Physical therapy for leg weakness and poor balance could seem daunting and impossible. However, any patient can make drastic improvements and walk without any support from crutches or walkers with the right program.
Weakness in the legs and other parts of the body is a normal part of aging. Several health and lifestyle issues like pinched nerves, not drinking enough water m and some medical conditions like diabetes
It plays a central part in the loss of strength, spasms, poor flexibility, numbness, and pain.
Whatever could be the reason, leg problems indeed affect the quality of life.
Physical Therapy Leg Strengthening Exercises
These exercises work as a treatment for muscle weakness in legs and strengthen weak legs in the elderly.
1 Aerobic exercise
Low-impact exercises like walking, stationary cycling, and water aerobics can help increase good blood flow and leg strength. You can try to exercise for 30 minutes five days a week or gradually increase to that level. To avoid sores, choose comfortable shoes that fit correctly.
2 Heel raises
It is a good exercise for decreased calf strength. It is effective for people who have reduced balance or issues with calf spasms. With more muscular calves, you can improve balance and help prevent falls. In this exercise, you will stand with your feet, keeping your shoulder-width apart, and slowly raise your heels off the floor.
3 Calf stretch
Stretching after exercise is crucial for improving mobility and avoiding cramps and contractions. Place both hands in front of you on a wall, extend one leg behind you, and bend your front leg. Push your heels onto the floor until your back calf stretches.
4 Hamstring stretch
It is an exercise in which tight hamstrings and calves often go together. You will stretch these muscles by bending forward and placing one heel on a step in front of you until you start feeling a stretch at the back of your leg.
5 Tandem balance exercise
In this exercise, you will stand with one foot in front of the other in a heel-to-toe position. You will need to hold this position for 30 seconds before switching feet.
Dealing With Leg Weakness: Treatment Options
Your doctor is the one to prescribe the best therapy for your leg weakness after the underlying cause(s) has been diagnosed. The severity and nature of your illness will determine your treatment plan.
Following are some of the treatments for leg weakness:
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist is an expert who may suggest exercises to improve your life – especially if you have MS or ALS. In MS, a physio therapist may recommend progressive resistive exercise for muscle strengthening. And for a patient with ALS, he may recommend stretching and range of motion exercises to alleviate stiff muscles issues.
Occupational Therapy
It is a treatment that focuses on exercises that build your upper body strength. This treatment helps you use assistive devices and tools (if necessary) to master your activities of daily living (ADLs). It is the best option, especially during stroke rehabilitation. In such cases, a therapist may recommend exercises to strengthen the weakened side of the body.
Medication
Several over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen help manage painful conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, CFS, and neuralgia problems.
In some cases, thyroid hormone replacement is used to relieve the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Diet Changes
Bringing health changes to your diet may help you address any electrolyte imbalances in your body. With your physician’s advice, you can take calcium, magnesium oxide, or potassium oxide.
Surgery
Surgery may be the core treatment option for certain conditions (for example, a herniated disc or hyperthyroidism).
What Causes Muscle Weakness?
If you have a medical history of muscle weakness and are looking to prevent it in the future, learning about its causes can help you. Some of the most common reasons are:
- Muscle tear/muscle strain
- Immobility
- Neurological conditions (muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis)
- Muscle atrophy
- Nerve entrapment
- Arthritis
Conclusion
The problem of weakness in the legs often occurs as a result of overactivity. It can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
When a person experiences sudden weakness in the legs, or some other part of their body should seek emergency medical attention. Such symptoms could signal a stroke or other life-threatening illnesses.
FAQs
What is physical therapy for generalized weakness?
People over the age of 80 have an increased risk of general weakness and deconditioning. A therapist will complete a comprehensive evaluation and create a customized program to address your needs. Treatment may include:
- Aerobic exercise
- Strengthening
- Flexibility exercises
- Modalities to reduce pain
- Endurance exercises
- Balance exercises
How to strengthen weak legs in the elderly
- Leg-Strengthening Exercises
- Stretching Exercises
- Core Strengthening Exercises
- Resistance Band Exercises
What deficiency leads to leg weakness?
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to lots of muscular weakness in your legs. It causes leg heaviness, tiredness, and difficulty ascending stairs and rising from a seated posture. Supplementing with vitamin D is a simple option.
You can book an appointment with the best physiotherapists throughout Pakistan through Marham. You can also call the Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or use Marham mobile app for online consultation.