
  • Localized pain
  • Muscle cramps
  • Soreness
  • Muscle twitching

Consult a health practitioner if you begin having difficulty performing daily tasks or if symptoms worsen. This could indicate a more serious health condition.

TREATMENT

If you are experiencing muscle fatigue not related to exercise, call your doctor. The doctor will evaluate your medical history and symptoms to rule out more serious health conditions.

Treatment option depends on the underlying cause and the symptoms experienced.

In many cases, improvement is always achieved with rest and recovery. Depending on the severity of your condition, rest may be needed for a couple of days.

Resting is important as it allows your muscle to recover and repair themselves.

Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe anti=inflammatory or anti-depressants

While recovering from muscle fatigue, the following tips may be helpful:

  • Before engaging in any exercise, it is important for you to take your time to stretch your muscles and warm up. This should also be done after your workout. Warming up and stretching can loosen your muscles and protect them from injury
  • Hot and cold therapy. This involves placing an ice pack on the sore area and then switching to a hot pack.
  • Eating fresh, wholesome food every day is also important. The muscles need energy in order to promote healthy muscle function.
  • Massage
  • Ginger capsule, tea, and extracts when consumed can help to relieve discomfort in the muscle