Muscle pain and weakness
Aching or weak muscles that need a proper check.
Muscle pain and weakness: what it is
Muscle aching and muscle weakness are not the same. Aching is common and is often due to strain, poor sleep, low vitamin D, thyroid problems or some medicines, including cholesterol-lowering statins.
True weakness, where you cannot lift or climb as before, is less common and needs a closer look because it can come from inflammation of the muscles or problems of the nerves.
Muscle pain and weakness: common signs
- Aching or tender muscles that last for weeks
- Difficulty climbing stairs, rising from a chair or lifting the arms
- Muscle cramps, or fatigue after small effort
- Muscle pain that began after starting a new medicine
Muscle pain and weakness: how a rheumatologist helps
Telling aching from true weakness by examination, and checking blood tests for muscle enzymes, vitamin D, thyroid and kidney function.
Reviewing your medicines, because some can affect the muscles.
Looking for inflammatory muscle disease or other causes, and planning treatment and physiotherapy.
- Quickly worsening weakness
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Dark urine with severe muscle pain
In an emergency call 1122 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Related conditions
Plan your visit
See what to bring to your first visit, then choose a clinic consultation in Rawalpindi or a video consultation.
This page is general information for awareness. It is not a diagnosis or treatment advice.